Chapter 13: Why safe sport is important

Part II — Safe sport in Canada

The Commission’s work reveals that maltreatment in sport is pervasive. Maltreatment not only harm victims and survivors, but can also cause long-term psychological, cognitive, social and physical impacts that go beyond the playing field.

There is no doubt that abuse and maltreatment have devastating impacts on victims and survivors. Countless athletes shared with us that, because of maltreatment, they felt forced to leave a sport they still loved and to which they had dedicated their whole lives.

Victims and survivors of maltreatment shared that they continued to deal with the life-altering consequences of abuse years after it stopped. They described feelings of shame, embarrassment and guilt, as well as thoughts of suicide and self-harm that lasted long after the periods of abuse and maltreatment.

Abuse was framed by victims as a “virus,” highlighting how it can “infect” not only the victims themselves, but also other athletes, their families and an entire community. The Commission also heard from parents whose children were victims and survivors of abuse. They repeatedly shared that the abuse and the process of reporting it had impacted the entire family. It was described as “devastating.” Various participants expressed deep disappointment and “disgust” with the sport system.

Through our work, we came to realize that the impact of maltreatment in sport extends far beyond individual harm: it strikes the very foundation of the sport system. When athletes experience or witness abuse, harassment, or neglect, whether physical, psychological, or emotional, it undermines their sense of safety and belonging in sport environments. This, in turn, reduces public trust in sport institutions and governing bodies, particularly when allegations of abuse are ignored, denied or handled without transparency. Parents become less willing to enroll their children in organized sport, and young athletes may withdraw entirely, leading to measurable declines in participation across age groups and disciplines.

Moreover, we learned that maltreatment disproportionately affects marginalized groups, making issues of equity and access worse. As trust in the system decreases, so does the pipeline of future athletes, coaches, and volunteers. This not only weakens competitive success but also the social and community-building power of sport itself.

A truly safe sport system is one where every participant, regardless of age, gender, background, or level of ability, feels respected, included, and supported. It is an environment in which individuals can engage fully, learn new skills, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of movement without fear of harm or discrimination. The social value of sport is immense: it builds character, strengthens communities, improves physical and mental health, and fosters national pride. But these benefits can only be fully realized when safety is a fundamental requirement, not an option. If we are to protect and preserve the positive power of sport in Canadian society, we must commit to creating systems that prioritize safety, dignity, equity and accountability for all.