Safeguarding

Safeguarding in Athletics

The safety, dignity, and well-being of every athlete, official, and volunteer are our highest priority.

1. Our Commitment

Team Athletics St. Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG) is unwaveringly committed to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in athletics. We believe that every individual—regardless of age, race, gender, ability, or role—has the right to participate in our sport free from all forms of abuse, harassment, neglect, and exploitation.

Our safeguarding framework is built on the principles of respect, dignity, and integrity. We are dedicated to implementing robust policies, procedures, and educational programs to ensure that our community is protected and empowered.

2. What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the proactive process of protecting children and adults from harm, abuse, and exploitation. In athletics, it means:

• Creating a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
• Implementing clear policies and codes of conduct.
• Ensuring everyone knows how to recognise and report concerns.
• Listening to and supporting those who raise concerns.

It goes beyond child protection to include the well-being of all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and staff.

3. Our Core Policy

The TASVG Safeguarding Policy is the foundation of our commitment. It outlines our principles, definitions of abuse, and the procedures we follow to keep our community safe.

Key Principles:

• Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Everyone has the right to participate in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Everyone has the right to be heard and to report concerns without fear.
• Everyone shares the responsibility for the care and protection of others.

4. Codes of Conduct

We have established clear Codes of Conduct to outline the expected standards of behaviour for all members of our community. Adherence to these codes is mandatory.

• For National Team Representatives: This code applies to all athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
  • Uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship.
  • Treat everyone with respect and fairness.
  • Adhere to all safeguarding protocols, especially when working with minors.
  • Use social media responsibly and respectfully.
• For Coaches and Athlete Support Staff:
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with athletes.
  • Be appropriately qualified and undergo background checks.
  • Ensure training is age-appropriate and safe.
  • Never be alone with a child athlete; avoid any situation that could be misinterpreted.
• For Parents and Carers:
  • Be positive and encouraging.
  • Know your child’s whereabouts and who they are with.
  • Report any concerns about your child’s welfare to the Safeguarding Officer.
  • Avoid asking a coach to provide solo transportation for your child.

5. How to Report a Concern

If you are worried about the welfare of a child or adult, or if you have witnessed behaviour that breaches our Code of Conduct, it is your duty to report it immediately. You do not need to be certain—if something feels wrong, it is right to speak up.

In an Emergency:
If someone is in immediate danger, call the emergency services at 911/999 first.

Step-by-Step Reporting Process:

1. Contact our Safeguarding Officer.
   • Name: Delcia Stay-Layne
   • Phone: +1 (784) 529-7323
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Provide Details.
   You will be asked to provide as much information as possible about your concern, including who is involved, what happened, and when and where it occurred.
3. We Will Take It From There.
   Our Safeguarding Officer will confidentially assess the report, follow our established procedures (as outlined in the flowchart below), and work with relevant authorities if necessary. We will ensure that the individuals involved are supported throughout the process.

Anonymous Reporting:
We encourage you to provide your contact details so we can follow up, but you may report a concern anonymously using our online form.

Reporting Flowchart:

6. Educational Resources & Awareness

Prevention through education is key to safeguarding. We provide access to resources and training on various topics, including:

• Recognising Child Abuse: Physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect.
• Human Trafficking & Exploitation: Awareness of the signs and how to protect athletes.
• Psychological Well-being: The mental health impact of abuse and the positive effects of a safe sporting environment.
• Online Safety: Guidance on Social Media Use and Cyberbullying.

Key Local Contacts:

• Child Development Division: +1 (784) 456-1111 Ext 502 / +1 (784) 493-6569
• Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit: +1 (784) 456-1750 / +1 (784) 457-1211

7. Contacts & Confidentiality

All reports and information are handled with the strictest confidentiality. Our Safeguarding Officer is trained to manage sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.

TASVG Safeguarding Lead:
Delcia Stay-Layne | [email protected] | +1 (784) 529-7323

World Athletics Safeguarding: [email protected]

This safeguarding framework is aligned with the principles and policies of World Athletics and the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including the Children (Care and Adoption) Act of 2010 and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act.