Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

1. Introduction

The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the surfing community. We recognize that embracing diverse perspectives enriches the sport and fosters a more innovative and compassionate environment. Our commitment extends to all individuals, with a particular focus on marginalized communities, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate, excel, and contribute to the sport of surfing.

2. Objectives

Promote Equal Opportunities: Ensure that all individuals, regardless of their

background, have access to surfing programs, competitions, and leadership positions

within the SFI.

Foster an Inclusive Culture: Create an environment where all members feel valued,

respected, and supported, encouraging a sense of belonging.

Address Barriers to Participation: Identify and eliminate obstacles that prevent

marginalized communities from engaging in surfing activities.

Enhance Representation: Increase the visibility and participation of underrepresented groups in all aspects of surfing, including coaching, officiating, and administration.

3. Strategies

Community Outreach and Engagement: Collaborate with local organizations to

introduce surfing to marginalized communities, providing resources and support to encourage participation.

Education and Training: Implement workshops and training sessions on cultural

competency, anti-discrimination, and inclusive practices for coaches, officials, and members.

Accessible Programs: Develop programs that cater to the needs of diverse groups,

including adaptive surfing initiatives for individuals with disabilities and programs tailored for women and girls.

Mentorship and Leadership Development: Establish mentorship programs to support

individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing leadership roles within the surfing community.

Policy Review and Development: Regularly assess and update policies to ensure they

promote EDI principles and address any systemic biases.

4. Commitment to Marginalized Communities

SFI acknowledges the historical underrepresentation of certain communities in surfing. We are dedicated to:

Supporting Indigenous and Tribal Communities: Recognize and honor the rich

cultural heritage of indigenous and tribal communities by facilitating their involvement in surfing and related activities.

Empowering Women and Girls: Address gender disparities by creating safe and

supportive spaces for women and girls to engage in surfing, including leadership opportunities.

Including Persons with Disabilities: Develop adaptive surfing programs and ensure

accessibility to facilities and events for individuals with disabilities.

Engaging Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups: Provide affordable access to

equipment, training, and events to individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure the effectiveness of our EDI initiatives, SFI will:

Set Measurable Goals: Establish clear targets for increasing diversity and inclusion within the organization and the broader surfing community.

Collect and Analyze Data: Regularly gather data on participation and representation to identify areas for improvement.

Solicit Feedback: Engage with members and stakeholders to obtain feedback on EDI efforts and make necessary adjustments.

Report Progress: Maintain transparency by sharing updates on EDI initiatives and outcomes with the community.

6. Accountability

All members of the Surfing Federation of India, including staff, coaches, athletes, and volunteers, are responsible for upholding this policy. Any form of discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior will not be tolerated and will be addressed promptly in accordance with our code of conduct.

7. Conclusion

The Surfing Federation of India is dedicated to creating a surfing community that reflects the diversity of our society. By implementing this Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, we aim to ensure that surfing is accessible, welcoming, and enriching for all individuals, particularly those

from marginalized communities.

This policy is a living document and will be reviewed annually to reflect our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.