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Dispute Resolution Secretariat (Tribunal)
Resolution Facilitation
Resolution facilitation (RF) is a simple, informal process where a neutral facilitator helps individuals in a sports dispute talk productively, understand each other's interests, and explore solutions. It is a confidential process, the facilitator is impartial, and it is designed to help parties communicate better.
What types of disputes can be facilitated?
Various issues such as national team selection, funding for the Athlete Assistance Program (carding), disciplinary sanctions, eligibility, safe sport matters/code of conduct violations (where appropriate) agreement interpretation, and other decisions that affect a member's participation.
It is also offered to parties in order to facilitate discussions in doping-related matters.
Who can file a Request for Resolution Facilitation?
Within federally-funded sport organizations
- National Sport Organizations (NSO) and other sport organizations who are federally-funded by Sport Canada: athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, board/committee members, and the organizations themselves.
- Free for disputes arising from the activities of a federally-funded sport organization, subject to SDRCC Services Conditions.
Outside the federally-funded system
- Provincial/Territorial sport organizations, local (club) organizations, or other sport organizations: many types of sports-related issues or disputes between sport participants/members or organizations can be facilitated.
- Offered on a fee-for-service basis.
When to file a Request for a Resolution Facilitation?
Resolution Facilitation can occur at any point, including before or after the initiation of an arbitration with the SDRCC, or before the internal disciplinary or appeal process of a sport organization.
How to File a Request
To file a Request and begin a Resolution Facilitation process:
- Each individual who will participate in the Resolution Facilitation process must complete the [Request Resolution Facilitation form] online.
- Review the following resources to help you prepare:
- Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code – outlines the SDRCC’s procedural rules;
- SDRCC Dispute Resolution Secretariat Service Conditions;
- List of Resolution Facilitators and Mediators;
- Legal Representatives and Pro Bono Program;
- Sport Solution Clinic – an AthletesCAN program offering free legal support to national team athletes.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the SDRCC, its services, or this forms, please contact us at tribunal@crdsc-sdrcc.ca .
While SDRCC staff cannot provide legal advice, they can offer general guidance on the SDRCC’s administrative procedures.
This overview does not constitute legal advice. It is intended only to explain how the SDRCC operates.
If any part of this overview differs from the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code or any applicable rules, regulations, or laws, those official sources will prevail.
