Safe Sport

Safe Sport at Alberta Weightlifting Association

Launched in June 2023, AWA’s Safe Sport Policy aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in our weightlifting community. This policy aligns with national-level initiatives and supports the efforts of Sport Canada and the federal government to create a safer sporting environment across the country.

Our Safe Sport Policy includes:

Clear guidelines for preventing misconduct and maltreatment
Procedures for reporting and addressing concerns
Standards of behavior for all organizational participants
Mandatory training requirements for individuals in positions of trust

Alignment with National Initiatives

AWA's Safe Sport Policy has been developed to harmonize with:

Sport Canada's national safe sport framework
Canadian Weightlifting Federation's policies and procedures
Federal government initiatives aimed at eliminating abuse in sport

Reporting Mechanisms

We have established confidential reporting channels for any concerns related to misconduct or maltreatment. These align with national-level reporting systems to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

Ongoing Commitment

AWA is dedicated to:

Regular policy reviews and updates
Implementing best practices in safe sport
Collaborating with national and provincial partners
Fostering a culture of respect and safety in weightlifting

By aligning our Safe Sport Policy with national standards, AWA aims to contribute to the broader effort of creating a safe and inclusive sporting environment across Canada.

Members can review AWA’s Safe Sport Policy HERE.

Reporting Concerns

We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences misconduct to speak up. AWA provides confidential channels for reporting, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed.

AWA's Third-Party Independent Investigator

Cristy Nurse, Hammond LLP
cnurse@hammondllp.ca

Below are other resources for those who ever find themselves in need:

The Abuse-Free Sport Helpline
1-888-837-7678
info@abuse-free-sport.ca
https://abuse-free-sport.ca/
The Abuse-Free Sport Helpline is not a crisis line. For all urgent situations requiring immediate intervention, please see below.

Are you in crisis?

Police: 9-1-1
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 or text 9-8-8
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Alberta Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642 or Text CONNECT to 741741

Need emergency help while traveling abroad as Canadian team member?

Global Affairs Canada can direct you to trusted local resources:
sos@international.gc.ca
Call direct or collect : 1-613-996-8885
WhatsApp : +1-613-909-8881
SMS : 1-613-686-3658

Alberta Weightlifting Association acknowledges that we are on the traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples who lived among and travelled through the land in the area currently known as Alberta. We honour the Peoples of Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10, Alberta’s Métis and Inuit people and their profound contributions to the health and well-being of this region and to our members, where we recognize that health and well-being through our sport of weightlifting is not only physical, but also spiritual, emotion and mental and is accessible to all, rooted in the principles of respect, equity, diversity and inclusivity.