Safe Sport
Canadian Safe Sport Program
Equestrian Canada has adopted the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP), which is in effect as of April 1, 2025.
Through the CSSP Rules, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) independently administers the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) for federally funded, national-level sport organizations by receiving and responding to reports of prohibited behaviour, and by developing and carrying out education, prevention, and policy activities.
The CSSP Rules clearly and publicly set out how that will be done, including defined timelines at each stage of the reporting process. The CSSP also offers support services to connect participants with help along the way.
For more information about the CSSP and the UCCMS, click here.
How to report
As of April 1, the CCES 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, the CCES 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.
Report online: https://cces.ca/report-safe-sport
Report by phone: 1-866-971-CSSP (2777)
Get help and information
You can contact the CSSP team with questions or for support here: https://cces.ca/contactCSSP.
Complete your e-learning
Equestrian Canada will notify all designated participants who are subject to the CSSP. This includes, but is not limited to, specified athletes, board members, employees, casual staff, volunteers, and contractors, support staff, and medical staff.
Everyone who is subject to the CSSP must complete the e-learning course and sign the participant consent form. Equestrian Canada will distribute an invitation that includes a link to sign up, instructions, and a code to access the course from the CCES online education portal. If you have questions about your education requirements, email education@cces.ca.
Safe Sport is a collective responsibility. By reporting concerns of maltreatment in sport, you are contributing to building a safer sport environment.
Equestrian Canada’s Discipline, Complaints, and Appeals Policy and Code of Conduct and Ethics reflect and support the CSSP.
Reporting Safe Sport Violations
Sport Dispute Management (SDM), led by Jahmiah Ferdinand-Hodkin, is the independent third-party complaints manager who oversees the complaint process for EC.
Submit a Complaint – Report a Concern
Notice of Intention to Appeal
Resources
Equine Health & Welfare
Our sport does not only include humans, but our equine partners as well. Click below for the Active Equine Health and Welfare page, where you will find the Horse Welfare Code of Conduct.
Disciplinary Sanctions
In keeping with the Discipline, Complaints, and Appeals Policy, decisions on discipline matters involving a breach of EC Rules or policies are determined by a Hearing Panel and shall be a matter of public record at the discretion of EC. For applicable decisions, a summary of the Panel’s reasoned decision and the sanctions imposed (if any) will be made public.
Mandatory Safe Sport Training
Fostering Healthy Equestrian Environments and Concussion Awareness are two free online courses that must be completed by all Sport Licence Holders.
Questions?
To submit a complaint, please use the online complaint form or email EC’s Independent Third Party Complaint Manager, Jahmiah Ferdinand-Hodkin at complaints@sportdispute.com