Sport Policies

Policies are used to govern sport at all levels in Canada. Explore our resources below related to foundational policies that every sport organization should know.

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Quick Facts

Sport policies ensure fairness, safety, and inclusivity by providing clear rules on issues like athlete development, gender equity, and abuse prevention. They help organizations follow consistent practices, support ethical behavior, and make sport accessible to all. Policies also focus on safety measures, such as concussion management, and support long-term goals like reconciliation and inclusion of athletes with disabilities. These guidelines help manage and improve sports in a structured, organized way.

An FPT-endorsed policy is one that is agreed upon by federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) governments in Canada. These policies promote a coordinated approach to key priorities in the sport sector. With FPT endorsement, the policies support consistency, shared goals, and collaboration across different government levels to develop, improve safety, and enhance inclusivity in sports nationwide.

A policy in a sport organization is a general rule or principle, like a policy that ensures fair play in all competitions. It explains what should be done and why, focusing on the broader goal.

A procedure gives detailed instructions on how to follow the policy. For example, the procedure for enforcing fair play might outline the steps for referees to report violations or how players are penalized for breaking the rules. It’s the “how” of making the policy work.

The 2012 Canadian Sport Policy had five key goals: helping people get involved in sports, encouraging recreational and competitive play, supporting top athletes, and using sports to promote development and healthy living. It also focused on making sports inclusive, safe, and accessible for everyone, while building strong sport organizations across Canada. The policy aimed to grow sports at all levels, from local teams to elite athletes.

Canadians have expressed that they want the next sport policy to focus on increasing access to sport for everyone, ensuring safety and well-being, and promoting inclusivity and equity, especially for women, Indigenous communities, and people with disabilities. They also emphasize the need for better athlete development, greater focus on mental and physical health, and a commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Canadians are looking for sports to foster lifelong participation and contribute to healthy communities across the country. Further details are provided in SIRC’s What We Heard Report.

The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) helps keep sport safe by setting clear rules against abuse, harassment, and discrimination. It provides guidelines for reporting and addressing harmful behavior, ensuring accountability. By promoting respect and fairness, it creates safer environments for athletes, coaches, and others involved in sports. The UCCMS also helps educate sport organizations on how to prevent and respond to maltreatment effectively.

The goal of the gender equity policy for sport in Canada, Actively Engaged: A Policy on Sport for Women and Girls, is to create equal opportunities for all genders in sports by 2035. This involves increasing the participation of women and girls in all areas of sport, from athletes to leadership positions. It also aims to remove barriers like discrimination, improve access to resources and funding, and create safe, supportive environments for everyone. The policy promotes fairness and inclusion, ensuring that sports are accessible and equitable for all genders at all levels.

Yes, Canada has a concussion policy that aims to improve concussion prevention, recognition, and management in sports. The policy provides guidelines for athletes, coaches, and sport organizations on how to prevent concussions, recognize symptoms, and safely manage recovery. This includes return-to-play protocols to ensure athletes don’t resume activity too soon after a concussion. The Canadian Concussion Guidelines are also supported by education programs to raise awareness and promote safety in sports at all levels.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is important for sport organizations because it encourages them to recognize the impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities and work toward repairing relationships. The TRC’s Calls to Action urge sport organizations to include Indigenous perspectives, foster participation, and promote healing through inclusive programs. By aligning with the TRC’s goals, sport organizations can help break down barriers, create opportunities for Indigenous athletes, and contribute to reconciliation, ensuring that sports are accessible and welcoming for all.

The Accessible Canada Act impacts sport organizations by requiring them to identify and remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in sports. This includes ensuring accessible facilities, programs, and services. Sport organizations must make sure that athletes, coaches, and spectators with disabilities can equally access and enjoy sports environments. The act encourages inclusive practices and provides guidelines to promote accessibility at all levels of sport, contributing to a more equitable experience for people with disabilities.

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