Canada Soccer Statement on anti-abuse in sport

Canada Soccer joins the Canadian sport community in calling for greater accountability to eliminate harassment, abuse and discrimination in sport.

As the stewards of Canada’s largest team sport by participation, Canada Soccer welcomes the work being done to create an abuse-free environment in sport. Regardless of what sport athletes choose, safety should be universally understood, expected and applied with no exceptions.

Canada Soccer’s established Code of Conduct and Ethics provides a robust formula which all participants must adhere to and provides a reporting system where allegations are investigated by an independent case manager in accordance with Canada Soccer’s Disciplinary Code. To further promote these standards within the Canadian soccer community, all Provincial and Territorial Associations are to have adopted the Code of Conduct and Ethics for all its members by 1 December 2018, and all new coaching licenses will include requirements for respect in sport and responsible coaching.

Sport is an incredible unifier, but history has shown that there remains work to be done to ensure an environment free of harassment, abuse and discrimination in our Canadian sport system. We congratulate those spearheading the work to develop, and to promote the adoption and adherence of Policies and Procedures to prevent all forms of abuse.

We all play a role in ensuring Canadians enjoy a safe and encouraging environment, where the benefits of sport are experienced without fear. Canada Soccer is encouraged by recent developments and supports measures being proposed to counteract abuse in sport.