Injured by two complaints of harassment by women athletes against their respective coaches, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Wednesday made it mandatory for National Sports Federations (NSFs) to form a single unit if women are competing in the country and abroad. Involve female coaches.
In the light of recent events, SAI Director General Sandeep Pradhan on Monday interacted with over 15 NSF officials to discuss the new protocols that will field athletes in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
A woman cyclist recently accused head coach RK Sharma of “inappropriate behaviour” in Slovenia and filed an FIR against him. The coach was sacked and is facing a detailed investigation.
A female sailor also complained that her coach made her uncomfortable during a training trip in Germany, although she did not complain of any sexual harassment.
NSFs have been asked to appoint compliance officers (male and female) in all national coaching camps and overseas demonstrations.
The roles and responsibilities of the Compliance Officer will include communicating regularly with athletes and others to ensure that guidelines are being followed as well as implementing Standard Operating Procedures on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Sport He is going.
“Among other duties, they should ensure that if any member reports a violation, the same should be reported earliest to the responsible authorities,” the release added.
The Federations have also been asked to design “pre-camp sensitization modules and “present them to all athletes, coaches and support staff together before the commencement of any National Coaching Camp and Foreign Exposure.”
SAI also asked the NSFs to have more representation of women in their coaching departments.
“The guidelines will help ensure a safe and positive environment, making all stakeholders aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with the core values of sportsmanship and appropriate moral conduct.”