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Child Protection Policy

Compliance & Safeguarding

St. Vincent Taekwondo Federation – Child Protection Policy

“Safeguarding the Future of Taekwondo by Protecting Our Children”

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Child Protection Policy is to safeguard the health, safety, dignity, and well-being of all children participating in activities organized or sanctioned by the St. Vincent Taekwondo Federation (STF).

This policy draws on UNICEF’s child safeguarding standards and ensures that every child — regardless of age, gender, race, ability, social background, or religion — can participate in Taekwondo in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment, free from any form of abuse, exploitation, or neglect.

It sets out the responsibilities of all STF members, including coaches, referees, volunteers, administrators, and officials, to actively prevent harm and respond promptly to any concerns about a child’s welfare.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All STF-affiliated clubs, dojangs, and events.

  • All STF officials, staff, volunteers, and contractors.

  • All STF athletes under the age of 18.

  • Any setting, physical or digital, where STF activities occur.

3. Guiding Principles

In line with UNICEF’s child safeguarding framework, STF operates on the following principles:

  1. The Best Interests of the Child Come First – Every decision must prioritize the child’s safety and well-being.

  2. Zero Tolerance of Abuse – No form of abuse, exploitation, or neglect will be tolerated.

  3. Prevention is Essential – All members are trained to recognize and act on early signs of risk.

  4. Empowerment of Children – Children have the right to be heard and to participate in decisions affecting them.

  5. Accountability and Transparency – All safeguarding actions must be documented and handled with integrity.

4. Definitions

  • Child – Any person under the age of 18.

  • Abuse – Any action that causes harm or potential harm to a child, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect.

  • Child Protection Officer (CPO) – An STF-appointed safeguarding lead responsible for implementing and monitoring this policy.

5. Roles & Responsibilities

5.1 STF Executive Board

  • Ensure that child protection is integrated into all policies and programs.

  • Appoint a trained Child Protection Officer.

  • Review child safeguarding reports and take appropriate action.

5.2 Child Protection Officer

  • Act as the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.

  • Ensure all STF members receive regular child protection training.

  • Maintain secure and confidential records of all safeguarding cases.

  • Liaise with police, social services, and UNICEF partners where necessary.

5.3 Coaches & Instructors

  • Undergo mandatory police background checks and child protection training before working with minors.

  • Maintain professional boundaries with all athletes.

  • Never be alone in an isolated space with a child unless necessary and with another adult present.

5.4 Volunteers & Officials

  • Complete STF child safeguarding orientation before participating in events.

  • Report any suspicions of abuse immediately to the CPO.

6. Prevention Measures

  1. Safe Recruitment – All individuals working with children must: Provide two references. Pass a criminal background check. Complete a child safeguarding induction.

  2. Training & Education – Annual UNICEF-based safeguarding workshops will be conducted for coaches, referees, and volunteers.

  3. Code of Conduct for Working with Children – Treat all children equally and with respect. Avoid physical contact that could be misinterpreted. Use positive reinforcement, never humiliation or abuse. Communicate in age-appropriate and respectful ways.

7. Responding to Concerns

  1. Immediate Action – If a child is in immediate danger, contact police or child protection services immediately.

  2. Reporting – Any STF member who witnesses or suspects abuse must: Inform the Child Protection Officer within 24 hours. Complete an Incident Report Form.

  3. Investigation – The CPO will initiate an internal review and coordinate with external authorities.

  4. Confidentiality – Only those directly involved in the investigation will have access to case details.

8. Online & Digital Safety

  • STF will monitor and regulate the use of social media, video recording, and live streaming to ensure children’s privacy.

  • No identifying information (full name, school, address) will be posted with images of children without written parental consent.

9. Whistleblower Protection

Any individual who reports suspected abuse in good faith will be protected from retaliation under this policy.

10. Review & Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually in consultation with UNICEF guidelines, national laws, and best practices in safeguarding.

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