Incorporating the International Safeguards for Children In Sport in the YPI

?? #SafeSportDay: Committed to Child Safety in Sports ??

On #SafeSportDay, we proudly highlight the 8 International Safeguards for Children in Sport, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for young athletes worldwide. Here’s how Maitrayana integrates these safeguards:

1?? Developing Your Policy: Having a clear and detailed Child Protection Policy (CPP) is the first step toward creating a safe and inclusive environment for children to participate in and enjoy sports. Maitrayana's CPP is a robust document outlining the rights of children and directing the course of action in prevention and redressal. Our CPP has been translated into Hindi for better accessibility and a stronger commitment to keeping children safe in sport. We have also shared our knowledge with relevant organizations through the Safeguarding Collective for Children in Sport.

2?? Procedures for Responding to Safeguarding Concerns: At Maitrayana, we implement the CPP through a comprehensive structure, SAATHI, accessible to all participants during sessions and events. The policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Child Protection Committee, including the Child Protection Officers and Bystanders, in enforcing the safeguarding mandates at all stages of the program. The Committee addresses violations effectively in consultation with the city's Child Protection Officer and the parties involved. All participants, interns, and staff are encouraged to report violations.

3?? Advice and Support: Our Child Protection Committee comprises professionals trained in recognizing unsafe situations, ensuring complete safety of all participants, and providing first aid care if needed. The Committee engages in peer learning through case discussions and regular meetings.

4?? Minimising Risks to Children: All sessions conducted by Maitrayana staff follow guidelines about the venue, availability of clean drinking water, and a leveled ground free of garbage and harmful substances. These guidelines assess and minimize risks to participants. Coaches also work with participants and leaders to find sustainable solutions to such risks, making the ground safe for all children playing there.

5?? Guidelines for Behaviour: Working with adolescent children requires empathy and relatability, which our coaches achieve by sharing their personal stories of overcoming difficulties and sometimes just fun stories. Maitrayana's CPP descriptively outlines appropriate behavior to help maintain a respectful and safe space for participants. The CPP lists best practices that are to be followed at all times.

6?? Recruiting, Training, and Communicating: Everyone involved has a duty to protect children from harm at all costs. Along with the implementing staff, every employee in Maitrayana, volunteers, and interns are inducted into the CPP before interacting with participants at sites and schools.

7?? Working with Partners: The Safeguarding Collective for Children in Sports, a collective of organizations using sport with children, is an active group of leading organizations and individuals that convene quarterly to strengthen their Child Protection structures and its impactful implementation. Maitrayana also leverages its partnerships with other S4D organizations to promote the implementation of the 8 international safeguarding measures.

8?? Monitoring and Evaluating: Maitrayana periodically evaluates the effectiveness of its SAATHI structure to ensure only the best measures specific to our participants' needs are in use.

By adhering to these safeguards, we create a sporting environment where every child can thrive safely and confidently. Let’s work together to protect and empower our young athletes! ?????? #ChildProtection #SafeSport #YouthEmpowerment #MaitrayanaWay