In the midst of the controversy around safe sport issues in our organization, we wanted to share some of the changes and steps taken since 2016. We are aware that more needs to be done and we will continue to share information about our action plan as it evolves and unfolds. We are 100% committed to our athletes and providing them with the best and safest environment possible.

  • Required national coaches and officials to complete mandatory Respect in Sport Certification starting in 2016 with all National team coaches, staff and athletes and in 2019 added the requirement that it must be completed every three years by all club coaches and officials (effective January 1, 2021)
  • Adopted a new strategic plan outlining values of respect, ethics and athlete-centred decision-making
  • In 2017, hired Julie Healy as Chief Sport Officer, with the mandate to work with sport scientists, coaches/technical experts and our IST (Integrated Support Team) and OTP (Own The Podium) colleagues to develop standardized and detailed athlete and coach pathways to be able to be quantified and measured so athletes know clearly how they are progressing.
  • Adopted a new name and brand in 2018 with brand essence “forging unity through diversity”
  • In 2018, hired a new Senior National Team Head Coach for his training philosophy that aligned well with objectives to produce stronger, more resilient athletes with less emphasis on “sameness” of physical attributes and greater emphasis on athlete performance. It included: proper nutrition, recovery breaks built into training, staggered training to allow for proper regeneration, and time in the gym to develop core strength and physical attributes.
  • Early 2019, first sport to implement a system-wise approach to safe sport, including encouraging all athletes to report to a responsible person or directly to our external, third-party Safe Sport Officer
  • Effective September 1, 2019, all coaches, officials, and volunteers in the sport must follow our new Screening Policy.
  • Developed a best in class suite of Conduct policies which were rolled out to be effective in all provinces and clubs in the organization and continually updated to reflect government priorities and standards from 2017 until May 2020. These are being updated as the system evolves.
  • Ensured our Discipline and Complaint Policy addressed any issues of discrimination or harassment, on any basis, including race, religion, or gender identity.
  • In 2019, adopted a National Concussion Protocol and Policy at that time that has been recognized as industry leading and used by other sports as the point of reference.
  • Effective September 1, 2019, introduced a Coaching Registration and Certification Policy that requires coaches and other participants to acknowledge and commit to abide by the CAS Conduct Policy as a condition of registering. This policy defines the appropriate behaviour expectations for all participants in our sport.
  • Created the Safety in Sport Coordinator position in fall 2019 to support CAS commitment to safe and inclusive sport programs, and to answer any questions from athletes, coaches or anyone in the organization.
  • In 2020, The Safety in Sport Coordinator full-time staff position was renewed as Safe Sport Manager, with new responsibilities attached to an ombuds role to provide an additional support and reporting mechanism for national team members.
  • In the summer of 2020, CAS supported our national team athletes to join athletes from all sports in standing against racism and discrimination. Training and education in allyship and diversity and inclusion was provided for Board, CAS Staff and Coaches as well as PTSO Executive and Volunteer Leaders in the fall of 2020.
  • In Summer 2020, an open letter was sent to all affiliated organizations (PTSOs, Clubs, Schools), coaches and officials to rally in support of diversity and inclusion and announce new initiatives in this area – some of which have been completed.
  • In Summer 2020, established a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force to address on-going gaps in achieving our goals of access for all, including drafting our Diversity and Inclusivity Policy, to conduct a full review to ensure the sport’s rules support inclusivity, and also to examine ways to make the sport more financially accessible for all.
  • In the winter of 2021, established a staggered return-to-training protocol for senior National Team including training, psychological support and participation in culture change project, as well as continuous increased staff, IST and ombudsperson presence in the training environment.
  • CAS continues to reach out to people who have provided personal and systemic feedback to better learn how their experience can be integrated into an improved sport culture as we go forward.
  • CAS continues to lend expertise and support to Canadian leaders in the creation of a revamped judging and scoring system based on objective and measurable performance criteria meant to change the culture that has defined the sport at all levels for so many years. The new system, which reflects the ideals of the Olympic motto of faster, higher and stronger, will shift the focus from appearance to performance and is not only consistent with Canadian sport values, but will also be at the root of the meaningful change needed in the sport’s culture.