In accordance with the IOC Consensus Statement on Harassment and Abuse in Sport, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to adopt, implement and monitor policies and procedures for SafeSport which state that all athletes have a right to be treated with respect and protected from non-accidental violence and all forms of harassment and abuse.
In furtherance of the principles of both the IFAF Safeguarding Policy and Integrity Code to which all persons associated with IFAF are bound; notably the respect for human dignity, the rejection of discrimination and the rejection of all forms of harassment and abuse, the IFAF Executive Committee has adopted the IFAF Regulations Governing Safeguarding also known as the IFAF Safeguarding Regulations.
The IFAF Safeguarding Regulations establish a clear set of rules that must be in place, notably at all IFAF supervised competitions and training, in recognition of the importance of providing all IFAF athletes, members, volunteers and competition officials with a field of play that is free from abuse and harassment both in and out of competition.
The Safeguarding Regulations refer to the IFAF Safeguarding Policy’s Aims and Core Principles and presupposes that all IFAF Action Items set out in the Safeguarding Policy have been implemented.
Harassment and abuse present a significant risk to a player’s physical and mental health, participation and performance.
IFAF is committed to ensuring that football provides a harassment-free environment and has developed procedures and educational resources in line with international best practice.
IFAF strongly recommends that all involved in football, including athletes, parents, coaches, medical personnel and sport officials, are informed about how to keep football safe for all and know how to report cases of harassment and abuse.
IFAF has worked with the Ann Craft Trust in developing its Safeguarding Policy and Toolkit.
Reporting a concern
IFAF offers secure reporting procedures for victims or witnesses through the email address: safeguarding@americanfootball.sport
A range of international organisations and initiatives provide further guidance and materials to support the safeguarding of athletes and young people in sport. These resources offer recognised frameworks, policies, and educational tools that complement the safeguarding principles promoted by the IFAF.
