Safe Sport
Safe sport is providing a positive, safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone. This environment should be free from all forms of maltreatment. We see the value in sport, and our goal is to provide an enjoyable sport experience for everyone involved.
Our safe sport strategy focuses on the promotion of a positive sport culture and the prevention of harm with supporting club policies. We have used many of Canada’s safe sport resources to develop our vision for a culture of safety within the Halifax Trojan Aquatic Club.
To report concerns or learn more, please email: safesport@htac.ca.
Positive Sport Culture
We commit to providing a positive sport culture. This is an environment in which athletes are encouraged to work hard, challenge themselves, and develop their skills—but not at the expense of their health, well-being, or sportsmanship.
We understand that athletes perform best and get the most out of sport when they feel safe and supported. We prioritize the holistic development of athletes, focusing not only on their physical abilities but also on their mental and emotional well-being.
Overall, a positive sports culture is one that fosters a love of sport and encourages individuals to participate in a way that promotes their personal growth and well-being while also demonstrating respect, fairness, and inclusivity.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
The way we measure success is much more than our competition results in the pool. Our club’s success means considering athletes as people first, prioritizing their mental and physical wellness, retaining athletes, coaches, and staff, and providing positive and rewarding experiences. We will continue to provide mental health and performance support to our athletes through the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic.
The Coaching Association of Canada provides a free online portal with training and resources to develop mental health literacy for coaches and athletes. Click here to access the portal.
True Sport
HTAC has joined True Sport and commits to the True Sport principles:
Go For It - Rise to the challenge, always strive for excellence. Be persistent and discover how good you can be.
Play Fair - Understand, respect, and follow the rules. Play with integrity – competition is only meaningful when it is fair.
Respect Others - Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field of play. Win with dignity and lose with grace.
Keep It Fun - Find the joy in sport and share it with others. Remember what you love about sport and why you play.
Stay Healthy - Always respect and care for your mind and body. Advocate for the health and safety of yourself and those around you.
Include Everyone - Recognize and celebrate strength in diversity. Invite and welcome others into sport.
Give Back - Say thanks and show gratitude. Encourage your sport group to make a difference in the community.
Prevention of Harm
In addition to promoting positive sport behaviours, HTAC is also guarding against potential harm using the following tools:
Coaching Association of Canada Safe Sport Training
This training is required for Board of Directors members, chaperones/team managers and coaches. This module was developed for anyone involved in sport to promote physical, psychological and social health in line with Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. This training provides information on the various forms of maltreatment, how the misuse of power leads to maltreatment and the conditions that enable it. It also provides information on how to create a culture to protect all participants. We encourage all parents/guardians and swimmers aged 14 and older to complete this training as well.
Safe Sport Training - Learn More
Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)
We recognize all prohibited behaviours as defined by the UCCMS including but not limited to psychological maltreatment, physical maltreatment, neglect, sexual maltreatment, grooming and discrimination.
Policies
HTAC has also approved the following new and updated policies:
- Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy
- Reconciliation, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy
- Athlete Protection Guidelines
- Complaints Policy
Responsible Coaching Movement
We have joined the Responsible Coaching Movement. The three Pillars of the Responsible Coaching Movement are:
1. Screening
All coaches and club volunteers in a supervisory role 19 years of age and older with direct athlete contact are required to be screened and cleared by a Police Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.
2. Ethics Training
Club coaches are to continue their education through ethics and safe sport training.
3. Rule of Two
Whenever possible, a coach should have another coach or screened adult (parent or volunteer) present when interacting with participants. All interactions between a coach and a participant must be open, observable, and justifiable.