ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT
SAFE SPORT HANDBOOK
All the different information about safe sport can be confusing so we have decided to put it together for you in one place!
This Safe Sport Handbook outlines the main requirements and measures that Volleyball BC has in place to protect participants and respond to maltreatment and inappropriate behaviours. It covers topics such as:
- Our Code of Conduct and what it means
- How to report behaviour that is not in line with our Code of Conduct
- What does appropriate and inappropriate behaviour look like in volleyball?
- Screening and education requirements for leaders in volleyball
- Useful information and resources
In each section you will find useful information and practical tips about how the topic is relevant in volleyball.
Download and save this Handbook as your reference tool to ensure that volleyball is safe and enjoyable.
COACH GUIDE TO SAFE BEHAVIOURS
We’re proud to introduce our Coach Guide to Safe Behaviours in Volleyball.
We are grateful for all the coaches who work hard to deliver volleyball in BC. We want to make sure that you have the knowledge and resources you need to create a safe environment. This guide covers 7 tips from screening requirements and setting boundaries to understanding your duty to report inappropriate behaviour or incidents. We have also included some useful coaching resources, websites, and training tools on safety, well-being, and creating safe environments.
To provide feedback or ask questions about the Guide, please contact coach@volleyballbc.org
YOUTH GUIDE TO SAFE BEHAVIOURS
We’re proud to introduce our new Youth Guide to Safe Behaviours in Volleyball.
We want to make sure you have the information you need to identify when you experience unsafe or inappropriate behaviour in volleyball. This guide is intended to help you:
- Learn about and understand the Code of Conduct and expectations around behaviour.
- Understand appropriate versus inappropriate behaviour.
- Learn about Open and Observable Environments and what this means in volleyball.
- Understand who you can share concerns with and how to report inappropriate behaviour or incidents.
ONLINE TRAINING FOR YOUTH
Volleyball Canada has launched Safe Sport Education Resources for Youth.
Awareness and education are important in reducing maltreatment and abuse. This program covers essential topics such as recognizing and reporting abuse, setting boundaries, and promoting healthy relationships within sports communities. Through eight engaging and concise modules, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate potential risks and protect themselves and others.
After viewing all videos in order, participants will receive a certificate of completion via the email used to register.
Safe Sport Series
We’ve developed this series of handouts on important topics for you to keep yourselves and others safe from abuse, maltreatment, and inappropriate behaviour.
Click on one of the images to download and read a printable handout with all the key information you need to know.
SafeZone
Volleyball BC is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in volleyball across British Columbia. To support this commitment, Volleyball BC is pleased to introduce SafeZone, a resource designed to help participants, leagues, and district representatives navigate concerns, conflicts, and the complaint process.
SafeZone provides a confidential, welcoming space where individuals can ask questions, share experiences, and receive guidance on issues such as harassment, bullying, abuse, or other forms of maltreatment. Whether you are an athlete, coach, parent, official, or club representative, SafeZone offers personalized support to help you understand your options and take confident steps forward.
FOR PARTICIPANTS
SafeZone is here to help you understand your options before deciding to file a
complaint. We can assist you in navigating questions such as:
- What steps can I take to resolve a conflict before filing a formal complaint?
- What does the complaint process look like within my club or Volleyball BC?
- How do I know whether my issue should be addressed by the club or by Volleyball BC?
If you are unsure about what to do next, you can reach out to SafeZone to share your concerns, explore options, and gain clarity without fear of judgment.
FOR CLUB REPRESENTATIVES
Club administrators play a critical role in Volleyball BC’s safe sport system. SafeZone is available to provide support with:
- Understanding Volleyball BC’s jurisdiction and determining when an issue should be addressed locally versus when it needs to be escalated to Volleyball BC.
- Navigating complex issues within the discipline process, including items to consider before implementing decisions.
- Interpreting policies and processes to ensure they align with Volleyball BC’s expectations.
Our goal is to equip you with the confidence to manage situations effectively and escalate appropriately when necessary.
WHAT SAFEZONE OFFERS
A confidential and non-judgmental space to share concerns and ask
questions.Emotional support and an opportunity to talk through challenges you have
experienced or witnessed.Guidance on available options and support in understanding possible next steps.
Information on Volleyball BC’s complaint processes, jurisdiction, and additional resources.
Reaching out to SafeZone does not mean you are filing a formal complaint. All
conversations remain confidential unless you choose to take further action.
CONTACT SAFEZONE
If you are facing a challenging situation, have questions about the complaint process, or need support in addressing an issue, SafeZone is here to help.
To contact SafeZone, please reach out by email at safezone@itpsport.ca
#spikeBullying
Did you know that in a survey of our members 49% said that bullying is an issue in volleyball? That is not a result that we are proud of. Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, online – and in sport.
Bullying is deliberately hurting a person either physically, verbally, psychologically or socially. It involves a power imbalance where one person has power or strength (eg. physical, mental, social or financial) over another. It can be carried out by one person or several people who are either actively or passively involved. In sports bullying can take many forms:
- a parent telling their child they are useless
- a coach alienating an athlete
- a spectator verbally abusing players from the opposition
- an athlete calling a referee names
Bullying behaviour is damaging to all involved. We all have a responsibility to take action to prevent bullying occurring and manage it when it does. (Reference: playbythe rules)
How can I Show my Support?
Bullying behaviours have no place in volleyball. When you sign up to be a Volleyball BC member, you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct and Ethics.
This code outlines appropriate behaviour to uphold our core values and provide a positive environment where everyone is treated with respect and fairness.
The Code of Conduct has sections for Coaches, Referees, Players, Parents, and Spectators – take a read through about expected behaviour in each of your roles.
If someone breaks our Code of Conduct – by bullying or by other inappropriate behaviour – a complaint may be formally made using our Discipline and Complaints process
- Wear a pink shirt on Pink Shirt Day each February and post on social media with #spikebullying.
- Connect with and tag us on social media so we can share your supportive message.
- Check out the resources below to learn more about creating a positive culture in volleyball.
RESOURCES FOR PLAYERS & PARENTS
- What to do if you’re experiencing bullying.
- Youth support guide: Bullying.
- Tips for parents in creating a positive sport environment.
- Want to keep your kids in sport? Start during the ride home.
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
RESOURCES FOR COACHES
- Tips for Coaches to create a positive sport environment.
- USAV’s Spot the Warning Signs of Bullying
- USAV’s How to Win Against Bullying
- USAV’s 9 Easy Ways to Prevent Cliques
RESOURCES FOR REFEREES
- Tips for Officials to create a positive sport environment.
- Handling stressful situations and conflict management for referees.
what Else Are we Doing to create a safe environment?
TRAINING & EDUCATION
Volleyball Canada and Volleyball BC require that all individuals involved with the sport across the country take a free 90-minute safe sport training module, available via the Coaching Association of Canada website. This includes coaches, referees, parents of youth athletes, high performance staff and contractors, officials; and all administrative staff and volunteers whether they may have direct contact with athletes or not.
As part of Volleyball BC’s commitment to Safe Sport, our staff and Board have also completed Commit to Kids training.
SCREENING
Screening personnel and volunteers is an important part of providing a safe sporting environment and has become a common practice among sport organizations that provide programs and services to the community.
Volleyball BC’s Screening Policy outlines the requirements for all participants involved in volleyball in BC. Mandatory screening is required for all individuals in leadership roles who work directly with athletes. This includes all Staff, Directors, Chairs, Coaches, Managers, Referees, Chaperones and persons who manage finances.
GOVERNANCE & POLICIES
Volleyball BC has adopted several policies aimed at addressing the maltreatment of individuals in sport. These policies align with national and provincial policies including the BC Universal Code of Conduct. Our relevant policies include:
A full list of VBC policies can be found here.