Respect in Sport and Safe Sport
ABTA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members. This page includes training information, reporting information, and support resources in one place.
March 31, 2026 Update
As of March 31, 2026, ABTA has implemented the Independent Third Party Complaint Mechanism (ITPCM) through the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM). This update strengthens our Safe Sport framework and builds on the Safe Sport and Respect in Sport training introduced earlier this year.
For more information, please review the following documents:
Letter to Members – March 31 2026
ITPM Rollout – Member Document – March 2026
Use these links to quickly navigate this page:
Safe Sport & Respect in Sport Training
ABTA requires Safe Sport and Respect in Sport training to support a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. These training programs focus on awareness, prevention, and creating positive sport experiences.
RESPECT IN SPORT
Respect in Sport is a nationally recognized online program focused on fostering a culture of respect in sport settings. It provides practical tools to help coaches, officials, leaders, and volunteers create safe, ethical, and inclusive spaces.
Respect in Sport training covers:
- Understanding power dynamics and responsibility
- Communication strategies that support athlete well-being
- Managing conflict and modelling positive behavior
- Preventing discrimination, bullying, and emotional harm
- Encouraging equitable, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate sport experiences
ABTA now has designated provincial links for Respect in Sport, ensuring our members can complete the program at no cost. Please use the links below to access your course. An access code is required—please contact your Club Chair or the ABTA Office to obtain it.
Activity Leader: https://abta-leader.respectgroupinc.com/
Parent Program: http://abta-parent.respectgroupinc.com/
Officials: http://abta-officials.respectgroupinc.com/
If you have already completed a Respect in Sport course through another organization, your certification will be considered valid for two years.
For the 2025–26 season, this means any course completed between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2025 meets the requirement.
SAFE SPORT
What is Safe Sport?
Safe Sport is a national movement designed to ensure that all participants—athletes, coaches, judges,
volunteers, and administrators—experience sport in a healthy, positive, and respectful environment. It
focuses on preventing maltreatment, promoting physical and emotional safety, and ensuring that everyone
involved in sport is protected and supported.
Safe Sport training provides education on:
- Recognizing and preventing all forms of maltreatment (bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination)
- Understanding the legal and ethical responsibilities of individuals in positions of trust
- Creating athlete-centered environments grounded in respect, fairness, and inclusion
- Responding appropriately to concerns, disclosures, or unsafe situations
- Establishing boundaries and professional standards of conduct
Take the Safe Sport Training: https://coach.ca/sport-safety/safe-sport-training
Why Training Matters
Training helps prevent harm before it occurs by building awareness, encouraging respectful behaviour, and promoting a positive sport culture.
Training = Prevention | Reporting = Protection
Report a Concern
If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior, you can report it confidentially through the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) powered by ALIAS.
There is no cost to file a complaint.
Report a Complaint Online
Call: 1-855-603-0483
How It Works
1. Submit a Report
Click the “Report a Complaint” button to access the ABSSCM and complete the online form.
2. Initial Contact
A case manager will contact you within 48 working hours.
3. Review
Receivability is typically determined within approximately 10 business days.
4. Next Steps
The matter may proceed through early resolution, investigation, or a hearing process.
Independent & Confidential Support
Case managers are experienced in supporting individuals impacted by maltreatment and are professionally and personally independent of ABTA. They are qualified to manage complaints in a fair, professional, and confidential manner.
What This Process Covers
- Abuse
- Harassment and discrimination
- Neglect
- Boundary violations
What This Process Does Not Cover
The Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism does not handle association or club-level concerns such as:
- Team or group placement decisions
- Competition entries or results
- Practice schedules or choreography
- Costume requirements
- Club fees
- Judging results
- Athlete progression
These concerns should be addressed directly with your club or organization.
Not Sure If Your Concern Applies?
If you are unsure whether your concern constitutes maltreatment, please review the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (AB UCC).
ABTA’s Commitment
The Alberta Baton Twirling Association abides by the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (AB UCC) to guide the organization, our members, and our participants in ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved in baton twirling.
Each person has a responsibility to help keep the sport safe. Reports of maltreatment that come to the attention of ABTA staff will be directed to ALIAS using the reporting process.
By providing this service, ABTA is reaffirming its commitment to protecting members and maintaining a safe and positive environment in all programs, activities, and events.
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: | |
Calgary Distress Centre | Edmonton Distress Centre |
Training Resources
2025-2026 Safe Sport & Respect in Sport Overview
Activity Leader – Respect in Sport Program – step-by-step course access
Officials – Respect in Sport Program – step-by-step course access
Parents – Respect in Sport Program – step-by-step course access
ABTA Member Certification Submission Form – upload your certificates HERE