Safe Sport

Our Commitment

Swim Alberta is committed to ensuring that every participant in swimming—athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and staff—can engage in our sport within a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Guided by our Safe Sport Policy Manual, Swim Alberta promotes respect, fairness, and accountability in all aspects of our community.

We believe that safe sport goes beyond rules and policies. It is about fostering a culture where individuals feel valued, protected, and empowered to thrive both in and out of the pool.

What Safe Sport Means

Safe Sport is the collective responsibility of everyone in our swimming community. It ensures that:

Athletes can train and compete free from maltreatment, abuse, harassment, or discrimination.
Coaches and Officials have clear standards of conduct and accountability.
Parents and Clubs can trust that swimmer well-being is at the centre of our decisions and practices.

Swim Alberta’s Safe Sport framework aligns with Swimming Canada’s and Sport Canada’s national standards, ensuring consistency across our sport system.

Where you can report

If you witness or experience inappropriate behaviour or a breach of Safe Sport policies, it’s important to report it. Complaints are handled by an independent professional to ensure fairness, with full confidentiality and access to support resources throughout the process. Please ensure that you are submitting a report to the appropriate body.

ABSSCM

Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) for Prohibited Behaviours as per the AB UCC.

Make a Report
Swim Alberta Independent Third Party

Swim Alberta’s Independent Third Party is responsible for triaging and managing complaints in accordance with Swim Alberta’s Complaints Resolution Policy.

Email us
Alberta Sport Leadership Association

For Safe Sport resources provided by Alberta Sport Leadership Association (ASLA) and the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (AB UCC).

Learn More
Swimming Canada

Swimming Canada has engaged Sport Dispute Management (SDM) as its independent third-party. They are responsible for providing expert, objective, external facilitation in accordance with Swimming Canada’s Discipline & Complaints Policy.

Learn More
Canadian Safe Sport Program

The Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP) is a program created by Sport Integrity Canada in accordance with its mandate to independently administer and enforce the UCCMS for CSSP Participants.

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Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism

The Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) is managed by an independent third-party service called ALIAS. The staff of ALIAS are experienced in helping victims of maltreatment, professionally and personally independent of Swim Alberta.

ALIAS does not handle association/club level complaints or concerns involving procedure, team selection, suspensions, misconduct reports, pool times, or other complaint/concerns of this nature. These complaints should be sent to your local association/club according to their policies.

If you are unsure if your complaint constitutes MALTREATMENT, please review the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (AB UCC) and Swim Alberta’s Code of Conduct and Complaints Resolution Policy.

You can use the Reporting Decision Tree as a guide to help determine the appropriate pathway for raising a concern or submitting a report.

Resources

Swim Alberta is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive sport environment for all athletes. The Safe Sport Education Program for Youth is designed specifically for participants aged 13–19 and provides practical tools to help athletes recognize and respond to risks, set healthy boundaries, and build positive relationships within their sport community.
Through interactive modules and guided discussions, youth will develop the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and support their peers. While the program covers important and sometimes sensitive topics, resources are available for anyone who may need additional support. For athletes under 13, we recommend completing this training together with a parent or guardian.
This national initiative was developed as a collective effort by Swimming Canada, Athletics Canada, and Volleyball Canada, ensuring that young athletes across sports benefit from consistent, high-quality education. For more details on the program, visit the official Safe Sport for Youth website.
By engaging in this program, young athletes take an active role in building a culture of safety, respect, and empowerment across our swimming community.

Swimming Canada has adopted the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP), meaning that any allegation of maltreatment or other prohibited behaviour, as defined in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), against an identified CSSP participant of Swimming Canada must be filed directly with the Sport Integrity Canada.
Use this link for more information on the Swimming Canada National Level Complaint Process

Complaints and/or reports that fall outside of Swimming Canada’s identified CSSP participant list can be reported All other complaints and/or reports can made to Swimming Canada’s Independent Third Party (ITP).
Swimming Canada has engaged Sport Dispute Management (SDM) as its independent third-party service. Anyone who has witnessed, experienced, or has information about maltreatment can contact SDM for guidance or to submit a complaint. For general disputes, individuals are encouraged to first seek resolution at the club or provincial level.