New Delhi: Following recent allegations of misconduct by male coaches, the Sport Authority of (SAI) announced Wednesday that women coaches would now accompany a contingent that included women athletes.
SAI issued these guidelines to the National Sports Federation of India (NSFOI) for all domestic and international travel.
In a statement, the apex body said it views “ethical conduct as a cornerstone in the fair administration of the sporting disciplines”.
Everyone participating in sports, SAI said – “athletes, coaches, referees, officials, sports science and medical personnel, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, parents or guardians, and directors and officers of the respective national sports federations — is entitled to participate in an environment that is safe and free of harassment and discrimination”.
SAI further said it was imperative for the sport that individuals conduct themselves with the highest level of ethical conduct.
SAI said compliance officers – both men and women – would be appointed in all national coaching camps and foreign-exposure trips. These officers would communicate regularly with athletes and others to ensure guidelines were in force as well as a standard operating procedures to prevent sexual harassment.
This officer also has to ensure that complaints reached concerned authorities as soon as possible, the advisory said.
The advisory added that “pre-camp sensitisation modules would be designed and presented to all athletes, coaches and support staff together before commencement of any national coaching camp and foreign exposure; increase the strength of women coaches and support staff in national coaching camps by respective NSFs”.
SAI explained the steps were taken after certain women athletes complained against their coaches during international trips. “This is also to ensure a safe and positive environment by making all stakeholders aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behavior consistent with the core values of sportsmanship and appropriate moral conduct”.
A senior woman cyclist, winner of multiple gold medals, had complained to SAI earlier this month of inappropriate behavior by chief coach R.K. Sharma during a preparatory camp in Slovenia.
The woman cyclist was called back, as was the entire contingent, and Sharma’s contract immediately terminated.
Barely a week later, a woman sailor – also on a foreign exposure trip to Germany – accused a coach of making her feel uncomfortable and creating “mental pressure” during training.
She put up the matter with the sports body which sought a response from the Yachting Association of India. There was no “sexual harassment issue” in this case, SAI said.
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