What is safeguarding in an ASD (Amateur Sports Association)?
It is the set of policies, procedures, and actions aimed at protecting minors and vulnerable adults from abuse, discrimination, and risks during sports activities.
Why is safeguarding important?
It guarantees a safe and inclusive environment, promoting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of all participants.
Who is responsible for safeguarding in an ASD?
All members of the ASD, with a central role for the Safeguarding Manager.
Who can be considered vulnerable in an ASD?
Minors under 18, adults with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone in a situation of fragility or dependence.
What is the difference between safeguarding and child protection?
Safeguarding is a broader approach, which includes prevention and the promotion of well-being, while child protection focuses on managing abuse.
Which regulations govern safeguarding in Italy?
Which regulations govern safeguarding at the international level?
What are the International Sports Regulations of the INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE?
Must an ASD have a safeguarding policy?
Yes, it is essential to have a document that describes how the ASD manages and prevents risks.
What must the safeguarding policy contain?
Definitions, roles and responsibilities, reporting procedures, training, and prevention.
Can an ASD operate without a Safeguarding Manager?
No, every ASD must designate a competent figure to oversee compliance with safeguarding policies.
What are DBS checks (in Italy: judicial record certificates)?
These are checks that ensure that those who work with minors do not have convictions for serious crimes.
Who must receive safeguarding training?
Everyone: board of directors, master/sensei, instructors, coaches, volunteers, and staff members.
Which training courses are available?
CONI offers basic and advanced courses; there are also specialized bodies in sports safeguarding.
How often must training be updated?
At least every two years, or when there are regulatory updates.
How to raise awareness of safeguarding among ASD members?
Through informational meetings, posters, distributed guidelines, and educational videos.
What to do if someone refuses to participate in training?
It is necessary to insist on the mandatory nature for key roles and evaluate disciplinary measures.
How to guarantee a safe environment for minors?
By applying clear policies, supervising activities, and adopting prevention measures.
What does inclusion mean in safeguarding?
Ensuring that everyone can participate in activities, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, or religion.
How to manage changing rooms safely?
Separate spaces for minors and adults and ensure they are always supervised by adequate personnel.
What role does communication with parents play?
Essential for maintaining transparency and reassuring families about the protocols adopted.
Is it important to have a code of conduct?
Absolutely yes. It serves to define appropriate and inappropriate behaviors for staff and participants.
What are the signs of physical abuse?
Bruises, unexplained injuries, fear of adults, or violent behavior.
What are the signs of emotional abuse?
Low self-esteem, anxiety, social isolation, inappropriate language.
How to recognize sexual abuse?
Sudden behavioral changes, inappropriate sexualized attitudes, fear of physical contact.
What are the signs of neglect?
Malnutrition, neglected hygiene, frequent absences.
What to do if abuse is suspected?
Immediately report to the Safeguarding Manager or the competent authorities.
How is a safeguarding report made?
By filling out a dedicated form and informing the Safeguarding Manager.
Who can make a report?
Anyone with a concern, including master/sensei, instructors, coaches, volunteers, staff, parents, and athletes.
Can the report be anonymous?
Yes, but it is preferable to provide information for an effective investigation.
What to do if the suspected abuser is a staff member?
Remove the suspected person and immediately inform the competent authorities.
How to manage a false accusation?
Investigate impartially, respecting the privacy of all involved parties.
Who is the Safeguarding Manager?
A trained figure, tasked with overseeing safeguarding policies and managing reports.
What does a Master or an instructor do for safeguarding?
Supervises activities, reports concerns, and ensures that policies are respected.
What are the duties of volunteers?
Collaborate with the team and report any suspicious behavior.
Who supervises the Safeguarding Manager?
The ASD's board of directors or the president.
How to involve parents in safeguarding?
By informing them about the policies and including them in awareness and internal training activities of the ASD.
How to prevent online abuse?
By limiting online contact between staff and minors and monitoring social media groups.
Can photos be taken during activities?
Only with the written consent of the parents and respecting privacy regulations.
How to manage the ASD's WhatsApp groups?
Establish clear rules, with responsible admins and appropriate content.
How to protect personal data?
By using secure tools and respecting the GDPR.
What to do in case of cyberbullying?
Intervene immediately, inform parents, and, if necessary, the authorities.
How to guarantee inclusion in activities?
By adapting programs to everyone's needs, without discrimination.
How to manage the participation of athletes with disabilities?
By providing adequate support and specific training for staff.
What is the role of equal opportunities?
Creating an environment where everyone has the same opportunities to participate.
What to do in case of discrimination?
Investigate and apply appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
How to promote cultural diversity?
By organizing inclusive events and respecting different traditions and customs.
How to evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding policies?
Through internal audits and feedback from staff, volunteers, athletes, and parents.
How often should the safeguarding policy be updated?
At least once a year or when there are significant changes.
How to integrate safeguarding into the ASD's annual plan?
By setting specific goals and monitoring their progress.
Who monitors the implementation of safeguarding?
The Safeguarding Manager, with the support of the board of directors.
How to handle negative feedback?
By accepting it as an opportunity for improvement and acting quickly.
How to manage a conflict between athletes?
Mediation, dialogue, and, if necessary, parental involvement.
What to do if the conflict involves the Master or an Instructor?
Investigate impartially and take corrective measures.
How to prevent conflicts related to competition?
By promoting fair play and mutual respect.
What to do in case of insults or verbal aggression?
Intervene immediately and apply the code of conduct.
How to handle criticism from parents?
By listening carefully and responding professionally.
What to do in case of injury?
Apply the first aid protocol and inform the parents.
How to manage a safety-related emergency?
Follow the ASD's emergency plan.
Who to contact in case of serious abuse?
The competent authorities (Police, Carabinieri, or Social Services).
How to deal with a traumatic event for the ASD?
By offering psychological support and involving experts.