Safe Sport & Concussions

Manitoba Paddling Association's Safe Sport & Athlete Protection Information

We openly and proudly commit all Manitoba Paddling Association clubs to Sport Manitoba's Safe Sport, Keeping Kids Safe and Coaching Association of Canada principles, goals, and policies.

Contact safesport@sportmanitoba.ca with any inquiries about their Awareness, Prevention & Action pillars.

The Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP)

Everyone has the right to train and compete in safe, respectful, and supportive environments and believe Canada’s sport system should prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

This is the intention of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), which clearly defines prohibited behaviours for anyone subject to the code. For sport participants to be protected, there has to be a way for individuals who engage in unacceptable conduct to be held accountable.

Committed to providing a safe, timely, reliable and procedurally fair environment for anyone involved in a report of maltreatment. Everyone connecting with their team will be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. You can connect with the CSSP support team by email or phone or anonymously through RealResponse, in English and/or French. Contact them here.

The CSSP will replace the Abuse-Free Sport Helpline, created by the SDRCC in 2019 will wind down on March 31, 2025. For more information, please visit their website here.

Concussion Awareness

Concussions can occur while participating in any sport or recreational activity. Since the circumstances under which a concussion can be sustained are so varied, it’s important for all coaches, parents, and athletes to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and what to do if a concussion occurs. MPA is committed to increased education, awareness, and established protocols that will assist you in gaining the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of your athletes. We can all work together to ensure a safe sport environment, and we recommend watching the Concussion 101 Video and reviewing the information below for all members.

To view or download any of the following forms or documents, please click on the link associated with the document.

Pre-season Concussion Education Sheet

Includes Return to School and Return to Sports Strategy

How can I help prevent concussions and their consequences?

Concussion prevention, recognition and management require athletes to follow the rules and regulations of their sport, respect their opponents, avoid head contact, and report suspected concussions.

Concussion Recognition Tool “Recognize & Remove”

Head impacts can be associated with serious and potentially fatal brain injuries. The Concussion Recognition Tool 5 is to be used for the identification of suspected concussions. It is not designed to diagnose concussions.

Medical Assessment Tool

This document can be used by an athlete’s Physician or Nurse Practitioner as the official “Medical Assessment Tool”

Medical Clearance Letter

Athletes who are diagnosed with a concussion should be managed according to the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport including the Return-to-School and Return-to-Sport Strategies. No athlete that has been diagnosed and is being treated for a concussion can be “returned to play” without presenting the Medical Clearance Letter.

“Return to Play” Protocol

A concussion is a serious event, but you can recover fully from such an injury if the brain is given enough time to rest and recuperate. Returning to normal activities, including sports participation, is a step-wise process that requires patience, attention, and caution.