Action

Everybody plays a role in creating a safe and inclusive sporting environment, free from all forms of maltreatment.

If you see behaviours that do not support a positive and safe environment, such as bullying, harassment, or abuse, there are ways you can safely help!

Bystander Intervention

Bystander Intervention is recognizing a potentially harmful situation or interaction and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome. Intervening early can prevent a small situation from growing into a bigger, more harmful situation.

If you can safely intervene, consider one of the following intervention styles:

Direct:

Say something in the moment, such as telling someone that their words/actions are inappropriate and not funny, or ask someone being harmed if they want to leave.

Delegate:

Call for help - such as 911, or ask others to intervene.

Distract:

Create a diversion to diffuse the situation, like asking what time it is, changing the subject, or asking for help with a task.

Delay:

Wait until it is safe to intervene, or wait until you can have a private conversation, if there is no immediate need to intervene.

Document:

Record the date, time, location, information about people involved, and a summary of what happened; give the information to someone in authority. If the situation involves potential maltreatment, you may have obligations to report under the UCCMS.

*Intervene early if you can, before the situation escalates, but never put yourself in harm's way. Again, if the situation involves potential maltreatment, provide the information to someone in authority or report the behaviour.

Reporting is critical in creating and maintaining a safe environment for all participants.

There are different ways to report/file a complaint depending on the situation and its severity.

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If someone is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
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If you would like to file a complaint

Access Special Olympics Canada’s independent third-party (for non-Abuse-Free Sport participants) where allegations and complaints will be managed compassionately, fairly, and impartially. Access The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) Abuse-Free Sport Intake Form for participants subject to Abuse-Free Sport. *This only applies to complaints of Maltreatment or Prohibited Behaviour involving SOC Staff, Board of Directors, and National Team Program.
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If you would like to discuss a safe sport concern or have a question, please email safesport@specialolympics.ca

Special Olympics Canada believes everyone has the right to enjoy sport and encourages all individuals to communicate openly, collaboratively, and use problem solving techniques to resolve differences in opinion. Resolving a conflict at an early stage may prevent a situation from escalating and resulting in a formal complaint.