Wade Huber, a former coach at the University of Regina, has been suspended from a national athletics organization, Athletics Canada, following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving young athletes. These complaints were reported to the office of the Athletics Canada commissioner, who recently released an executive summary of the decision.
Violations of Code of Conduct
In the commissioner’s decision, Wade Huber was found to have violated his responsibilities under the 2015 Athletics Canada Code of Conduct and Ethics. His actions were deemed to constitute grooming, psychological maltreatment, and sexual maltreatment under the 2021 Athletics Canada Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport.
University’s Response
The University of Regina terminated Wade Huber’s employment in September of the previous year after conducting an internal investigation into allegations of misconduct.
Whistleblower Complaint
Following Huber’s dismissal from the University of Regina, a whistleblower filed a code of conduct complaint on October 17, 2022, alleging misconduct by Huber toward athletes he had coached from March 13 to July 2022. The complaint detailed instances where Huber was observed massaging female athletes during practice, even when experienced trainers were available for that task. It also cited incidents where he was observed in an intoxicated state at practice and in a hotel where the team was staying for a competition.
Investigation and Findings
In response to the whistleblower’s complaint, the commissioner’s office conducted an investigation, including interviews with 14 witnesses from November 28, 2022, to April 14, 2023. The investigation revealed six allegations against Huber. Three of these allegations, including one involving a consensual kiss that occurred when Huber did not hold a position of authority, were dismissed.
Boundary Violations and Inappropriate Comments
One of the findings indicated that Huber had demonstrated preferential treatment towards a group of female athletes, forming close relationships that included text message exchanges, late-night phone calls, and visits to their homes. These actions were seen as blurring the lines between acceptable coach/athlete relationships and potentially crossing into inappropriate behavior.
Huber was also alleged to have made comments about female athletes’ body parts and clothing, with Fraser’s report stating that such comments constituted “boundary violations.”
Inappropriate Photo and Suspension
Another allegation involved Huber taking an inappropriate photo of one of the female athletes he coached. This incident was reported as upsetting to the witness who discovered the photo. The two remaining allegations, involving Huber appearing at the track facility in a state of intoxication, were unsubstantiated.
Consequences and Suspension
As a result of these findings, Wade Huber has been suspended indefinitely from participating in any program, practice, activity, event, or competition sanctioned by Athletics Canada or any of its members or affiliates. He has the opportunity to apply for reinstatement of his membership after September 13.