ATHLETICS NS IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE SPORT ENVIRONMENT
Athletics Nova Scotia in collaboration with Athletics Canada and other provincial and territorial member branches, announced the launch of the new National Safe Sport Program and national policies on October 14 2026.
This initiative strengthens our commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments for every participant as well as creating greater consistency across the Canadian athletics system. Approved by the Athletics Canada Board of Directors and the Athletics Nova Scotia Board of Directors, and in partnership with every Canadian provincial and territorial member branch, the program focuses on prevention, education, accountability, and participant wellbeing across all levels of the sport.
- National Safe Sport Policies: Athletics Nova Scotia has adopted and aligned their policy with Athletics Canada’s Safe Sport Policies and Athlete Protection Guidelines, which align with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) where applicable. Additionally, Athletics Nova Scotia adheres to national standards such as the Athletics Canada Policy on Transgender and Gender Diversity Inclusion, the national Concussion Protocol, national Travel Policy, Anti-Doping Policy, Screening Policy and the national Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Provincial Sport Policies: Operating specifically for track and field and cross-country running in the province, Athletics Nova Scotia implements its own foundational governance documents. These include the ANS Code of Conduct and Ethics, the Discipline Policy, the Appeals Process, the Transfer Policy, the Spectating Policy, the Schedule Change Policy, the Social Media Policy, the Equity and Access Policy, and the provincial Safe Sport Policy.
Athletics Nova Scotia and Athletics Canada have both taken the Responsible Coaching Movement pledge, reinforcing commitments through background screening, ethics training, and strict adherence to the Rule of Two. The National Safe Sport Program is an ongoing initiative that will continue to evolve through regular evaluation, expanded educational resources, and strengthen practices as the sport evolves and new best practices emerge.
To make a safe sport complaint, visit Sport Nova Scotia.
***PLEASE NOTE: This policy is for the sport of track and field and cross-country running only. If you are involved with another sport, please get in touch with that Provincial Sport Organization directly.
Safe Sport Training
Responsible Coaching Movement
- Athletics NS and Athletics Canada have both taken the responsible coaching movement pledge. The responsible coaching movement is a call for organizations to provide a safe sporting environment for all involved through the use of the rule of two, background screening and ethics training.
- Safe Sport Education for Youth
- Responsible Coaching Movement
- Rule of Two
- Rule of Two - Virtual Settings
