Squash 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.

Squash Canada, and its stakeholders at the national level (Board, Staff, Athletes, Coaches, Coach Developers, Officials, Event Volunteers, Committee members, participants of National Championships, etc.), 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.

“Squash 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,” said Mark Roberts, CEO of Squash Canada. “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, Squash 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, Squash Canada participants who have experienced or witnessed abuse will continue to have access to independent third-party services through the Squash Canada Safe Sport Officer Brian Ward at safesport@squash.ca.

There is more information about the Abuse-Free Sport program HERE, on the OSIC HERE, and on the Squash Canada website – Click Here.

Squash Canada is a non-profit, national sport association responsible, in collaboration with its partner Provincial/Territorial squash associations (PTs), for development of athletes, coaches and officials. Founded in 1915, Squash Canada establishes rules, standards and national programs to promote the growth and development of the sport across the country.

Squash Canada is recognized by the Government of Canada as the sole national sport governing body for squash in Canada. Squash Canada is a proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Canada, and Pan American and World Squash Federations. Squash Canada participates in the Pan American Championships, Commonwealth and Pan Am Games, as well as the World Team Championships at the junior and senior levels.

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CONTACT: Geoffrey Johnson
TITLE: Director of Sport Development
NUMBER: 519-400-1649
EMAIL: geoff.johnson@squash.ca