Safe Sport

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ALBERTA SAFE SPORT COMPLAINT MECHANISM (ABSSCM)

The Alberta Bicycle Association (ABA) is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming sport environment and recognizes a systemic culture shift is required to eliminate maltreatment, including sexual, emotional, physical abuse, neglect, harassment, bullying, exploitation and discrimination. The ABA believes the welfare and safety of everyone involved in the sport is a primary consideration and the responsibility of each individual, member, club and provider in the cycling community. The ABA has zero tolerance for any type of harassment or abuse. Athletes, officials, coaches, administrators, and parents are encouraged to report any instances of harassment and abuse in a way they feel safe.

Important Update: Changes to Safe Sport Reporting

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our safe sport protocols, we’d like to inform you of some important updates: effective immediately, the ABA has implemented the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM). This replaces all previous mechanisms that the ABA had engaged for the reporting and resolution of maltreatment complaints and it is now the exclusive process for doing reporting and resolving maltreatment complaints. As part of this process, the ABA has adopted both the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (AB UCC) and the Reporting and Independent Resolution Policy (RIRP). As part of the adoption of those policies, the ABA is proud to announce that we’ve partnered with ALIAS Solutions Inc. as the exclusive independent safe sport reporting service.

This new platform will allow individuals to report improper conduct confidentially via both the web and phone, ensuring that all safe sport (maltreatment) reports are managed by ALIAS’s independent third-party case management team.

This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and transparent environment for all ABA members. The ABA is one of the early adopters in Alberta to implement this system and it places us at the forefront of creating a safe and inclusive sport environment. Thank you for helping us to maintain a respectful and supportive cycling community!

ABSSCM Pathway

ASLA Guide

When you Click the Report a Complaint and How it Works

You will be linked immediately to the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) powered by ALIAS where you will fill out the online complaint form. The complainant will be contacted within 48 working hours; receivability conclusion target ≈ 10 business days (may flex based on party availability).

Case managers are experienced in helping victims of maltreatment, professionally and personally independent of the Alberta Bicycle Association. They know and understand the ABA Safe Sport policies. They are qualified and experienced in navigating complaints of maltreatment.

The Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism does not handle association/club level complaints or concerns involving procedure, team selection, suspensions, or other complaint/concerns of this nature. These complaints should be sent to your local association/club according to their policies.

If you are unsure if your complaint constitutes maltreatment, please review the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (AB UCC) and the ABA's Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy and ABA's Discipline and Appeal Policy.

The ABA abides by the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (AB UCC) to guide the organization, our members, and our organizational participants in ensuring the safety and well-being of those associated with the sport of cycling.

Each person has a responsibility to help keep the sport safe. Reports of maltreatment that come to the attention of any the ABA Staff will be directed to contact ALIAS using the "Report a Complaint" button.

By providing you with this service, the ABA is reaffirming its commitment to protect its members by providing a safe and positive environment within the programs, business, activities and events of the Organization.

There are 2 ways to report a complaint

Visit: ALIAS’ “Report A Complaint” link below

Call: 1-855-603-0483

Person in Authority

Coaches play a vital role in shaping the youth of tomorrow through sport. The ABA relies on them and other persons in authority to be role models and to put young athletes on a path to success. The dynamic between coach and athlete gives rise to a power imbalance and a culture of unquestioned trust that can result in abuse. As such, it is imperative that all persons in positions of authority be held to a high standard of conduct. Abuse in sport, particularly sexual abuse and the grooming behaviour that precedes it, destroys the positive impact of sport and causes untold harm to victims and those around them. Consequently the ABA has a strong obligation to establish and maintain systems that prevent abuse and respond to conduct that poses risk to ABA athletes.

If you want to verify your athletes coach is a trained or certified coach with the ABA they will be listed at http://www.albertabicycle.ab.ca/alberta-coaches

Other Mental Health Resources

Kids Helpline Call: 1-800-668-6868 Text: 686868 Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/	Child Abuse Hotline Call: 1-800-287-5437
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) Website: suicideprevention.ca/	First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Call: 1-855-242-3310 Website: hopeforwellness.ca/
Bullying Helpline Call: 1-888-456-2323 Chat (8am-8pm): Bullying Helpline Chat	Mental Health Helpline Call: 1-877-303-2642
Trans Lifeline Call: 1-877-330-6366 Website: translifeline.org/	Victim Services Government of Canada Website: crcvc.ca/for-victims/services/
Mental Health for Sport The Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport (CMHS) is a registered charity supporting the mental health and performance of competitive and high-performance athletes, coaches, and performing artists. The CCMHS is the first Centre in Canada to offer collaborative sport/performance-focused mental health care services designed to help athletes, coaches, and performing artists achieve their performance goals while preserving their mental health and well-being. The CCMHS provides mental health services to competitive and high-performance athletes and coaches, as well as competitive performing artists. Here are the eligibility criteria: • Must be 16 years of age or older • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident • Must participate in a sport or performance domain at a competitive or high-performance level • Must be experiencing mental health challenges Refer yourself or someone else to access sport/performance-focused mental health care from anywhere in Canada!
Calgary Distress Centre (403) 266-4357 (HELP)	Edmonton Distress Centre (780) 482-4357 (HELP)