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Safe Sport Policy

Predominantly blue graphic with large white text on the left side that reads 'Safe Sport Policy' and a small OUA logo placed above it

The following Safe Sport Policy can also be found in OUA Governance Policies.

Definitions

1. The following terms have these meanings in this Policy:

a) "Member" - Refers to an institution accepted as a member of OUA. OUA defines Members as institutions that are members of the Council of Ontario Universities and which offer athletic programs. OUA's Bylaws also include within the definition of Members those institutions that or organizations that have playing prviliges in OUA or those that participate in OUA interlocking league play.

b) "Participant" - Refers to student-athletes and administrative support staff who participate in or support OUA activities. This group may include, but is not limited to student-athletes, athletic trainers, event staff, officials, minor game officials, team support staff, institutional staff including athletic directors who support any OUA event program or service. The definition of Participants also includes all OUA staff, committee members, Directors, and any individuals working on behalf of the OUA.

c) "Person in Authority" - A participant who holds a position of authority within OUA including, but not limited to, coaches, managers, support personnel, chaperones, and Directors. 

Purpose

2. This Policy describes how OUA aims to provide a safe sport environment. 

Conduct Standards

3. OUA will adopt a Code of Conduct and Ethics that describes standards of conduct and behaviour for all Participants. General standards of conduct will apply to all Participants and specific standards will be described for positions within the organization. The Code of Conduct and Ethics will have specific sections, including but not limited to:

a) Members
b) Student-Athletes
c) Student-Athlete Support Personnel
d) Staff
e) Directors and Committee Members

4. The Code of Conduct and Ethics will contain detailed definitions of key terms, including:

a) Harassment
b) Abuse
c) Bullying
d) Hazing

5. The Code of Conduct and Ethics will include the following definition of Hazing:

a) Hazing is a form of conduct that exhibits a potentially humiliating, degrading, abusive, or dangerous activity expected of a junior-ranking individual by a more senior individual, which does not contribute to either individual’s positive development, but is required to be accepted as part of a team or group, regardless of the junior-ranking individual’s willingness to participate. This includes, but is not limited to, any activity, no matter how traditional or seemingly benign, that sets apart or alienates any teammate or group member based on class, number of years on the team or with the group, or ability

6. OUA will have a Workplace Harassment Policy that applies specifically to staff and other workers when they are present in the workplace. 

Anti-Doping

7. The Code of Conduct and Ethics will indicate that OUA adopts and adheres to the Canadian AntiDoping Program.

Athlete Protection

Resources

8. OUA will regularly provide information to Participants about resources and training related to athlete protection. Resources and training opportunities can include:

a) NCCP modules
b) Respect in Sport
c) Commit to Kids
d) Red Cross – Respect Education Courses

Athlete Engagement

OUA will engage with athletes to determine the level of success of their athlete protection measures as well as to identify any gaps or athlete concerns. This engagement may take the form of:

a) Anonymous athlete surveys
b) Athlete involvement in organizational decision-making
c) Independently-led athlete outreach consultations 

Safe Sport Training

10. Please refer to the OUA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Training & Education Policy. 

Dispute Resolution

11. OUA will have a comprehensive suite of dispute resolution policies that will include:

a) Policy on Member, Administrator, Participant and Coach Discipline
b) Appeal Policy
c) In-Game Video Review Policy

12. Taken together, the suite of dispute resolution policies will include the following features:

a) Sanctions for violations of conduct standards
b) Mechanism for suspension of individuals pending the conclusion of the process
c) Non-biased and experienced case managers, decision-makers and/or investigators
d) Protection from reprisal for submitting complaints
e) Independency of appeal procedures (when appeals are permitted)
f) Opportunity for alternative dispute resolution
g) Investigations of certain complaints 

Reporting Obligations

13. The policies of OUA will include requirements that certain complaints must be reported to government entities, local police services, and/or child protection agencies.

Records

14. OUA will retain records of decisions that have been made pursuant to the organization’s policies. These records may be shared with other individuals or organizations, including but not limited to, national sport organizations, provincial/territorial sport organizations, multi-sport organizations, and government entities.

Governance and Operations

15. OUA will pursue a governance structure that reflects the diversity of the athletes and stakeholders within the sport, that adheres to all applicable federal and/or provincial legislation, and that moves toward a national alignment strategy for the sport in Canada.

16. OUA will continually monitor and evaluate its policies, practices, and procedures.