Safe Sport at Freestyle Alberta

The Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) is Alberta’s independent reporting and resolution system for serious misconduct in sport.

The ABSSCM is coordinated by the Alberta Sport Leadership Association (ASLA), which supports a safe, inclusive, and well-governed sport system across Alberta through shared policies, education, and sector-wide tools.

It is administered by ALIAS, an Independent Third Party Mechanism (ITPM) that is:

• Staffed by trained, neutral Safe Sport professionals
• Independent from Freestyle Alberta staff and Board of Directors
• Applied consistently across Alberta sport organizations
• Focused on safety, fairness, and due process

In simple terms: ASLA oversees the provincial Safe Sport framework, the ABSSCM is the provincial Safe Sport system, and ALIAS is the independent body that operates it and manages complaints.

Freestyle Alberta does not investigate Safe Sport complaints internally. All reports are submitted through the ABSSCM and reviewed by ALIAS.

Read the ABSSCM – Reporting and Independent Resolution Policy

Learn more about ASLA

The ABSSCM applies to all Freestyle Alberta members and all Freestyle Alberta related activities when a concern involves Prohibited Behaviour (maltreatment) connected to Freestyle Alberta activities.

This may include reports involving:

• Athletes
• Coaches and instructors
• Officials
• Volunteers
• Staff and Board members
• Parents/guardians (when involved in Freestyle Alberta activities)
• Affiliated clubs/organizations (when participating in or connected to Freestyle Alberta activities)

Important: The ABSSCM is used for maltreatment-related concerns. Other matters (for example: competition rules and officiating decisions) are typically handled through Freestyle Alberta or other appropriate processes.

The AB UCC sets clear standards for behaviour in sport.

It outlines:

• Expected conduct
• Prohibited behaviours
• Responsibilities of participants
• Reporting obligations

The goal is to ensure sport environments that are:

• Safe
• Respectful
• Fair
• Free from maltreatment

Read the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct

The AB UCC applies to all Freestyle Alberta members and participants, including:

• Athletes
• Coaches and instructors
• Officials
• Volunteers
• Staff and board members
• Parents/guardians involved in Freestyle Alberta activities

Psychological Maltreatment

• Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation
• Humiliation or degrading behaviour

Physical Maltreatment

• Non-accidental physical harm
• Unsafe training practices
• Withholding medical care or rest

Sexual maltreatment

• Sexual activity without consent
• Grooming behaviours
• Sexualized comments or contact

Neglect

• Failure to protect a participant
• Ignoring safety risks
• Withholding necessary support

Discrimination & Harassment

• Behaviour based on protected grounds (e.g., race, gender, disability)

Important: Maltreatment does not include reasonable coaching decisions, performance feedback, or selection decisions made in good faith.

All Safe Sport concerns must be reported directly to ALIAS through the ABSSCM.

A report may be submitted by:

• Someone who experienced the behaviour
• A witness
• Someone with reasonable grounds to believe maltreatment occurred

Reports must be made in good faith.

• Reports may be submitted anonymously
• In some cases, the Case Manager may request additional information to continue the process

or call: 1-855-603-0483

Once a report is submitted:

• ALIAS reviews the concern and determines which jurisdiction applies
• If the concern meets the definition of maltreatment under the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (ABUCC), it remains with ALIAS for Safe Sport handling
• If the concern does not fall under the ABUCC, ALIAS will redirect it to the appropriate organization, which may include Freestyle Alberta or the NSO for internal handling through the appropriate policy or process

This approach ensures:

• One clear reporting pathway
• Independent screening and jurisdictional assessment
• Appropriate handling based on the nature of the concern

After a report is submitted through the ITPM complaint form:

• A trained, qualified, and neutral ALIAS Case Manager reviews the report
• The Case Manager determines whether the concern meets the definition of maltreatment under the ABUCC
• If the concern falls within Safe Sport jurisdiction, ALIAS manages the process independently

Appropriate next steps are determined, which may include:

• Education or early resolution
• Investigation
• Independent hearing or adjudication

Freestyle Alberta’s role is to implement outcomes, not influence decisions. Not all reports result in investigations or sanctions; outcomes depend on the nature and context of the concern.

The ABSSCM is designed to ensure:

• Confidential handling of information
• Procedural fairness for all parties
• Protection against retaliation
• Participant safety as a priority

Freestyle Alberta is committed to:

• Supporting a culture of respect and accountability
• Ensuring clear and accessible reporting pathways
• Educating participants about Safe Sport responsibilities
• Aligning all internal policies with provincial requirements