(new 28 December 2021)
PWS identifies, supports and implements True Sport values and the following principles in our training:
Go For It – Rise to the challenge and always strive for excellence. Discover how good you can be.
Play Fair – Play honestly, obey both the letter and spirit of the rules. Winning is only meaningful when competition is fair.
Respect Others – Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field of play. Win with dignity and lose with grace.
Keep It Fun – Find the joy of sport. Keep a positive attitude both on and off the field of play.
Stay Healthy – Place physical and mental health above all other considerations and avoid unsafe activities. Respect your body and keep in shape.
Include Everyone – Share sport with others. Ensure everyone has a place to play.
Give Back – Find ways to show your appreciation for the community that supports your sport and helps make it possible.
PWS promotes polices and processes that achieve diversity, safe, fun, and life-building experiences for all participants.
Safe Sport “refers to our collective responsibility to create, foster and preserve sport environments that ensure positive, healthy and fulfilling experiences for all individuals. A safe sport environment is one in which all sport stakeholders recognize and report acts of maltreatment and prioritize the welfare, safety and rights of every person at all times.”
Everyone has the right to feel safe and participate in an accessible, equitable, respectful and inclusive sport environment free from maltreatment, regardless of age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, language, creed, religion, athletic potential, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex and sexual orientation. (Coaching Association of Canada https://safesport.coach.ca).
How to Report Maltreatment
If you are aware of a suspected incident of abuse, harassment, discrimination, bullying, or maltreatment, the individual is to contact the President (president@pwasc.ca) or Vice President (vicepresident@pwasc.ca) of the club.
Any Individual may report an incident or complaint to the President or Vice President in writing, within fourteen (14) days of the alleged incident, although the timeline can be waived at the President’s discretion. The complaint should include: a) the names of the parties involved b) any witnesses to the incident(s) c) the location, date, and time of the incident(s) d) details about the incident(s) (behaviour and/or words used). The President will serve as the chair of the complaint, unless there is a conflict of interest, and will determine the appropriate process for managing the complaint. Procedures will be followed that take into account club By-laws and Discipline, Complaints and Appeals policy in our Handbook.
Complaints may be brought for or against an Individual who is a minor (younger than 19 years old). Minors must have a parent/guardian or other adult serve as their representative during this process.
If there is any reason that an individual is not comfortable in reporting an incident directly to the club, the following options are available to access advice, guidance and resources:
Canada Artistic Swimming’s National Independent Safe Sport Officer: Lise Maclean Safesportofficer@safesportagency.ca Lise is an independent third party who will guide you through the complaints process and/or explore other options. The Independent Officer is empowered to supersede Canada Artistic Swimming staff and launch appropriate investigations as required based on evidence or a situation reported as per CAS Safe Sport Policies: https://artisticswimming.ca/safe-sport/safe-sport-related-policies-procedures/ Your contact with the Safe Sport Officer is confidential, subject to certain legal limits. The independent Safe Sport Officer is a certified workplace harassment resources/investigator. https://artisticswimming.ca/safe-sport/safe-sport-officer/
viaSport https://www.viasport.ca/quality-sport/safe-sport
ViaSport is committed to supporting sport organizations in creating sport environments that are free from all forms of harm: physical, mental, emotional and psychological. viaSport’s approach to Safe Sport encompasses injury prevention, concussion management, protection against maltreatment, and mental health.
SIRC: Safe Sport initiative https://sirc.ca/safesport/policies-practices/
Since the launch of the Safe Sport initiative, Canadian sport organizations have excelled in delivering on their promise to create a safe and welcoming environment. This page highlights some of the best Safe Sport policies and practices adopted across the country.
BC Helpline for Children 310-1234 (no area code required)
a confidential toll-free phone line for children and youth wanting to talk to someone; any time day or night and you do not need to give your name