These policies apply to all PSO-sanctioned clubs, teams, programs, and individuals operating under our authority. This means all clubs must comply with The Protecting Youth in Sports Act and safe sport policies.
Importantly, all allegations of maltreatment must be reported directly to an Independent Third Party (ITP) mechanism. Member clubs, teams, or individuals must not manage, assess, or investigate maltreatment complaints internally. The ITP is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and managing all allegations of maltreatment, ensuring independent, unbiased, and safe handling of each case.
Maltreatment Complaints must be referred to an independent adjudicator, who is responsible for conducting preliminary reviews, Investigations, and hearings as needed, ensuring all Parties are properly notified, and issuing written decisions and disciplinary outcomes.
Maltreatment Complaints go directly to the Independent Third Party (ITP), but if they are sent to the MSA, the MSA would engage the ITP to review the case and determine next steps.
The ITP, once they receive the Maltreatment Complaint, will determine if the threshold for the ITP to proceed has been met or if it is to be forwarded to the MBA because it does not meet the threshold. In that case, the Complaint would be treated as a non-maltreatment case.
Non-maltreatment Complaints, Discipline, Code of Conduct and Ethics, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, and policy matters will be addressed by the MBA case manager using the Safe Sport Policy Manual policies. In addition, the MBA Rules and Regulations Discipline section would be invoked alongside the Safe Sport Policy Manual and the MBA Mandatory Minimums.
What is Safe Sport?
Safe sport refers to an environment that prioritizes the physical and psychological well-being of all participants. It involves a commitment to providing optimal experiences, while actively preventing and addressing all forms of maltreatment, including abuse, harassment, neglect, and discrimination.
Advancing safe sport is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, education, and clear actions for reporting. This page provides resources and guidance to help advance safe sport in Badminton.
The Protecting Youth in Sports Act
The Protecting Youth in Sports Act enhances protection measures for young athletes in Manitoba’s sport system. All Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs), including MBA and MBA members, must adhere to the following requirements:
Adopt the policies outlined in the Safe Sport Policy Manual.
Make safe sport information available to parents and young athletes.
Ensure coaches complete required screening and training.
Ensure all participants have access to report allegations of maltreatment to an Independent Third Party (ITP).
Refer any allegations of maltreatment to the ITP if MBA/ MBA members receive such complaints.
Enforce any disciplinary action determined by the ITP.
Report a Maltreatment Complaint
ITP Sport is responsible for overseeing all allegations of maltreatment. If you would like to submit a maltreatment complaint, please submit your complaint to ITP Sport here:
Reporting a maltreatment complaint may seem confusing and overwhelming. The following resources can help you navigate the process:
If a maltreatment complaint is submitted to a coach, official, volunteer, or staff member, the complaint must be referred to the ITP.
Report a Non-Maltreatment Complaint
Non-maltreatment Complaints, Discipline, Code of Conduct and Ethics, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, and policy matters will be addressed by the MBA case manager using the Safe Sport Policy Manual policies. In addition, the MBA Rules and Regulations Discipline section would be invoked alongside the Safe Sport Policy Manual and the MBA Mandatory Minimums.
Please see the Discipline & Appeals section for more information.
Safe Sport Resources:
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- Policies outlining behaviour expectations for all sport stakeholders, procedures for handling complaints, appeal procedures, and coach education and screening requirements.
- Coach Screening Policy (see page 42 of the Safe Sport Policy Manual above)
- Safe Sport Tips for Athletes
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Age appropriate tips for athletes under 8, ages 9-12, and 13+, describing expected behaviour, measures for their protection, and steps to take if they experience harm, with the 13+ group also having access to a 20-minute safe sport education online module.
- Safe Sport Handbook for Parents and Guardians
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Information detailing behaviour expectations, different forms of maltreatment, possible indicators that a child experienced maltreatment, and steps to take if a child experienced maltreatment.
Additional Safe Sport Information
For additional safe sport resources, visit Sport Manitoba's safe sport page here.