The Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) has successfully completed its first year in operation. Out of the total 193 complaints of maltreatment in sports received between June 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, 66 were considered admissible and fell under the jurisdiction of the office. The admissibility of nine complaints is still pending as of June 30. For the complaints that the office could not address, 50 percent were referred to alternative organizations, such as provincial sport bodies or independent third-party investigators established by various sport organizations.
The primary goal of OSIC is to prevent and address maltreatment in sports and foster positive cultural change. Apart from its investigative and sanctioning powers, the office also conducts seminars and outreach programs for individuals involved in sports.
Currently, OSIC has the authority to investigate complaints in federally-funded sports and with organizations that have signed on with the office. Notably, 86 federal sports agencies have become signatories, representing around 17,000 athletes. Signing on with OSIC requires organizations to adhere to the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport, drafted by the commissioner.
Looking ahead, OSIC aims to expand its coverage to include provincial matters. An agreement has already been signed with Nova Scotia, and the office hopes to bring the province’s sports under its umbrella by the end of the year.
In terms of the types of maltreatment reported, 25 percent of the admissible complaints relate to psychological maltreatment, 17 percent involve sexual maltreatment, 11 percent are boundary transgressions, and nine percent pertain to physical maltreatment. Coaches are the primary subject of complaints, accounting for 40 percent of listed respondents, followed by board members (17 percent), athletes (16 percent), and management or administrators (15 percent).
As OSIC continues its mission to promote safe sport and address maltreatment, education about the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport is crucial. This will help create a strong understanding of the rules and expected behaviors in sports, prevent future maltreatment, and support a positive shift in sport culture.
The office also has plans to cover provincial matters, as an agreement has been reached with Nova Scotia. The expansion will further enhance OSIC’s ability to ensure integrity and safety in sports.
Overall, OSIC’s first year has seen significant progress in addressing maltreatment in sports, and the office remains dedicated to its mission.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
