WINNIPEG (October 17, 2022) – Racquetball Canada is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to join Abuse-Free Sport, the new independent program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport.

Racquetball Canada, and its stakeholders, will have access to the services of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport, following a transition period which will end no later than January 15, 2023.

“Racquetball Canada Is fully committed to safe sport and we take it very seriously. We’re committed to doing our part to support a growing national movement that is changing the culture of sport in this country. As part of that commitment, we’re pleased to sign on to Abuse-Free Sport and to soon have the OSIC to administer our safe sport complaints,” Kathy Brook, Executive Director of Racquetball Canada said. “This consistent national program is long overdue, and Racquetball Canada wants to be leaders to ensure our sport and all sports are safe inclusive places to belong.”

During the transition period, Racquetball Canada is completing full adoption of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), which it must do before it can become part of the Abuse-Free Sport program, and making the required policy changes.

Prior to January 15, 2023, Racquetball Canada participants who have experienced or witnessed abuse will continue to have access to independent third-party services through W&W Dispute Resolution Services Inc. by contacting safesport_wwdrs@primus.ca

There is more information about the Abuse-Free Sport program HERE, on the OSIC HERE, and on Racquetball Canada HERE.

Racquetball Canada is the National Sport Organization for the sport of racquetball. As a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, our mission is to coordinate, govern and encourage the advancement of racquetball from the grassroots to the elite level across Canada. Our vision is to be a visible, vibrant sport enjoyed coast to coast by Canadians of all ages and abilities.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jan Hanson, Communications, Safe Sport & Diversity Director

communications@racquetballcanada.ca

Kathy Brook, Executive Director

execdirector@racquetballcanada.ca