Safeguarding policy

1. Introduction

1.1. The International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) issued “The IOC Consensus Statement: harassment and abuse (non-accidental violence in sport).” In 2016. The IOC’s Consensus statement recognised that “[s]port has long been recognised as a major contributor to positive health and well-being for participants. Nonetheless, the risk of sports-related accidental injury is widely acknowledged, especially for elite athletes, resulting in the evolution of a sophisticated research and practice community to mitigate this risk. Less well-recognised is the potential negative influence on athlete health and well-being if his/her integrity is challenged by non- accidental violence or maltreatment through harassment and abuse. All forms of harassment and abuse breach human rights and may constitute a criminal offence. Therefore, there is a legal and moral duty of care incumbent on those who organise sport, to ensure that risks of non-accidental violence are identified and mitigated.”

1.2. Accordingly, all stakeholders in sport are enjoined to adopt general principles for safe sport. This responsibility requires the implementation and monitoring of procedures to ensure the conditions for a safe sport, having as a priority the right to be treated with respect and protected from non-accidental violence.

1.3. NAFA firmly believes that everyone has the right to participate in American football in an environment that is safe and enjoyable. Thus, NAFA is committed to establishing and implementing policies that safeguard the welfare of Participants, which includes non-discrimination and the prevention of harassment and abuse.

1.4. Thus, the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) is committed to providing a fun, safe, and respectful environment for all children, young people, and adults involved in American Football in Nigeria. We recognise the right of all participants to be free from all forms of abuse and acknowledge our duty of care to safeguard them.

1.5. This NAFA Safeguarding Policy Statement (the Policy) aims to ensure that the game of American Football in Nigeria is a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all persons involved, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and social background, religion, and level of ability or disability.

1.6. NAFA has a zero-tolerance stance towards harassment, discrimination, or abuse of any kind. Accordingly, NAFA’s commitment to a safe American Football environment is enshrined in NAFA’s Statutes and Internal Regulations and it is under such principles that this NAFA Safeguarding Policy is enacted.