Abuse-Free Sport

Abuse-Free Sport is an independent program that is part of a growing national movement to rid Canadian sport of all forms of harassment, discrimination and abuse.

We aim to prevent maltreatment at all levels of sport across Canada through education, training and research.

We are also responsible for investigating reported violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and for imposing sanctions against individuals who violate the Code.

Abuse-Free Sport is Canada’s independent system for preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport. Our ultimate goal is to work with others throughout the Canadian sport system to ensure that every participant – no matter the sport, the level, or the role – has a safe, positive and enriching experience. Changing the culture of sport in Canada is everyone’s responsibility. Abuse-Free Sport provides access to a wide range of resources, all of it available in English and French, including:

Abuse-Free Sport Helpline – The Helpline is a listening and referral service that aims to encourage people to speak openly and to validate their concerns regarding situations they feel are unacceptable. This service is free, anonymous, confidential and independent, offered in both official languages. You can reach us by phone, text or email.

Abuse-Free Sport Research Grant Program – A research grant program exists to increase our understanding of the behaviours we are seeking to reinforce or prevent, and to evaluate the impact of our programs and initiatives.

Abuse-Free Sport Education Library – NEW – The Abuse-Free Sport Education Library features accredited education and trainings. Through the library, anyone, at any level of Canadian sport can identify education and trainings that best suit the needs of their community.

Abuse-Free Sport Education Accreditation Program – The accreditation program provides the Canadian sport community with access to accredited education programs and trainings that meet strict national standards and are aligned with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS).

Legal Aid Program – Under certain admissibility conditions, this program will give access to a pool of specialized lawyers who offer legal advice and assistance to help parties navigate the complaint process.

Mental Health Services – Eligible individuals have access to a suite of services through the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport (CCMHS). Even before filing a complaint, they could be referred to psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, mental performance consultants, psychiatrists, and physicians.