Safe Sport at AEF

Our commitment to a safe, respectful sport environment

AEF is committed to fostering equestrian sport environments that are safe, respectful, and inclusive, where everyone can participate with confidence and trust.

All complaints, whether related to Safe Sport or other conduct concerns, must first be submitted through the ABSSCM, which is coordinated provincially by the Alberta Sport Leadership Association (ASLA) and administered by ALIAS, Alberta’s Independent Third Party Mechanism (ITPM). This ensures all concerns connected to AEF are reviewed confidentially and independently from AEF, and directed to the appropriate process with safeguards in place for everyone involved.

Safe Sport is about prevention, accountability, and protection, not punishment for reasonable coaching decisions, performance feedback, or everyday sport disagreements.

View the Safe Sport Policy Suite here.

What is the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM)?

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 Resolution Policy

Learn more about ASLA

Who does the ABSSCM apply to?

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.

What is the Alberta Universal Code of Conduct (ABUCC)?

Who does the AB UCC apply to?

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

What is considered maltreatment?

Psychological Maltreatment

Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation
Humiliation or degrading behaviour

Physical Maltreatment

Non-accidental physical harm
Unsafe training practices
Withholding medical care or rest

Sexual maltreatment

Sexual activity without consent
Grooming behaviours
Sexualized comments or contact

Neglect

Failure to protect a participant
Ignoring safety risks
Withholding necessary support

Discrimination & Harassment

Behaviour based on protected grounds (e.g., race, gender, disability)

Important: Maltreatment does not include reasonable coaching decisions, performance feedback, or selection decisions made in good faith.

How to report a Safe Sport concern

All Safe Sport concerns must be reported directly to ALIAS through the ABSSCM.

A report may be submitted by:

Someone who experienced the behaviour
A witness
Someone with reasonable grounds to believe maltreatment occurred

Reports must be made in good faith

Reports may be submitted anonymously
In some cases, the Case Manager may request additional information to continue the process

Report a Safe Sport Concern

Report a Safe Sport Complaint — _{Click to Report}

📞 1-855-603-0483

How complaints are assessed

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

What happens after a report is submitted?

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.

Confidentiality and fairness

AEF’s commitment to Safe Sport

Questions or Support

For general questions about Safe Sport (not to report a concern):

Safe Sport General Question Form

To report a complaint, use the ABSSCM reporting link.

or call: 1-855-603-0483

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