FEDERATION SAFEGUARDING & ATHLETE WELFARE POLICY TEMPLATE
Document Code: DOC-15-GOV-SAFEGUARD
Author: Faculty of Federation Governance, Sports Administration & Marketing
1. Mandatory Safeguarding Mandate
Every affiliated national diamond sports federation must maintain a legally binding Child Protection & Athlete Welfare Policy. Athletic development must never compromise the emotional, physical, or moral safety of any participant.
2. The Four Pillars of Athlete Welfare
- Screening & Background Checks: Mandatory national police and criminal record vetting for all appointed coaches, team managers, umpires, and medical personnel prior to contact with athletes.
- The "Rule of Two": A certified adult supervisor must never be left alone in an enclosed, non-public area (locker room, hotel room, medical room) with a minor athlete; a second vetted adult must always be present.
- Mandatory Reporting Protocol: Any suspicion or disclosure of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse must be reported to statutory child protection authorities and the independent Federation Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours.
- Anti-Hazing & Anti-Bullying: Absolute zero tolerance for initiations, humiliation rituals, or peer abuse. Violations trigger automatic lifetime suspensions.
3. Independent Reporting Channel
Federations must provide a secure, confidential whistleblowing portal (safeguarding@federation.org) with whistleblower protection to ensure reporting without fear of sporting retaliation or deselection from national teams.