Are you ready for the IBU’s Safeguarding policy to take effect on 1st January?

“We are determined to lead by example and to ensure that high good governance standards are achieved across our sport – from the IBU through to the National Federations. It is not about ticking boxes but about delivering meaningful improvements that will benefit biathlon and give our athletes, fans and all our stakeholders complete trust in our sport.” – Statement by IBU President Ohle Dahlin.

The IBU’s Safeguarding policy comes into force on 1 January, 2022.

·        Are you prepared?

·         Do you know what the policy says?

·         Do you know what to do in the event of a safeguarding incident?

      CLICK here to watch a short VIDEO on SAFEGUARDING:

Safeguarding in sport is the process of protecting children and adults from harm by providing a safe space in which to play sport and be active. The policy aims to create a safe, supportive and healthy environment for the biathlon family.

The IBU defines Safeguarding as our collective action, taken to promote the welfare of everyone in Biathlon and protect them from harm, harassment and discrimination, ensuring every member of the Biathlon family has fun, in a safe environment, with equal opportunities.

The IBU’s Safeguarding policy can be found here. This document applies to everyone involved in Biathlon.

Implementing the policy

We in the global Biathlon family are all responsible for helping to implement the Safeguarding policy. Strong personal values, supported by a robust education and communication framework provided by the Biathlon Integrity Unit (BIU) and National Federations will ensure the wellbeing of everyone in the sport.

In particular, the IBU depends on the support of National Federations to ensure that the policy is established as the reference point for the behaviour of everyone in the Biathlon family. The BIU is available to help and support NFs in implementing the policy.

NFs are responsible for:

·         Adopting and implementing a Safeguarding policy

·         Identifying, collating, and adhering to applicable national and local laws regarding safeguarding

·         Appointing necessary safeguarding officials

·         Informing about the safeguarding policies to all stakeholders and promoting good safeguarding practices

·         Providing appropriate training opportunities to all the stakeholders regarding the safeguarding policies and procedure

·         Appointing a Safeguarding officer, who:

o   Supervises the processes (information dissemination, reporting, investigation etc.) as described in this Policy at the NF/MO level

o   Receives reports/complaints regarding safeguarding violations/incidents.

·         Appointing an Event Safeguarding Officer, who:

o   Is responsible for ensuring that the safeguarding policy is enforced and maintained at the events and competitions at NF/MO level

o   Acts as the first point-of-contact for anyone in need during the events and competitions.

Filing a Report/Complaint

Complaints and reports about possible safeguarding incidents can be filed:

·         Through reporting form available

·         Or by email/phone/post

·         Using assistance of Athlete Safeguarding/Support Counsel

·         To the nearest/closest Protection/Welfare/Safeguarding Officer (if off-season)

·         To the Event Safeguarding Officer (if during competition/event)

·         Anonymously, if necessary, though sharing details with the BIU here, helping it to investigate better.