Safe Sport
Together, We Can Build a Safe Sport Culture
Safe sport refers to an environment that prioritizes the physical and psychological well-being of all participants. It involves a commitment to providing optimal experiences, while actively preventing and addressing all forms of maltreatment, including abuse, harassment, neglect, and discrimination.
Advancing safe sport is a shared responsibility that requires enhanced awareness, education, and clear actions for reporting. This page provides the resources and guidance to help advance safe sport in Manitoba.
Safe Sport Quick Links
The Protecting Youth in Sports Act
In accordance with The Protecting Youth in Sports Act, Sport Manitoba provides access to an Independent Third Party for participants to report any complaints of maltreatment in sport. This service is available only to participants involved in sport organizations recognized by Sport Manitoba. Sport Manitoba also offers safe sport policies and educational resources to help promote a safe environment for all.
Education & Support
Additional resources are available to further support safe participation in sport. These resources are designed to help athletes, coaches, parents, officials, and sport organizations recognize, respond to, and prevent all forms of maltreatment.
Safe Sport Line
Call our confidential help line at 1-833-656-SAFE (7233) if you're experiencing or witnessing any misconduct in sport, including bullying, harassment, hazing, or abuse. Sport participants have the right to experience a safe and welcoming sport environment.
For more information click HERE.
Submit a General Dispute
Sport participants who have a challenge or disagreement with a policy breach, Safe Sport violation, or unresolved issue can submit this matter.
Form can be found HERE.
Discipline & Complaints Policy
Review this policy for guidelines for submitting disputes.
For more information click HERE.
Disciplinary Outcomes
The following individuals, have been found to be in breach of Cheer Manitoba polices and procedures or the Cheer Manitoba Code of Conduct.
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Kelsi Holmberg
Kelis Holmberg was charged with theft while volunteering as the treasurer for the Manitoba Cheer Foundation (now Cheer Manitoba). She was found guilty of said theft and was sentenced to 9 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution and submit a letter of apology to Cheer Manitoba. You can find the court record HERE.
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Nick Verburg
On January 26, 2023, a Decision of the Cheer Manitoba Discipline Panel was released (the "Decision"). The Decision found that Nicholas Verburg breached the following sections of the Cheer Manitoba Code of Conduct and Ethics: sub sections 7 (a)i-iii, v and vi; s 7(b)i ; and 9 (b) and (c). The Decision was reached following a hearing process in which Mr.Verburg participated, and arrived at the understanding that certain past behaviours needed to change. For that reason, Mr. Verburg rested his defense prior to calling all of the evidence which was going to be called. Mr. Verburg expressed remorse in his testimony, and demonstrated that he understands that his behaviour caused harm and hurt to others, sometimes severe harm and hurt. His remorse, together with the commitment to safe sport principles embodied in the practices of his gym, Vision, demonstrates his ability to take accountability, to learn and to change his behaviours. Consequently, the sanction issued by the Discipline Panel was time served during Mr. Verburg's interim suspension of 15 weeks.
Previously a Statement regarding this matter was posted by Cheer Manitoba in error. Cheer Manitoba apologizes for any confusion or harm caused by that error.
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The above statement is current and reflects the changes from the previous statement. The decision was based on the previous version of the Cheer Manitoba Code of Conduct and Ethics which can be found HERE.