Safeguarding Policy
1. Policy Statement
Promoting and ensuring the wellbeing of everyone connected to Sierra Sport Paladin is our top priority. We are dedicated to stopping any harassment, abuse, or rights violation, and to taking the necessary steps to guarantee the security and safety of those who participate in our activities.
The Safe Sport International safeguarding statute serves as the foundation for this policy, as does relevant guidance from the government of Sierra Leone and other relevant governmental authorities, ministries, and agencies. Sierra Sport Paladin will take action to comply with current safeguarding legislation before the standards outlined in this policy, should this policy ever be found to be at odds with the body of law.
In order to fulfill its responsibilities as a sport organization provider and a non-governmental organization subject to National Sports Authority (NSA) regulation, Sierra Sport Paladin has put this safeguarding policy into place.
2. Scope
Everyone associated with Sierra Sport Paladin is covered by this safeguarding policy, including but not limited to employees, volunteers, participants, beneficiaries, partners, and stakeholders. This policy details how Sierra Sport Paladin guards against abuse and harassment of the aforementioned people.
3. Definitions
- Safeguarding: The process of taking all reasonable steps to recognize and mitigate risks and stop harassment and abuse of any type, including neglect, abuse of the body, sexual orientation, and emotional state.
- Harassment: Harassment and abuse encompass neglect, physical and psychological abuse, as well as sexual harassment. These abuse and harassing behaviors can happen alone or in combination. It might happen online or in person. Coercive, intentional, and unwanted harassment are all possible.
- Psychological abuse: Any unwanted behavior that may weaken a person’s sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth is considered psychological abuse. This includes verbal assault, confinement, isolation, humiliation, intimidation, and infantilization.
- Physical abuse: Any intentional, unwanted act that results in bodily damage or injury, such as beatings, punchings, kicks, biting, or burning. These acts may also include forced alcohol intake, forced doping procedures, or forced or unsuitable physical activity (e.g., age, physique—excessive training loads when injured or in pain).
- Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted sexually suggestive speech or behavior, including when permission is twisted, coerced, or refused. Sexual abuse can manifest as sexual harassment.
- Neglect: This is when a coach or other person who owes the beneficiaries a duty of care fails to take action that results in harm being done, harm being allowed to happen, or harm being imminent.
4. Safeguarding Principles
Sierra Sport Paladin adheres to the subsequent guidelines for safeguarding:
- All individuals, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation, have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and justice.
- Everyone connected to Sierra Sport Paladin should feel empowered to report concerns or suspicions of abuse or harm since everyone bears responsibility for safeguarding.
- Any suspicions, claims, or events involving harassment and abuse ought to be treated seriously, looked into immediately, and the necessary steps to protect the victims’ safety and wellbeing.
5. Safeguarding Measures
- Requirement and selection: Sierra Sport Paladin makes sure that all employees, volunteers, and partners go through a rigorous screening process that includes background checks and extensive application processes.
- Code of conduct: All personnel connected to Sierra Sport Paladin follow a set code of conduct that specifies appropriate conduct and standards for treating others.
- Education and Awareness: To inform people about protective measures, identifying indicators of harassment and abuse, and reporting protocols, frequent education and awareness events are held.
- Reporting Procedures: People can report concerns or suspicions of abuse or harm by using an easily available reporting system. Reports are treated with confidentiality, and depending on how serious the occurrence was, the proper action is taken.
- Reaction and Support: Sierra Sport Paladin offers assistance to victims of abuse and harassment, including access to counseling, medical care, and other resources that are required to promote their healing and general well-being.
- Monitoring and assessment: To consistently gauge the success of the safeguarding strategy and pinpoint areas in need of development, Sierra Sport Paladin has put in place a monitoring and assessment mechanism.
- Disciplinary Decisions, Measures, and Sanctions: Sierra Sport Paladin offers disciplinary procedures, including disciplinary decisions, measures, and sanctions, in response to reported acts of harassment and abuse.
6. Safeguarding Coordinator
Sierra Sport Paladin designates a specific safeguarding coordinator who is in charge of directing the application and adherence to this policy. When reporting issues and making sure the proper procedures are followed, the coordinator should be contacted as the initial point of contact.
7. Policy Review
To guarantee this safeguarding policy’s continued applicability, adherence to legal requirements, and efficient execution, it will be reviewed yearly or more frequently as needed.
Purpose
This safeguarding policy outlines Sierra Sport Paladin’s dedication to guaranteeing the safety and welfare of everyone who interacts with our organization, including volunteers, employees, participants, and recipients. The goal of this policy is to establish a secure and welcoming atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and abuse. The beneficiaries of this safety policy are called the “athletes.”