Safeguarding & Harassment Reporting Policy

Surfing Federation of India (SFI) - Safeguarding and Harassment Reporting Policy

1. Introduction

The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive

environment for all participants, athletes, officials, volunteers, and stakeholders. This policy

outlines our approach to safeguarding and the process for reporting harassment, abuse, or

misconduct.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals involved in SFI-sanctioned activities, including but not

limited to athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, event organizers, and spectators.

3. Safeguarding Principles

Promote a culture of respect, equality, and inclusion within the surfing community.

Prevent and address all forms of harassment, abuse, and discrimination.

Provide clear reporting mechanisms for individuals to report concerns safely and

confidentially.

Ensure appropriate actions are taken against violations of this policy.

4. Definition of Harassment and Abuse

Harassment and abuse include, but are not limited to:

Physical abuse: Any physical act that causes harm or threatens safety.

Sexual harassment and abuse: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual

favors, or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Psychological abuse: Acts that cause emotional distress, intimidation, or humiliation.

Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or any

other protected status.

5. Reporting Procedures5.1 How to Report

Individuals who experience or witness harassment or misconduct should report it through one of

the following channels:

Email: Send a confidential report to surf@surfingfederationofindia.org.

Website: Submit a complaint via the official SFI website.

In-person Reporting: Contact a designated safeguarding officer at any SFI-sanctioned

event.

5.2 Confidentiality and Protection

Reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Retaliation against individuals who report misconduct in good faith will not be tolerated.

Anonymous reports will be accepted and investigated to the extent possible.

6. Investigation Process

Upon receiving a report, SFI will acknowledge the complaint within 48 hours.

A designated Safeguarding Committee will assess and investigate the report fairly and

impartially.

If necessary, disciplinary actions, including suspension, bans, or legal proceedings, will

be taken.

All parties involved will be kept informed of the process and outcomes as appropriate.

7. Responsibilities of Participants

Respect and uphold SFI’s safeguarding policies.

Report any violations promptly.

Participate in mandatory safeguarding awareness sessions when required.

8. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure effectiveness and compliance with national and international safeguarding standards.

For any concerns or inquiries regarding safeguarding, please reach out to

surf@surfingfederationofindia.org.