Abuse-Free Sport
Our National Sport Organization, Racquetball Canada, has joined Abuse-Free Sport, which is an independent program that is part of a growing national movement to prevent and address maltreatment in sport in Canada.
This benefits the safety of our sport across Canada, including BC. It also impacts how allegations of misconduct are reported.
We have outlined the reporting process for Racquetball BC members in the Making a Report section below. However, if this information is not clear, we encourage you to contact the Abuse-Free Sportline or our Independent Third Party Case Manager for guidance on how to proceed.
Independent Third Party
Racquetball BC has engaged Laurie Ehrman as our Independent Third Party Case Manager. Laurie is a partner with EWC Sport Consulting and has several years experience in the Canadian High-Performance Sport system. She brings the knowledge, skills and processes needed to create healthy and safe environments by recognizing, addressing and preventing maltreatment in sports.
If you wish make a complaint through Racquetball BC’s Independent Third Party Case Manager click on the button in the “Making a Report” section.
Making a Report
Do you want to make a confidential report about misconduct or make a complaint? The type of allegation or complaint and who it is directed towards determines what you do next.
If you need additional assistance in filing a complaint or to speak to someone about your concerns in confidence, contact the Abuse-Free Sportline.
Any allegation of maltreatment or other prohibited behaviour as defined in the UCCMS against a Racquetball Canada UCCMS Participant must be reported to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commission (OSIC).
Racquetball Canada UCCMS Participants include:
- National Board of Directors and Standing Committees
- National Operational Committee Chair and members of the Athlete Development Committee, High Performance Committee and the Sport Development Committee
- Provincial Representatives
- Racquetball Canada Staff and Contractors (Therapists, IST, Team Managers, etc.)
- National Team Training Coaches and International Team Coaches
- Contracted Officials at National events
- National Team Athletes
Any allegation of maltreatment or other prohibited behaviour as defined in the UCCMS against someone who is NOT listed above as a Racquetball Canada UCCMS Participant should be be reported to Racquetball BC’s Independent Third Party Case Manager. Examples of those individuals who are NOT UCCMS participants include:
- Racquetball BC Board and Committee Members
- Racquetball BC Staff and Contractors
- Provincial and club based coaches and sport leaders
- Appointed officials at provincially sanctioned tournaments
- Provincial team members
Complaints that to DO NOT relate to UCCMS (ie: policy infraction, team selection) should be reported through Racquetball BC’s Independent Third Party Case Manager.
Abuse-Free Sport Helpline
Are you a victim of abuse, harassment or discrimination in a sport environment. Have you witnessed such an incident?
The Abuse-Free Sport Helpline provides professional listening and referral services by phone and text at 1-888-83-SPORT (77678) and by email at info@abuse-free-sport.ca, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, seven days a week.
The anonymous, confidential, independent service allows people to share and validate their concerns, obtain guidance on required next steps, and get referrals to other resources for follow up.
Are you in Crisis?
The Abuse-Free Sport Helpline is not a crisis line. For all urgent situations requiring immediate intervention, contact:
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- Police: 9-1-1
- Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4pm to midnight ET)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
