Our Commitment
Cycling NWT is committed to creating safe, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming cycling experiences for everyone across the Northwest Territories.
Whether someone is riding for the first time, participating in a community program, volunteering, coaching, officiating, or competing at a sanctioned event, they deserve to take part in an environment free from abuse, harassment, discrimination, bullying, violence, and maltreatment.
Safe Sport is a shared responsibility. Every participant, parent, coach, volunteer, official, Board member, and supporter has a role in helping create positive cycling experiences where people feel respected, supported, and able to participate fully. Cycling NWT has adopted the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport as part of its conduct standards.
Sport Integrity Policy Suite – Cycling NWT – July 6, 2026.pdf
What Safe Sport Means
Safe Sport means more than responding when something goes wrong. It also means preventing concerns by setting clear expectations, providing education, screening people in positions of trust, and creating simple ways for people to speak up.
Cycling NWT supports Safe Sport through:
Clear standards of behaviour
All organizational participants are expected to follow Cycling NWT’s Code of Conduct and Ethics and treat others with respect, dignity, fairness, and integrity.
Sport Integrity Policy Suite – Cycling NWT – July 6, 2026.pdf
Screening and training
Coaches, volunteers, officials, Board members, and others in positions of trust may be required to complete appropriate screening, orientation, and Safe Sport education based on their role.
Athlete protection
Cycling NWT’s policies include safeguards for minors and other vulnerable participants, including expectations for appropriate communication, supervision, photography, and interactions between adults and youth.
Concussion safety
Cycling NWT has adopted a Concussion Policy and Code that includes concussion awareness, removal-from-sport procedures, and a gradual return-to-sport process. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion must be removed from activity and cannot return until the required medical steps have been completed.
Concussion Policy and Code – Cycling NWT – July 6, 2026.pdf
Independent complaint processes
Reports and complaints are handled through the pathways outlined in Cycling NWT’s Sport Integrity and Complaints Policy. Depending on the concern, a matter may be addressed through education, informal resolution, an independent review, a formal investigation, or referral to the appropriate external authority.
Sport Integrity Policy Suite – Cycling NWT – July 6, 2026.pdf
Protection from retaliation
No one should be punished, threatened, or treated unfairly for raising a concern in good faith. Cycling NWT’s policies prohibit retaliation and include a separate Whistleblower Policy for concerns involving organizational wrongdoing.
If You Have a Concern
If you experience or witness behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, disrespected, or concerned for someone else, please speak up.
You can:
- Speak with a coach, event leader, volunteer, Board member, or another trusted person.
- Contact Cycling NWT at info@cyclingnwt.ca.
- Submit a concern through the Safe Sport Reporting Form.
- Review the Sport Integrity Policy Suite for more information about how reports and complaints are handled.
- Contact emergency services or the appropriate authority if someone may be in immediate danger.
Every concern will be taken seriously and handled as respectfully, fairly, and confidentially as possible.
What Happens After a Report?
Once a concern is received, the next steps will depend on the nature and seriousness of the situation.
A concern may:
- be addressed through education or an informal resolution,
- be referred to an Independent Third Party,
- require a formal investigation or hearing,
- result in temporary safety measures,
- or be referred to police, child protection, medical services, or another external authority when appropriate.
Cycling NWT will follow its policies and the principles of procedural fairness while protecting the safety and well-being of those involved.
Sport Integrity Policy Suite – Cycling NWT – July 6, 2026.pdf
Concussion Awareness
A concussion is a brain injury that may result from an impact to the head, face, neck, or body. Signs and symptoms may appear immediately or develop over time.
When a concussion is suspected:
- the athlete must be removed from the activity,
- they must not return to riding, training, or competition that day,
- a parent or guardian must be informed when the athlete is under 18,
- and the athlete must follow Cycling NWT’s medical assessment and return-to-sport requirements.
When in doubt, sit them out.
Concussion Policy and Code – Cycling NWT – July 6, 2026.pdf
Recommended Training
Cycling NWT encourages coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, and participants to continue learning about Safe Sport.
Recommended training includes:
- Safe Sport Training
- Understanding the Rule of Two
- NCCP Making Head Way in Sport
- Emergency Action Plan
- Creating a Positive Sport Environment
Together, We Make Cycling Safer
Safe Sport does not belong to one person or one policy. It is created through the everyday choices we make, how we speak to one another, how we respond when someone needs help, and how we make room for everyone to participate.