Safe Sport Policy

Sport Jiu-Jitsu Canadian Association National Federation (SJJCANF)

1. Purpose

The Sport Jiu-Jitsu Canadian Association National Federation (SJJCANF) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful sport environment where all participants can train and compete free from abuse, harassment, discrimination, and maltreatment.

SJJCANF recognises that athlete safety and well-being are fundamental to the integrity of sport and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to maltreatment.

This policy supports the principles outlined in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) and Safe Sport Canada initiatives.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all SJJCANF participants including:

  • Athletes

  • Coaches

  • Officials

  • Volunteers

  • Staff

  • Board members

  • Club representatives

  • Contractors

  • Parents and guardians participating in SJJCANF activities

This policy applies to behaviour occurring:

  • During training, competitions, camps, and events

  • During travel associated with SJJCANF activities

  • During meetings or organizational activities

  • Through digital or online communication where it affects the sport environment

3. Safe Sport Principles

SJJCANF commits to the following principles:

  • Respect and dignity for all participants

  • Athlete-centred sport environments

  • Protection of minors and vulnerable individuals

  • Fair and transparent complaint processes

  • Education and prevention of maltreatment

4. Forms of Maltreatment

Maltreatment includes any behaviour that harms or risks harming participants.

Physical Maltreatment

Actions that intentionally cause physical harm.

Examples:

  • Physical assault

  • Excessive or inappropriate training demands

  • Denial of medical care

Emotional or Psychological Maltreatment

Patterns of behaviour that harm emotional well-being.

Examples:

  • Verbal abuse

  • Humiliation

  • Threats or intimidation

  • Isolation

Sexual Maltreatment

Any sexual behaviour or conduct involving coercion, exploitation, or abuse of power.

Examples:

  • Sexual harassment

  • Sexual exploitation

  • Inappropriate sexual contact

  • Grooming behaviours

Neglect

Failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or safety protections.

Grooming

Behaviour intended to build trust with an athlete in order to manipulate or exploit them.

5. Prevention Measures

SJJCANF will implement Safe Sport prevention strategies including:

  • Safe Sport education and awareness

  • Screening of coaches and volunteers, where appropriate

  • Clear reporting procedures

  • Promotion of athlete welfare and safeguarding practices

6. Reporting Concerns

Any participant who experiences or witnesses maltreatment should report concerns immediately.

Reports may be submitted to:

  • SJJCANF Safe Sport Officer

  • A designated board member

  • Independent reporting mechanisms where available

Reports should include:

  • Names of individuals involved

  • Description of the incident

  • Date, time, and location

  • Any witnesses or supporting evidence

Where required by law, reports involving minors may be referred to appropriate authorities.

7. Response and Investigation

SJJCANF will:

  1. Review all complaints promptly

  2. Determine appropriate next steps

  3. Conduct fair and impartial investigations when required

  4. Protect the rights and safety of all parties involved

Interim measures may be imposed to protect participants during an investigation.

8. Confidentiality

SJJCANF will maintain confidentiality wherever possible while ensuring safety and fairness.

Information will only be shared when necessary to investigate or address the complaint.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with:

  • Safe Sport Canada initiatives

  • UCCMS guidelines

  • Canadian sport governance best practices