Organisational Model for Management and Control (Safeguarding) ASD Sporteventi

Section 1: Introduction

ASD Sporteventi, as a member of ASC and in compliance with ASC Guidelines dated 28/08/2023, adopts this Organisational Model for Management and Control (OMC) to prevent abuse, violence, and discrimination among its registered members, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. The model is grounded in principles of respect, dignity, and protection of the fundamental rights of all participants in sporting activities.

Section 2: Objectives

The key goals of the OMC are:

  • Preventing incidents of abuse, violence, and discrimination.
  • Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Ensuring effective and confidential reporting procedures.
  • Raising awareness and providing safeguarding training to athletes, coaches, and club officials.

Section 3: OMC Structure

3.1 Safeguarding Officer

  • Appointment: The ASD Sporteventi Board has appointed a Safeguarding Officer to counter abuse, violence, and discrimination.
  • Duties:
    • Oversee the implementation of the OMC.
    • Receive and manage safeguarding reports.
    • Promote educational and awareness-raising initiatives.

3.2 Prevention and Management Protocols

Risk Assessment

  • High-Risk Areas:
    • Changing rooms and showers: potential for unsupervised physical contact.
    • Private communications: risk of inappropriate behaviour (texts, chats, social media).
    • Team travel and away matches: risk of unsupervised or intimate situations.
    • Medical and physiotherapy settings: necessary physical contact during treatment.
  • Vulnerable Categories:
    • Minors.
    • New members or those unfamiliar with the club environment.

Practical Preventive Measures

  • Supervision:
    • Minimum of two adults present during all critical moments (changing rooms, away games).
    • Restricted access to sensitive areas (e.g. gender-specific changing rooms, designated hours for minors).
  • Interaction Protocols:
    • No unnecessary physical contact. Permitted only for technical corrections (e.g. posture adjustment), with prior explanation and athlete’s consent.
    • No private messaging with minors; use official group chats monitored by staff.
  • Away Match Procedures:
    • Separate accommodations for staff and players. Minors must share rooms only with teammates of the same sex.
  • Regular Risk Assessment:
    • Coordination meetings every six months to identify risks and suggest improvements.

3.3 Handling of Reports

  • Reporting Channels:
    • Online: anonymous form available on the club’s website.
    • Email: reports sent to a dedicated address (e.g. sgo@sporteventi.it).
    • Phone: direct line to the Safeguarding Officer during set hours.
    • In person: private meeting with the Safeguarding Officer or appointed member.
  • Handling Process:
    • Acknowledgement: Immediate confirmation of receipt to the reporting person (if identified), with guaranteed confidentiality.
    • Evaluation: Within 48 hours, the Safeguarding Officer assesses the nature and urgency of the report.
    • Preliminary Inquiry: Club Board involvement if necessary, with discreet information gathering.
    • Immediate Action: In serious cases, precautionary suspension of the person involved; authorities contacted when appropriate.
    • Follow-up: Update to the reporter within 7 days (if identifiable); implement corrective or preventive actions.

3.4 Disciplinary Measures

  • Sanctions may include:
    • Written warnings, temporary suspension, permanent exclusion from club activities, or removal from membership or official roles.
    • Applicable to all club members: players, staff, coaches, officials, or other affiliates.
    • Sanction severity is determined by the Club Board, potentially with input from the Safeguarding Officer, based on the seriousness and nature of the incident.
  • Victim Support:
    • Access to psychological and legal assistance.

3.5 Training and Education

  • Mandatory Training:
    • Content:
      • Abuse prevention: recognising warning signs and taking appropriate action.
      • Ethical communication: safe and respectful interaction guidelines.
      • Role of the Safeguarding Officer: procedures and legal responsibilities.
    • Training Sessions:
      • Annual sessions for all staff and officials.
      • Specific sessions for coaches, including real-case scenarios and simulations.
    • Delivery Modes:
      • In-person: expert-led group workshops.
      • Online: e-learning platform for ongoing updates.

3.6 Communication Obligations

  • Policy Dissemination:
    • OMC document, code of conduct, and Safeguarding Officer contact info must be displayed on:
      • Official club website.
      • Club premises.
      • Social media platforms.
      • Notice boards at training facilities.
  • Member Awareness:
    • Provide an information kit (print or digital) during registration.
    • Organise regular meetings with parents and guardians to explain safeguarding policies.
  • Monitoring Tools:
    • Biannual anonymous surveys to gather feedback from members.

3.7 Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Annual Audit:
    • Conducted by an external consultant to:
      • Review the effectiveness of safeguarding measures.
      • Update the OMC based on audit outcomes and any issues raised by the Safeguarding Officer.

Implementation Checklist

  1. Within 3 Months:
    • Train all personnel and distribute information materials.
    • Apply protocols for away games and changing room use.
  2. Within 6 Months:
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the safeguarding report management system.
    • Conduct first round of anonymous feedback surveys.
  3. Annually:
    • Review and update the OMC based on new regulations and evaluation results.

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