Field Hockey Canada announces signed agreement with Abuse Free Sport, with the transition to be complete on March 31, 2023
Field Hockey Canada is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to join Abuse-Free Sport, the new independent program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport.
Field Hockey Canada, and its stakeholders at the national level, will have access to the services of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport, following a transition period which will end no later than March 31, 2023.
“Field Hockey Canada recognizes that safe sport is everyone’s responsibility. We’re fully committed to doing our part to support a growing national movement that is changing the culture of sport in this country. As part of that commitment, we’re pleased to sign on to Abuse-Free Sport and to soon have the OSIC to administer our safe sport complaints,” Susan Ahrens, Field Hockey Canada CEO said. “The sport community has been asking for just this kind of consistent national program. It’s an important step forward for everyone involved in sport in Canada.”
During the transition period, Field Hockey Canada is completing full adoption of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), which it must do before it can become part of the Abuse-Free Sport program, and making the required policy changes.
Prior to March 31, 2023 participants who have experienced or witnessed abuse will continue to have access to independent third-party services through Safe Sport on the Field Hockey Canada website. Please click Report and complete the linked submission form.
There is more information about the Abuse-Free Sport program HERE, on the OSIC HERE, and on Field Hockey Canada’s website.
Field Hockey Canada believes that everyone in the sport has the right to enjoy the sport at whatever level or position they participate. Athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers have the right to participate in a safe and inclusive training environment that is free of abuse, harassment or discrimination.
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Media Contact:
Kevin Underhill – Communications Manager
Email: kunderhill@fieldhockey.ca
Organization Contact:
Susan Ahrens – Chief Executive Officer
Email: sahrens@fieldhockey.ca
