Sail Nova Scotia believes everyone involved in any role in the sport of sailing has the right to participate in a safe and inclusive training and competitive environment free of abuse, harassment, or discrimination – collectively referred to as maltreatment. This right to fully enjoy the sport applies to everyone regardless of the level or type of sailing they participate in.

As such Sail Nova Scotia, in partnership with Sail Canada, is committed to continuing to evolve the development of education and resources to create and protect the safe and respectful environments that all participants in sailing deserve.

Sail Nova Scotia believes that everyone in the sport has the right to enjoy the sport whether they are athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, or staff.

Have Concerns?

Reporting is critical in creating and maintaining a safe environment for sailing participants. Independent third-party complaints management is a directive of Canada’s Safe Sport Movement, driven by Sport Canada.

CANADIAN SPORT HELPLINE

The Canadian Sport Helpline, funded by the Government of Canada, is a confidential listening and referral service monitored by live operators from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time, 7 days a week. Users will have a choice of communicating via a toll-free phone line, email, text, or live chat, in the official language of their choice.

The helpline is:             1-888-83-SPORT                      www.abuse-free-sport.ca

Situations involving a member of any registered Coach/Instructor or Official (or a Sail Canada staff or volunteer)

Individuals above have been asked to agree to be an UCCMS Participant and abide by the Universal Code of Conduct and are subject to the process created by Sport Canada and the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner.

If the situation involves someone in any capacity who may fall under the umbrella of this system, the complaint should go directly to the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner through this portal:  https://osicbcis.formstack.com/forms/osic_complaint_report

All other situations

Sail Nova Scotia and Sail Canada have appointed an Independent Third Party who any participant can contact to discuss incidents of maltreatment or misconduct of any kind.

Individuals who are experiencing, or are aware of, any forms of maltreatment or misconduct, including a breach of the Sail Canada Code of Conduct or any policy, should contact the Independent Third Party designated to support sailing in Canada:

ITP Sport is available online or by phone  24/7/365: https://app.integritycounts.ca/org/itpsport or by dialing 1-866-921-6714

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
We have a comprehensive Screening Policy in place which includes requirements for Criminal Records Check depending on your role as part of the effort to keep all participants safe.

Instructors/Coaches register their Criminal Record Check directly through Sail Canada, for more information see their website’s Safe Sport page

Want to learn more?
We encourage everyone, especially those in leadership roles, to complete the free training module offered through the Coaching Association of Canada.
Sail Canada requires all instructors to complete Safe Sport training.


We think of Sail Nova Scotia as a “mentor”. We can always count on Sail Nova Scotia for advice, information, support, or simply an opportunity to network with other yacht clubs

John Astephen
Past Commodore Northern Yacht Club