Safe Sport at AEF

The Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM) is Alberta’s independent reporting and resolution system for serious misconduct in sport.

The ABSSCM is coordinated by the Alberta Sport Leadership Association (ASLA), which supports a safe, inclusive, and well-governed sport system across Alberta through shared policies, education, and sector-wide tools.

It is administered by ALIAS, an Independent Third Party Mechanism (ITPM) that is

• Staffed by trained, neutral Safe Sport professionals
• Independent from AEF staff and Board of Directors
• Applied consistently across Alberta sport organizations
• Focused on safety, fairness, and due process

In simple terms:
ASLA oversees the provincial Safe Sport framework, the ABSSCM is the provincial Safe Sport system, and ALIAS is the independent body that operates it and manages complaints.

AEF does not investigate Safe Sport complaints internally. All reports are submitted through the ABSSCM and reviewed by ALIAS.

Read the ABSSCM – Reporting and Independent Resolustion Policy

Learn more about ASLA

The ABSSCM applies to all AEF members and all AEF related activities when a concern involves Prohibited Behaviour (maltreatment) connected to AEF activities.

This may include reports involving:

• Athletes and riders
• Coaches and instructors
• Officials and judges
• Volunteers
• Staff and Board members
• Parents/guardians (when involved in AEF activities)
• Affiliated clubs/organizations (when participating in or connected to AEF activities)

Important:
The ABSSCM is used for maltreatment-related concerns. Other matters (for example: competition rules and officiating decisions) are typically handled through AEF or other appropriate processes.

Read the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct

The AB UCC applies to all AEF members and participants, including:

• Athletes, riders and drivers
• Coaches and instructors
• Officials and judges
• Volunteers
• Staff and board members
• Parents/guardians involved in AEF activities
  

Once a report is submitted:

• ALIAS reviews the concern and determines which jurisdiction applies
• If the concern meets the definition of maltreatment under the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (ABUCC), it remains with ALIAS for Safe Sport handling
• If the concern does not fall under the ABUCC, ALIAS will redirect it to the appropriate organization, which may include AEF or the NSO for internal handling through the appropriate policy or process

This approach ensures:

• One clear reporting pathway
• Independent screening and jurisdictional assessment
• Appropriate handling based on the nature of the concern

After a report is submitted through the ITPM complaint form:

• A trained, qualified, and neutral ALIAS Case Manager reviews the report
• The Case Manager determines whether the concern meets the definition of maltreatment under the ABUCC
• If the concern falls within Safe Sport jurisdiction, ALIAS manages the process independently
  
  Appropriate next steps are determined, which may include:
  • Education or early resolution
  • Investigation
  • Independent hearing or adjudication

AEF’s role is to implement outcomes, not influence decisions.
Not all reports result in investigations or sanctions; outcomes depend on the nature and context of the concern.

The ABSSCM is designed to ensure:

• Confidential handling of information
• Procedural fairness for all parties
• Protection against retaliation
• Participant safety as a priority

AEF is committed to:

• Supporting a culture of respect and accountability
• Ensuring clear and accessible reporting pathways
• Educating participants about Safe Sport responsibilities
• Aligning all internal policies with provincial requirements