OAS is pleased to share its new OAS Mental Health Emergency Action Plan (MH-EAP) and Return-to-Sport (RTS) Protocols, which are effective immediately.
These measures and procedures have been developed to support and protect our clubs, coaches, athletes, and volunteers, while providing clear guidance and direction when mental-health concerns or emergencies arise within our sport. The MH-EAP and RTS protocols have been reviewed by legal counsel and Canada Artistic Swimming (CAS) and align with national Safe Sport and mental-health best practices.
Purpose and Intent
The intent of these protocols is not to create barriers to care, but rather to ensure that everyone involved is supported appropriately, safely, and consistently. OAS’s role—like that of its clubs and coaches—is to recognize, respond, and refer, ensuring individuals receive timely and professional support while protecting all parties involved.
Coaches and the Athlete Relationship
OAS fully recognizes that the relationship between a coach and athlete is often close, trusted, and deeply meaningful. Athletes may feel most comfortable approaching their coach when they are experiencing mental-health challenges. We acknowledge how difficult it can be, in those moments, to step back when an athlete is seeking support, reassurance, or direct help.
However, while that instinct comes from care and compassion, the safest and most responsible course of action—for the athlete, the coach, and the club—is to ensure that mental-health concerns are addressed by qualified professionals.
Just as a coach would not attempt to diagnose or treat a physical injury, mental-health situations must be treated with the same standard of care. These protocols exist to provide clarity and reassurance in those moments, so that no one feels they must navigate a serious situation alone or outside the scope of their role.
Consistency in understanding and application across the province is essential to protecting our participants and maintaining a safe, supportive sport environment.
The new OAS Mental Health Emergency Action Plan (MH-EAP) and Return-to-Sport (RTS) Protocols can be found here or here.
We appreciate your cooperation in implementing these important measures. If you have questions regarding the MH-EAP or RTS protocols, please contact the OAS office.
Thank you for your continued commitment to athlete safety, wellbeing, and responsible coaching practices.