Complaint, Discipline and Grievanc­e Policy

SafeZone

Paddle Canada is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment nationwide for everyone involved in Paddle Canada courses.

To support this commitment, Paddle Canada is pleased to introduce SafeZone, a resource designed to help participants, leadership, and representatives navigate concerns, conflicts, and the complaint process. SafeZone provides a third-party, confidential, welcoming space where individuals can ask questions, share experiences, and receive guidance on issues such as harassment, bullying, abuse, or other forms of maltreatment. Whether you are a Paddle Canada course participant, a Paddle Canada Instructor Member, a Paddle Canada volunteer, or staff member, SafeZone offers personalized support to help you understand your options and take confident steps forward.

For Course Participants and Instructors

SafeZone is here to help you understand your options before deciding to file a complaint. We can assist you in navigating questions such as:

• What steps can I take to resolve a conflict before filing a formal complaint?
• What does the complaint process look like within Paddle Canada?

If you are unsure about what to do next, contact SafeZone to share your concerns, explore options, and gain clarity without fear of judgment.

For Paddle Canada Administration

Paddle Canada staff and program committees play a critical role in Paddle Canada’s safe sport system. SafeZone is available to provide support with:

• Understanding Paddle Canada’s jurisdiction and determining when an issue should be addressed internally versus when it needs to be escalated to the grievance policy
• Navigating complex issues within the discipline process, including items to consider before implementing decisions.
• Interpreting policies and processes to ensure they align with Paddle Canada’s expectations.

Our goal is to equip you with the confidence to manage situations effectively and escalate appropriately when necessary.

What SafeZone Offers

• A confidential and non-judgmental space to share concerns and ask questions.
• Emotional support and an opportunity to talk through challenges you have experienced or witnessed.
• Guidance on available options and support in understanding possible next steps.
• Information on Paddle Canada’s complaint processes, jurisdiction, and additional resources.

Reaching out to SafeZone does not mean you are filing a formal complaint. All conversations remain confidential unless you choose to take further action.

Contact SafeZone

If you are facing a challenging situation, have questions about the complaint process, or need support addressing an issue, SafeZone is here to help.

To contact SafeZone, please reach out by email at safezone@itpsport.ca.

Preamble and Objectives

Paddle Canada wants to ensure the paddling environment is safe and fosters a positive sport experience for all. Sports organizations across Canada have adopted and accepted the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS). Paddle Canada has aligned with other Canadian sports organizations and adopted the UCCMS.

The UCCMS provides language that addresses harm within a sport-specific context and dynamic. The Complaint and Discipline policy strives to provide support to Individuals who have experienced disputes, conflict, or maltreatment during Paddle Canada-defined activities. The Complaint and Discipline policy is administered by experienced and neutral case managers who are able to support a process that centres on procedural fairness, natural justice, and alternative dispute resolution.

This document sets out the fundamental principles of the Paddle Canada Complaint and Discipline Policy.

Availability of the Program

1. Participants that may be complainants or respondents are all categories of membership defined in Paddle Canada’s Bylaws, as well as all individuals engaged in activities with the Association including, but not limited to event or course participants, instructors, employees, volunteers, committee members, and directors.
2. This policy applies to the conduct of all Individuals during the business, activities, and events of Paddle Canada, including, but not limited to events, and business dealings, including practices, certification sessions, lessons, competitions, practices, evaluations, consultations, training camps, travel, community events, the office environment, and meetings
3. It is recognized that any participant involved with the activities defined above has the right to have their allegation(s) of maltreatment, as defined in the UCCMS, or Code of Conduct violation dealt with impartially, fairly, timely, equitably, transparently, and with respect.
4. Paddle Canada acknowledges that the Rules of Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness must be observed, which include the right to be heard and the right to an objective and impartial dispute resolution process.

• The independent third party is a neutral organization with expertise in sports conflict. The independent third party is responsible for determining if a complaint is accepted, and if it will be deemed a minor or major infraction.
• Once a matter has been accepted to the complaint and discipline process, all parties will have access to all materials and formal submissions related to the matter, except where ordered by the case manager or adjudicator.
• All parties can expect to participate in a procedure that includes reasonable timelines for processing of the matter.
• Paddle Canada commits to providing an independent process to triage and review complaint submissions and administer all matters within the jurisdiction of Paddle Canada in accordance with the Complaint and Discipline Policy.

5. Any complaints of alleged incidents of maltreatment or prohibited behaviour submitted under the Complaint and Discipline Policy under criminal investigation or before a court will be held in abeyance until the criminal processes have been concluded.
6. For major infractions, the case manager will appoint a neutral adjudicator with experience in sport-related disputes.
7. For minor infractions, the Internal Discipline Chair must not have a conflict of interest.
8. Any appeal process will be conducted in accordance with the applicable appeal procedure.

Resources:

• Read the full complaint and discipline policy (pdf).
• Step-by-step guide to filing a complaint (pdf).

Access the confidential and anonymous reporting system.