Safe Sport For Everyone
Special Olympics Northwest Territories recognizes our responsibility to prioritize creating a safe sport environment free of abuse, harassment, or discrimination for all participants, including athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, and administrators.
As part of Special Olympics NWT's commitment to a safe sporting environment, our staff, volunteers and leadership team have completed Safe Sport training.
Special Olympics Canada and its Chapters each have adopted comprehensive screening policies to help ensure safe and high-quality program experiences for all athletes. The policies require some individuals to pass a screening process before they are permitted to interact with Special Olympics athletes.
Pan-Canadian Safe Sport-Related Policies
Discipline & Complaints Policy
Independent Third Party
As of 2025, Special Olympics NWT has formally identified an independent third party (ITP) to process complaints. Therefore, any complaints concerning potential violations by participants governed by Special Olympics NWT’s code of conduct should be submitted through the designated ITP.
Reporting Abuse or Harassment is often a difficult process. To this end, a person can expect the following when contacting the Independent Third Party:
- All reports will be kept entirely confidential, in line with the wishes of the person making the complaint. This includes confidentiality from SONWT staff.
- Complaint will be followed up on in a timely manner.
- The Independent Third Party is available to support persons making a complaint through the process and will provide advice and guidance on steps as and if a Complaint proceeds.
- Complaint will be taken seriously, and rigorously examined.
- Complaint will be managed in the language, and by an officer of the gender identity of your choice.
- Should any complaint or concern come to the attention of the Executive Director or any SONWT representative, it will be forwarded to the Independent Third Party.
Additional Resources
Responsible Coaching Movement
Responsible coaching allows you to support your participants' right to a safe, positive environment. Here are some ways to protect your athletes and yourself both on and off the field of play.
Responsible Coaching Movement Pillars
Rule of Two
WHAT IS THE RULE OF TWO?
The goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications are open, observable, and justifiable. Its purpose is to protect participants (especially minors) and coaches in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring more than one adult is present. There may be exceptions in emergency situations. Please click here for more information and resources from the Coaching Association of Canada.