Safe Sport & Privacy
The people behind the game.
Put people first. Know where to turn.
A starting point for volunteer youth-sports managers, coaches and families in British Columbia. Use your organization's safeguarding and privacy procedures and consult the official resources below for current guidance.
This educational resource is not a reporting service, legal advice or a substitute for safeguarding training. It is not 73smile's website privacy policy.
Start with your organization
- Ask for the current code of conduct, safeguarding procedures and designated contact.
- Confirm required volunteer screening and training with your club or school.
- Find out which reporting channels apply to your team and how families can access them.
- Confirm procedures for supervision, travel, rooming arrangements and communications involving young athletes.
Keep communications appropriate
Use organization-approved channels and follow its rules for including parents, guardians or other designated adults. Confirm expectations for direct messages, group chats and urgent updates before the season begins.
- Keep routine team messages focused on schedules, logistics and participation.
- Do not use team group chats to discuss sensitive concerns or individual circumstances.
- Ask your designated representative how to handle communications that fall outside routine team administration.
Handle team information carefully
Before collecting information, ask what your organization actually needs, which system it approves and who is authorized to access it.
- Avoid collecting duplicate personal records when an approved system already holds them.
- Keep contact lists, attendance records and financial details within approved access arrangements.
- Handle health information, rooming preferences and other sensitive details through your organization's designated process rather than public spreadsheets or group chats.
- Confirm organizational permission and consent procedures before sharing photos, names or identifiable team information publicly.
- Ask how records should be handed over, retained or removed at season end.
Privacy requirements depend on the organization and circumstances. For questions about your obligations, consult the appropriate privacy authority or a qualified adviser.
If someone raises a concern
Listen respectfully and use the applicable reporting process. Do not investigate allegations yourself or circulate details in team chats. Ask the relevant reporting body about its scope, confidentiality and next steps; do not promise outcomes or absolute confidentiality.
If anyone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Do not wait for a team meeting or a website response.
Official Canadian starting points
Sport Integrity Canada
Find information about the Canadian Safe Sport Program, reporting processes, support services and educational resources. Check the program's scope and participating organizations rather than assuming it covers every local team.
viaSport British Columbia
Explore BC sport information and look for current safe-sport guidance and resources relevant to your organization.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Find official privacy information and resources. Confirm which privacy authority and rules apply to your organization.
Visit the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Before the season begins
- Identify the designated safeguarding and privacy contacts.
- Confirm training, supervision and communication expectations.
- Use approved systems for team information.
- Give families the applicable reporting information.
- Clarify record handover and season-closeout responsibilities.
73smile is an independent Canadian resource. Links are provided as official starting points, not endorsements, partnerships or confirmation of a particular reporting body's jurisdiction.