Safe Sport

OBA Statement on Safe Sport

Ontario Basketball Association (“OBA”) has a fundamental obligation and responsibility to protect the health, safety and physical and mental well-being of every individual that is involved in the Ontario basketball community.

OBA takes situations involving misconduct or maltreatment very seriously. For this reason, OBA is committed to enacting and enforcing strong, clear, and effective policies and processes for preventing and addressing all forms of misconduct or maltreatment.

OBA’s policies are intended to promote a Safe Sport environment in a manner that allows for consistent, immediate, appropriate, and meaningful action should any issues arise.

They are also intended to prevent issues from arising in the first place by communicating expected standards of behaviour.

Should anyone wish to report an incident or concern about misconduct or maltreatment involving anyone associated with OBA, including but not limited to Athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and parents/guardians of Athletes, they may do so directly to OBA, which will then determine the appropriate forum and manner to address the complaint.

OBA makes the following commitments to a sport environment free from Maltreatment:

All participants in sport can expect to play, practice, and compete, work, and interact in an environment free from Maltreatment.
Addressing the causes and consequences of Maltreatment is a collective responsibility and requires the deliberate efforts of all participants, broader sport community, sport club administrators and organization leaders.
Participants in positions of trust and authority have the general responsibility to protect the health and well-being of all other participants.
Adult participants have a specific ethical and statutory duty and the additional responsibility to respond to incidents of Maltreatment involving Minors and other vulnerable participants.
All participants recognize that Maltreatment can occur regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, Indigenous status, or level of physical and intellectual disability and their intersections. Moreover, it is recognized that those from traditionally marginalized groups have increased vulnerability to experiences of Maltreatment.
All participants recognize that individuals who have experienced Maltreatment may experience a range of effects that may emerge at different time points and that can profoundly affect their lives.
All adults working with children and youth have a duty to prevent or mitigate opportunities for misconduct.
In recognition of the historic vulnerability to discrimination and violence amongst some groups, which persists today, participants in positions of trust and authority have a duty to incorporate strategies to recognize systemic bias, unconscious bias, and to respond quickly and effectively to discriminatory practices.

Ontario Basketball is aligned with Canada Basketball on all Safe Sport policies. To access Canada Basketball’s Safe Sport policy suite and resources list, please click here.

Code of Conduct & Ethics

To ensure a safe and positive environment within OBA by making all Organizational Participants aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of behaviour consistent with OBA’s core values.

UCCMS - Sport Integrity Commissioner

Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent & Address Maltreatment in Sport

The UCCMS sets harmonized rules for sport organizations to advance a respectful sport culture that delivers quality, inclusive, accessible, welcoming and safe sport experiences.

Athlete Protection Policy

This policy describes how Persons in Authority shall maintain a safe sport environment for all Athletes. OBA requires that the ‘Rule of Two’ be followed for all Persons in Authority.

Athlete Protection - Appendix A - Photo & Video Consent Form

Athlete Protection Policy – Appendix A – Photo & Video Consent Form

Consent form template for use by OBA member clubs. If the Participant is a minor, parental consent should be obtained.

Discipline & Complaints Policy

Organizational Participants are expected to fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations including complying with all policies, by-laws, rules, and regulations of OBA.

Discipline & Complaints - Appendix A - Investigation Procedure

Discipline & Complaints Policy – Appendix A – Investigation Procedure

When a complaint is submitted pursuant to the Policy and is accepted by the Independent Third Party, the Independent Third Party will determine if the incident(s) should be investigated.

Discipline & Complaints - Appendix B - Publication Guidelines

Discipline & Complaints Policy – Appendix B – Publication Guidelines

Publication of any summary will not take place until the disciplinary process undertaken by OBA is complete, or appeal period, as applicable.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy

OBA supports the principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and is committed to the techniques of negotiation, facilitation, and mediation as effective ways to resolve disputes.

Appeal Policy

Any Organizational Participant who is directly affected by a decision made by OBA or an External Discipline Panel shall have the right to appeal that decision if there are sufficient grounds for the appeal.

Whistleblower Policy

OBA is committed to fostering an environment conducive to open communication regarding the business practices of OBA and to protecting Workers from unlawful retaliation and discrimination for their having properly disclosed or reported illegal or unethical conduct.

Reciprocation Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure national enforcement and recognition of all disciplinary sanctions applied by OBA and its Affiliate Members.

Event Discipline Procedure

OBA is committed to providing a competition environment in which all Organizational Participants are treated with respect. This Procedure outlines how alleged misconduct during an Event will be handled.

Safe Sport Definitions

Safe Sport Policy Suite – Definitions

Common terms used in the above suite of Safe Sport policies are defined in this document.

Who do I contact regarding a Safe Sport issue?

Please email safesport@basketball.on.ca with all matters. Issues will be triaged whether they can be handled by the Fair Play Committee or by the external third party.

The above policy suite was developed by Sport Law and approved by the Ontario Basketball Board of Directors in October 2023.

The Canadian Sport Helpline

The Canadian Sport Helpline is a national secure and confidential listening and independent service for victims and witnesses wishing to share or obtain information regarding harassment, abuse, and discrimination in sport. A team of practitioners with expertise in counselling, psychology, and sport will act as Operators of the Canadian Sport Helpline. Victims and witnesses may access the toll-free Helpline from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET), 7 days per week by telephone, text, live chat, or email in both official languages.

Anyone with a concern should feel comfortable reaching out to this free and confidential service. Additional information on their service and how to contact them can be found at: abuse-free-sport.ca. The abuse free sport phone and texting line is accessible at 1-888-83-SPORT, or by email at info@abuse-free-sport.ca.

Other Resources

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