SAFE SPORT
Safe sport refers to an environment that prioritizes the physical and psychological well-being of all participants. It involves a commitment to providing optimal experiences, while actively preventing and addressing all forms of maltreatment, including abuse, harassment, neglect, and discrimination. Advancing safe sport is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, education, and clear actions for reporting.
The protecting youth in sports act
The Protecting Youth in Sports Act enhances protection measures for young athletes in Manitoba’s sport system. All Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs), including Speed Skating Manitoba, must adhere to the following requirements:
Adopt the policies outlined in the Safe Sport Policy Manual.
Make safe sport information available to parents and young athletes.
Ensure coaches complete required screening and training.
Ensure all participants have access to report allegations of maltreatment to an Independent Third Party (ITP).
Refer any allegations of maltreatment to the ITP if our organization receives such complaints.
Enforce any disciplinary action determined by the ITP.
Safe SPort line
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, harassment, bullying or hazing in sport, and you need someone to talk to, call the safe sport line: 1-833-656-SAFE (7233) or help@safesportline.ca
1-833-656-SAFE
help@safesportline.ca
Report a Maltreatment Complaint
ITP Sport is responsible for overseeing all allegations of maltreatment. If you would like to submit a maltreatment complaint, please submit your complaint to ITP Sport here:
Reporting a maltreatment complaint may seem confusing and overwhelming. The following resources can help you navigate the process:
If a maltreatment complaint is submitted to a coach, official, volunteer, or staff member, the complaint must be referred to the ITP.
Speed Skating Manitoba has contracted ITP Sport—the same organization that oversees maltreatment complaints—to manage all complaint processes, including non-maltreatment matters. All complaints can be submitted through the same link provided above.
SafeZone
Speed Skating Manitoba is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our sport. To support this commitment, Speed Skating Manitoba is pleased to introduce SafeZone, a resource designed to help participants, leadership, and representatives navigate concerns, conflicts, and the complaint process.
SafeZone provides a confidential, welcoming space where individuals can ask questions, share experiences, and receive guidance on issues such as harassment, bullying, abuse, or other forms of maltreatment.
Whether you are an athlete, coach, parent, official, volunteer, or club representative, SafeZone offers personalized support to help you understand your options and take confident steps forward.
For Participants
SafeZone is here to help you understand your options before deciding to file a complaint. We can assist you in navigating questions such as:
• What steps can I take to resolve a conflict before filing a formal complaint?
• What does the complaint process look like within Speed Skating Manitoba?
• How do I know whether my issue should be addressed by my club or by Speed Skating Manitoba?
If you are unsure about what to do next, you can reach out to SafeZone to share your concerns, explore options, and gain clarity without fear of judgment.
For Club Representatives
Club administrators play a critical role in Speed Skating Manitoba’s safe sport system. SafeZone is available to provide support with:
• Understanding Speed Skating Manitoba’s jurisdiction and determining when an issue should be addressed locally versus when it needs to be escalated to Speed Skating Manitoba.
• Navigating complex issues within the discipline process, including items to consider before implementing decisions.
• Interpreting policies and processes to ensure they align with Speed Skating Manitoba’s expectations.
Our goal is to equip clubs with the confidence to manage situations effectively and escalate concerns appropriately when necessary.
What SafeZone Offers
• A confidential and non-judgmental space to share concerns and ask questions.
• Emotional support and an opportunity to talk through challenges you have experienced or witnessed.
• Guidance on available options and support in understanding possible next steps.
• Information on Speed Skating Manitoba’s complaint processes, jurisdiction, and additional resources.
Reaching out to SafeZone does not mean you are filing a formal complaint. All conversations remain confidential unless you choose to take further action.
Contact SafeZone
If you are facing a challenging situation, have questions about the complaint process, or need support in addressing an issue, SafeZone is here to help.
To contact SafeZone, please email safezone@itpsport.ca.