Awareness

Safe Sport means that every athlete, coach, volunteer, official, and administrator is safe, supported, and strengthened through OFA programming. We are dedicated to working with our clubs, communities, and participants to foster an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive where all participants can expect to play, practice, compete, work, and volunteer in an environment that is free from maltreatment.

Maltreatment

Maltreatment is an umbrella term that can include (but is not limited to) abuse, assault, neglect, harassment, bullying, hazing, and discrimination. For more information on Maltreatment please refer to the UCCMS which outlines the following prohibited behaviours within the Canadian Sport Sector.

Psychological Maltreatment Neglect Grooming Discrimination Aiding and Abetting Failure to Report Retaliation

Physical Maltreatment Sexual Maltreatment Boundary Transgressions Interference with or Manipulation of Process Intentionally Reporting a False Allegation Subjecting a Participant to the Risk of Maltreatment

The Ontario Fencing Association has zero tolerance for any forms of maltreatment. Individuals should report instances of maltreatment or suspected maltreatment to their local Club, the Ontario Fencing Association, or to the Canadian Safe Sport Program through the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), to be reviewed under the terms of the applicable policy. For more information on reporting or filing a complaint, please click here.

* Remember, Safe Sport is not about disagreeing with a decision that was made (i.e. team selection/ranking, referee/official’s call). It is also not about appropriate consequences for not following rules or team expectations. Safe Sport is about creating an environment that is free from all forms of maltreatment.

Safe Sport Tips for Coaches/Activity Leaders

OKAY

NOT OKAY

Training/Practicing in open and observable environments Team/Group texts or emails Touching an athlete to demonstrate proper technique with their permission Speaking to athletes, other coaches, officials, and volunteers respectfully Running exercise drills for training and development Managing athlete behaviour and discipline following OFA’s policies Creating a safe, equitable and inclusive environment

Training/Practicing alone with an athlete where others can’t observe One on one text/email with an athlete Touching an athlete unexpectedly or frequently for no reason and/or without permission Using intimidating, insulting or offensive language/actions towards others Using exercise as a form of punishment for not achieving results Yelling, talking down to, and/or isolating an athlete Creating an environment that is not positive, safe, and fun