Background
On May 2, 2024, the Government of Canada announced that the CCES would administer the UCCMS as of April 1, 2025. The code was previously administered by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) through the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) and the Abuse-Free Sport Program. Click here for the government's update.
Between May and December of 2024, the CCES conducted an extensive, multi-phase consultation process with the Canadian sport community. The process included a survey and meetings with athlete groups, survivor and advocacy groups, subject matter experts, sport organizations, and more. The consultations confirmed the need for one document that clearly sets out the procedural rules for the independent administration of the UCCMS. Other themes from the consultations were the importance of a trauma-informed approach, establishing standards of delivery, and transparent communication processes.
The final CSSP Rules were published in January 2025 and the program came into effect for national-level participants of all federally funded, national-level sport organizations on April 1, 2025.
As the CSSP grows, we are committed to moving forward with this same collaborative approach. To provide feedback on the CSSP at any time, contact the CCES:
- Email [email protected], or
- Call 613-521-3340.
Consultation Process
June 2024
The CCES surveyed existing Abuse-Free Sport Program signatories to gather feedback and information to inform revisions to the program.
July to September 2024
A first draft of the next version of this program was written using the information gathered in the survey, guided by a diverse set of experts including athletes. The draft was accompanied by an explanatory document that clearly identified the revisions and the rationale to support them.
October and early November 2024
The first draft of the CSSP Rules was released. The sport community was invited to provide feedback on the draft and share their experiences with the current program through one of five consultations.
November 2024
The first draft of the CSSP Rules was revised based on feedback from consultations.
December 2024
The draft CSSP Rules (version 2), redline version, and an explanatory document were made available for a final round of feedback.
- Draft Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules (version 2)
- Draft Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules (version 2) - Redline
- Explanatory document
January 2025
The final Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules were published January 17.
January through March 2025
CCES staff helped organizations through the adoption, onboarding, and implementation of the rules and associated requirements.
April 1, 2025
The new Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules are in effect for national-level participants of all federally funded sport organizations. All matters related to the UCCMS are reported through the CCES.