| Need to report a situation? WPC Registrants can report incidents of misconduct or Prohibited Behaviour through our Safe Sport reporting pathway. |
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OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFE SPORT
Water Polo Canada (WPC) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all athletes and participants, free from abuse, harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
We have a fundamental responsibility to protect the health, safety, and well-being—both physical and mental—of everyone involved in the water polo community, including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff, parents, and spectators.
WPC treats all misconduct and Prohibited Behaviour seriously and is committed to clear, effective policies and processes that prevent and address issues promptly and appropriately, while promoting and upholding expected standards of behaviour.
Read WPC’s Full Commitment to Safe Sport Statement here →
CREATING SAFE SPORT TOGETHER: OUR EXPECTATIONS
As outlined in our Code of Conduct, all Registrants share responsibility for fostering a respectful and dignified environment by:
- Demonstrating respect for all individuals, regardless of identity or background (including body type, ability, age, race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics)
- Providing constructive feedback and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, staff, or fellow Registrants
- Consistently showing sportsmanship, leadership, and ethical conduct
- Taking appropriate action to address or prevent discriminatory behaviour
- Treating everyone fairly and with respect
- Respecting both the rules of water polo and the spirit in which they are intended to be played
SAFE SPORT VS. CODE OF CONDUCT
Safe Sport concerns typically involve behaviours that may pose a risk to participants’ physical or psychological safety, including abuse, harassment, bullying, or other forms of misconduct. These behaviours are defined in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), which Water Polo Canada has adopted as its standard. Such matters fall within formal safeguarding frameworks and may require reporting, independent review, and specific procedures.
In contrast, Code of Conduct violations involve behaviour that falls outside organizational expectations for respect, sportsmanship, or professionalism but does not meet the threshold of a Safe Sport concern under the UCCMS. These matters are typically addressed through WPC, as well as team, club, or event-level processes, with a focus on correction, education, and accountability.
What is the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)
The UCCMS is a national set of rules and standards that define unacceptable behaviour in sport in Canada. It is designed to protect participants from harm by clearly identifying and prohibiting conduct such as abuse, harassment, bullying, neglect, grooming, and discrimination.
The UCCMS also establishes consistent processes for reporting, investigating, and resolving Safe Sport concerns, often through independent mechanisms. By adopting the UCCMS, organizations like Water Polo Canada align with a standardized, athlete-centred approach to safeguarding that promotes safety, respect, and accountability across the sport system.
| Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS): WPC has formally adopted the UCCMS as part of its conduct standard. All WPC Registrants are expected to uphold the principles and obligations of the UCCMS. Read the UCCMS → |
What is the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP)
The Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP) is an independent national program designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and abuse-free sport environment for participants in federally funded sport organizations.
Administered by the Sport Integrity Canada (SIC), the CSSP provides a centralized process for receiving, assessing, and addressing complaints related to maltreatment under the UCCMS. It includes independent investigation, decision-making, and sanctions, helping ensure complaints are handled fairly, consistently, and without conflict of interest.
The program also supports prevention through education, resources, and awareness, reinforcing a culture of safety, accountability, and respect across the Canadian sport system.
REPORT A SITUATION
Any Registrant who wishes to report an incident or concern related to misconduct or Prohibited Behaviour involving anyone in the WPC community—including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, or parents/guardians—may do so through the following channels.
1. Sport Integrity Canada (SIC)
For concerns where the respondent (the person who engaged in maltreatment) is a Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) Participant, please contact SIC's CSSP team with questions or for support here: https://cces.ca/contactCSSP.
1As of April 1, 2025, SIC will accept reports through an online report form and by phone - both methods allow you to remain anonymous if you wish. If you choose to share your name when you make a report, SIC will not share it with your sport organization unless it is necessary to keep you or someone else safe, and will make every effort to get your consent beforehand.
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2. WPC Independent Third Party (ITP)
For concerns where the respondent (the person who engaged in maltreatment) is a non-UCCMS Participant, please contact WPC's designated Intependent Third Party2, ITP Sport, using the following link: https://app.integritycounts.ca/org/itpsport. The matter will be referred to the appropriate organization.
If you do not know whether the respondent is a CSSP Participant or not, you may submit the complaint to either CSSP or ITP Sport and the matter will be referred to the appropriate organization.
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3. Statutory Reporting Obligations
Where an incident involves a Minor or triggers mandatory reporting obligations under applicable law, individuals must also report through the applicable statutory channels in their jurisdiction. |
| All reports are treated with seriousness and sensitivity. WPC's policies ensure consistent, appropriate, and meaningful action in response to every concern raised. If you are unsure which pathway applies, contact WPC's Safe Sport Officer for guidance. |
*CSSP Participants (WPC)
Participants currently subject to the CSSP include:
- Board of Directors and select committee members
- Staff and designated contractors
- Senior and Age Group National Team athletes
- Athlete support personnel (e.g., coaches, trainers, medical staff, managers)
At this time, National Championship League participants are not included.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
WPC Registrants, particularly those in positions of authority such as coaches, officials, and administrators, may be required to complete mandatory training on preventing and addressing harassment and abuse. Training requirements are communicated annually by WPC, Member Provincial Sport Organizations and clubs dependent on level of participation within the sport.
Water Polo Canada's Safe Sport Compliance Program (SSCP)
WPC’s SSCP, established in 2023, identifies the training and education required to uphold safe sport standards. Compliance is mandatory for designated Registrants and is tracked by WPC to ensure alignment with its commitments to Safe Sport and Sport Canada.
View WPC’s Safe Sport Compliance Program requirements here →
RELATED PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Safe Sport at WPC encompasses a broad range of programs and policies. Explore the components below.
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