Bowls Alberta’s Safe Sport Huddle Project

Bowls Alberta's Safe Sport Huddle Project

Bowls Alberta's Safe Sport Huddle Project, spanning a year, aimed at educating and empowering leaders and members within Bowls Alberta and its affiliated clubs on Safe Sport principles. Through a series of educational "huddles," the project addressed the importance of Safe Sport, fostering a cultural shift within sport settings, and creating safe and welcoming spaces for all participants.

Key Initiatives:

  1. Educational Huddles:
    • Conducted huddles for various stakeholders, including Board members, Safe Sport officers, coaches, and athletes.
    • Delivered educational content on the significance of Safe Sport, cultural shifts in sports environments, and the need for inclusive spaces.
  2. Policy Development:
    • Produced a comprehensive manual for Bowls Alberta and each member club, incorporating a Safe Sport statement, Code of Conduct, and the Safe Sport policy suite.
    • The manual served as a resource document, including information for coaches, conflict resolution guidance, and resources on emergencies and weather protocols.
  3. Support for Safe Sport Officers:
    • Collaborated with Volunteer Alberta to create comprehensive job descriptions for Safe Sport Officers (SSOs) to provide clarity on their roles and responsibilities.
    • Assisted clubs in adopting volunteer positions to ensure proper monitoring and screening of volunteers.

Outcomes and Future Impact:

  1. Unified Safe Sport Policies:
    • Established a consistent Safe Sport Policy Suite for Bowls Alberta and member clubs, aligned with Universal Code of Conduct standards.
  2. Increased Awareness and Safety Practices:
    • Clubs have implemented emergency plans, supported first aid training, introduced social media policies, and enhanced weather protocols.
    • Members are now more conscious of their behavior, with some clubs sharing behavior expectations before tournaments.
  3. Empowered Safe Sport Officers:
    • Recognized the need for SSOs at both provincial and club levels, with volunteers showing a keen interest in supporting and educating their respective communities.
    • Positive growth observed in understanding and implementing safety practices, contributing to a safer and more welcoming environment.

Bowls Alberta's Safe Sport Huddle Project has not only addressed immediate challenges but has also laid the groundwork for sustained growth, understanding, and commitment to Safe Sport principles within the organization and its affiliated clubs.