SAFE SPORT
Esports belongs to everyone. That’s why we are committed to creating spaces, both in-person and online, where every participant can thrive without fear of harm, mistreatment, or discrimination. From tournaments and LANs to digital servers and team chats, we hold ourselves and our community to the highest standard, cultivating a culture of empathy, respect, and fair play.
Together, we are building a safer, more welcoming home for esports in Canada.
Know the risks.
Spot the signs.
Screening.
Standards.
Report.
Respond.
Rule of Two
Esport Canada has adopted the Coaching Association of Canada’s Rule of Two. All physical interactions and digital communications must remain open, observable, and transparent. This happens by ensuring that all communication takes place in open spaces or group channels with at least two screened adults present.
Learn more at Coaches Association of Canada
Code of Conduct
Every player, coach, official, and spectator is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, and fair play in all physical and digital environments. To ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone, all participants must abide by our Code of Conduct and Ethics.
This policy outlines clear expectations for behavior across competition venues, live streams, servers, and official team spaces, while strictly prohibiting all forms of maltreatment, harassment, and unsportsmanlike conduct. By participating in Esport Canada programs and events, you commit to fostering a respectful culture where sportsmanship and accountability come first.
Anti-Doping
Esport Canada upholds the Canadian Anti-Doping Program to align with Sport Integrity Canada and WADA standards, reinforcing our commitment to clean, fair competition. While testing infrastructure evolves, we require all players to maintain the highest levels of integrity in sport. Our Anti-Doping policy is meant to safeguard our players' health, protect their competitive eligibility, and ensure every victory is earned through skill and true sportsmanship.
Esports for All
We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging across all levels of our community. Our policies champion the full participation of all gender identities, expressions, racial and cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we are dedicated to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by fostering inclusive opportunities and meaningful participation for Indigenous players and communities.
By actively dismantling barriers and promoting respect across every arena and digital space, we ensure that Canadian esports is a welcoming home for everyone.
UCCMS
Esport Canada has adopted the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS). As a core pillar of our safe sport framework, the UCCMS establishes consistent definitions of prohibited behaviors, including physical, psychological, and sexual maltreatment, and enforces rigorous reporting and accountability mechanisms. By embedding these national standards into our operations, we ensure that safety, dignity, and participant protection remain the foundation of every event, digital space, and program we deliver.
Competition Integrity
Protecting the integrity, fairness, and transparency of esports requires a collective commitment to zero tolerance for game manipulation and misconduct. Through our Whistleblower Policy, players and participants can report unethical behavior or policy breaches in a strictly confidential, secure manner. Administered by our Ethics & Integrity Officer, this process guarantees protected reporting to preserve the trust and credibility of our sport.
Physical Well-Being & Intentional Screen Time
Every player’s in-game success is supported by their overall health, well-being, and readiness outside the game. Esport Canada takes a holistic approach to player development, recognizing that physical fitness, proper nutrition, and restful sleep are essential foundations for reaction times, sustained focus, and peak competitive performance. Alongside physical conditioning, we advocate for safe and intentional screen time practices—such as structured breaks, eye strain prevention, and balanced daily routines—to protect cognitive endurance and prevent burnout. By prioritizing the whole-player-experience, we empower each gamer to optimize their performance on the screen while building healthy, sustainable habits for life.
Concussion Protocol
Player health comes first—that’s why we take every precaution to protect participants from concussions and support safe return to play. If a concussion is suspected, follow these essential steps:
1. Recognize & Remove: Immediately stop play and remove any participant showing concussion signs or symptoms.
2. Seek Medical Assessment: The athlete must be evaluated by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner before returning to any activity.
3. Supervised Recovery: Follow a 5-stage Graduated Return-to-Participation protocol, slowly reintroducing screen time and practice as symptoms resolve.
4. Official Clearance: Provide a signed Medical Clearance Letter from a physician prior to resuming full competition.
Need Help or Support?
Safe Esports isn't just about rules—it's about supporting community well-being. If you are experiencing distress, mental health challenges, or need immediate assistance, confidential support is available:
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Abuse-Free Sport Helpline: Call/Text 1-888-83SPORT (7:00 AM – 11:00 PM ET)
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Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 (24/7)
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Crisis Suicide Prevention Service: Call or Text 988 (24/7)