Athletics Manitoba has collaborated with Athletics Canada and the other provincial and territorial member branches to launch new National Safe Sport Program and National Safe Sport Polices, establishing a nationally consistent framework to strengthen Safe Sport across the Canadian athletics community.
The National Safe Sport Program represents an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where every participant can thrive. Approved by the Athletics Canada Board of Directors in partnership with every Canadian provincial and territorial member branch, the program focuses on prevention, education, accountability and participant wellbeing across all levels of the sport.
The new National Safe Sport Policies are at the centre of the program and reflect current best practices in sport safety. The policies also align with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), where applicable.
The framework establishes clear expectations and consistent standards for athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and other members of the athletics community, from first-time participants through to Canada’s highest-performing athletes.
It is important to remember that in compliance with The Protecting Youth in Sports Act enacted April 1, 2026 – Athletics Manitoba has previously adopted the following safe sport policies, as provided within the Sport Manitoba Safe Sport Manual:
- Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy;
- Discipline and Complaints Policy;
- Alternate Dispute Resolution Policy;
- Appeal Policy;
- Respect in Sport Policy;
- Coach Screening Policy Minimum Requirements*
*These minimum screening requirements will now be superseded by the stricter National Policy.
As part of this coordinated national approach, Athletics Manitoba has also adopted and aligned with the following National Safe Sport Policies:
- Athletics in Canada Anti Doping Policy
- Athletics in Canada Concussion Protocol Policy
- Athletics in Canada Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy
- Athletics in Canada Screening Policy
- Athletics in Canada Conflict of Interest Policy
- Athletics in Canada Travel Policy
- Athletics in Canada Safe Sport Policy *
*The Athletics in Canada Safe Sport Policy is a summary document which outlines the different roles and responsibilities for members; including athletes, coaches, officials, members clubs, etc. This document is currently under final review with the Governance Committee so as to ensure clarity and that it meets the requirements of the MB Protecting Youth in Sport Act. An updated version of the policy will be circulated as soon as it has received final Board approval.
Importantly, in Manitoba under The Protecting Youth in Sports Act, all allegations of maltreatment must be reported directly to ITP Sport through the established reporting link. Member clubs, teams, or individuals must not manage, assess, or investigate maltreatment complaints internally. ITP Sport is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and managing all allegations of maltreatment, ensuring independent, unbiased, and safe handling of each case.
National level issues or complaints, including Athletics Canada operations (team selection, eligibility, athlete support program selections – CAPP/AAP) or any reports of Prohibited Behaviours involving National Level Participants, must be reported and handled in accordance with the established Athletics Canada complaint procedures.
The development of the National Safe Sport Program included extensive collaboration between Athletics Canada and its Provincial and Territorial Branches. This work does not diminish or conflict with the MB Safe Sport Manual or the Protecting Youth in Sport Act, but it closes gaps and provides a shared framework that strengthens participant protection while recognizing the needs of organizations delivering athletics across the country.
The national framework will provide greater consistency across the Canadian athletics system while supporting increased education and awareness. It also helps ensure participants understand their rights and responsibilities in fostering respectful sport environments.
Members of the Athletics Manitoba community are encouraged to learn more about the programs and policies below:
Explore the National Safe Sport Program
Explore the MB Safe Sport Program and Resources
The National Safe Sport Program is an ongoing initiative. Athletics Canada and all provincial and territorial branches will continue to evaluate its policies, expand educational resources and strengthen practices as the sport evolves and new best practices emerge.
Additional tools and educational resources will be made available to members to help to clarify the Manitoba specific requirements and processes.
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