Terms and Roles
A reference guide to the key terms and participant roles in the Hockey Canada maltreatment complaint process.
Download PDFUnderstanding the terminology and the roles of the people involved in the maltreatment complaint process is important for all participants. This page defines the key terms used throughout the process and explains who does what.
Key Terms
Maltreatment
Conduct that causes or risks causing harm to a participant, including abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, or neglect), harassment, discrimination, and other prohibited behaviours as defined in the UCCMS.
Abuse
A category of maltreatment that includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and neglect. Each type is defined in detail in the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS).
Harassment
A course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. Harassment may be based on a protected ground (e.g., race, gender, disability) or may be personal in nature.
Discrimination
Treating a person differently or less favourably because of a protected characteristic such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.
Prohibited Behaviour
Any conduct defined as prohibited under the UCCMS or Hockey Canada's Maltreatment Complaint Management Policy, including but not limited to abuse, harassment, discrimination, and grooming.
Confidentiality
The obligation of all parties and participants in the complaint process to keep the details of the complaint, the identity of the parties, and the outcome private, except as required by law or permitted by the policy.
Interim Measures
Temporary steps taken during a complaint process to protect the safety and well-being of participants while the matter is being investigated. Interim measures are not a finding of wrongdoing.
Sanction
A consequence imposed on a respondent following a finding that maltreatment occurred. Sanctions may include a reprimand, suspension, mandatory education, or a permanent ban from participation.
Roles in the Process
Complainant
A person who submits a maltreatment complaint. The complainant may be the person who experienced the maltreatment, or a third party reporting on their behalf (e.g., a parent reporting on behalf of a minor, a local association, a witness).
Respondent
The person against whom a maltreatment complaint has been filed. The respondent has the right to be informed of the allegations and to respond to them.
Independent Third Party (ITP)
Sport Dispute Management Inc. has been appointed by Hockey Canada as the Independent Third Party to receive, assess, and administer maltreatment complaints. The ITP operates independently of Hockey Canada.
Case Manager
A staff member of the ITP who manages the day-to-day administration of a complaint file, communicates with the parties, and coordinates the process.
Investigator
An independent professional appointed to conduct a formal investigation into a maltreatment complaint. The investigator gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and produces a written report with findings.
Adjudicator
An independent professional appointed to conduct a hearing process and issue a written decision, setting out the findings of fact, determination of whether a violation of an applicable code or policy occurred and issue appropriate sanctions.
Support Person
A person chosen by a party (complainant or respondent) to provide emotional support during the process. A support person may attend meetings or hearings but does not act as a representative or advocate.
Legal Representative
A lawyer or other authorized representative who may assist a party in the complaint process. Parties may choose to obtain independent legal counsel but are not required to do so.
Witness
A person with relevant knowledge or information about the alleged maltreatment who may be interviewed by the investigator/adjudicator or called to provide evidence.
Hockey Canada
The national governing body for hockey in Canada. Hockey Canada is responsible for establishing the maltreatment complaint policy, but does not participate in individual complaint proceedings (unless acting as a complainant).
Provincial / Territorial Member
The provincial or territorial hockey association to which the respondent belongs. Members may have their own policies and processes that run concurrently with the Hockey Canada process.
Ready to submit a complaint?
Select your province or territory to be directed to the correct form.
Questions about these terms or roles?
Contact Sport Dispute Management Inc. for more information.