Gymnastics Ontario has developed Safe Sport Policies, which serves as an overarching guide for our vision of and commitment to Safe Sport and the corresponding policy, education, and advocacy initiatives that strive to further strengthen the administration and delivery of our programs, events, and services. In addition to these policies, Gymnastics Ontario has compiled resources that strive to further strengthen the administration and delivery of our programs, events, and services.
Click on a Safe Sport topic below to see resources.
Safe Sport Resources
Canadian Centre for Child Protection – They provide online training to help enhance child and youth safety in sport. The eight modules highlight the importance of understanding boundaries, sexual misconduct, the grooming process and reporting inappropriate behaviour.
Canadian Sport Helpline – Abuse-Free Sport: This is a free, anonymous, confidential, and independent service. The operators have expertise in counselling, psychology and sport. Operators are available via phone, text, or email to hear your concerns, help you understand your options, and connect you with resources based on your needs.
Coaching Association of Canada Code of Ethics – The NCCP Code of Ethics provides ethical standards that reflect the core values of the coaching profession in Canada.
Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Safe Sport – FIG, the international governing body for gymnastics, has Safe Sport Education and Prevention information available. They also developed The 10 Golden Rules of Gymnastics to ensure a safe and respectful environment in the sport.
Gymnastics Canada Safe Sport – Gymnastics Canada’s Safe Sport Page has information on its Safe Sport vision and framework, reporting, policies, and other resources.
Kids Help Phone – They provide 24/7 e-mental health services to young people. These services include mental health tips and information on their website. They also provide crisis support via text and professional counselling over the phone or through online chat among many other services.
True Sport Principles – There are seven True Principles, which aim to instil character in children, strengthen Canadian communities, and increase opportunities for excellence.
Hope for Wellness – They provide a helpline that is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. The helpline is available by phone and online chat. Operators are available to people wanting to talk about any experiences, challenges, or issues. They are also available when a person is feeling distressed and can help find other wellness supports.
LGBTQI2S+ Sports Inclusion Task Force – They are a flexible and informal coalition working to end LGBTQI2S+ bias in sport through education for and promotion of LGBTQI2S+ inclusion in Canadian sport.
LGBT Youth Line – They are a *2SLGBTQ+ youth-led organization that affirms and supports the experiences of youth across Ontario. They provide anonymous peer support and referrals, resources so youth can make informed decisions, and training to youth on how to support other youth.
Trans Lifeline – They provide community support and resources to trans people in crisis. The hotline is run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. On the website, they have many resources on topics including coming out, health care and wellness, legal support, and online harassment.
Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport – They offer collaborative sport performance-focused mental health care that helps achieve performance goals while preserving well-being. They have three pillars of success: Integrated Care, Research, and Education and Outreach.
Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub – His hubs provides tools and information overcome stigma and guide conversations about mental health. Coaches can develop mental health literacy and positive coaching practices to improve performance and well-being in sport.
National Eating Disorder Information Centre – They promote healthy lifestyles, including appropriate, enjoyable exercise and eating. They provide outreach and education programming to over 10,000 students annually. They also have a helpline and instant chat to provide information on treatment options and support. There are also resources available on the website.
Rowan’s Law: Concussion Safety – The Government of Ontario has information on how to prevent, identify and manager concussions.
Respect in Sport – They provide online training to help recognize, understand, and respond to issues of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Topics will also address physical development, concussion and injury management, and positive emotions.
Responsible Coaching Movement – The Responsible Coaching Movement was established by the Coaching Association of Canada. It invites coaches and sport organizations to learn and apply safety principles. It calls to create a sport environment that is Safe, Smart, and Secure. It has three pillars: the Rule of Two, Background Screening, and Ethics Training.
Gymnastics Ontario Reporting – Any individual may report an incident or complaint to Gymnastics Ontario’s Chief Executive Officer in writing.
Gymnastics Canada Reporting Resources – This page details Gymnastics Canada’s Reporting and Complaint Management system.
Safe Sport 101 – Safe Sport 101 from the Coaches Association of Ontario is an e-Learning tool that provides suggestions for creating a safe sport environment. Topics include Mental Health and Positive Team Dynamics.
Safe Sport Toolbox – The Toolbox has multiple links that will equip people with tools to provide a safe sport environment. Tools include Risk Management, Reporting, and the Responsible Coaching Movement.
Safe Sport Training – The Safe Sport Training from the Coaching Association of Canada provides information on identifying, preventing, and addressing situations of maltreatment. It will help those who take the training to make decisions that promote physical and mental wellbeing.
SIRC | Safe Sport Resources – The Sport Information Resource Centre has Safe Sport resources, including research being done in Safe Sport.
Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada – The Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada works to prevent and resolve disputes in sports. They provide education and prevention to decrease the number and severity of cases.
Working Together to Keep Kids Safe in Sports – This Commit to Kids link has a free 23 minute video and FREE downloadable content on protecting and reporting children from maltreatment.