For a socially safe sports environment at GVAC

1. Introduction

Based on GVAC’s vision, a number of core values ​​were defined in 2020. These include ‘fun’, ‘a place for everyone’, and an environment where ‘Safety’ and quality come first. Based on this vision, we, as the board, view a safe environment as a responsibility.

Caring for a safe environment at GVAC is essential to create a situation in which all members can participate in sports freely and undisturbed. Participating in sports and experiencing sports should be enjoyable.

The GVAC board therefore wishes to focus on Socially Safe Sports at GVAC. This includes, for example, the code of conduct below, which clarifies the forms of interaction one wishes to see within the association itself, as well as in dealings with other clubs and associations. This code describes the goal, the principles, and a number of general and specific rules of conduct. Everyone within GVAC—board members, (assistant) coaches, supervisors, and the volunteer staff, as well as members and their parents/guardians—must act in accordance with this code of conduct.

Measures to prevent sexual harassment are part of a safe sports environment. Therefore, we have also drawn up specific rules of conduct and preventative measures for GVAC for the benefit of all members and specifically for the protection of our (youth) members. Finally, a number of measures have been established.

In addition to this code of conduct, GVAC has two confidential contact persons you can turn to, and we request a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) for all volunteers.

Furthermore, compliance with the statutes and internal regulations of GVAC also falls under this subject. You can find the latest versions of both here:

2. Aim:

The purpose of this code of conduct is to provide practical rules for the desired interaction or behavior of all those involved within GVAC. These rules should contribute to a healthy sports environment and atmosphere, respectful interaction with one another, and the prevention of undesirable behavior.

3. Basic principles:

  1. The sincere wishes and interests of a member take precedence over the wishes and interests of board members and/or trainers, provided this is not contrary to the statutes or internal regulations.
  2. Respectful interaction is strived for. Board members, (assistant) trainers, supervisors, and the volunteer staff set a good example in this regard. (CVSN Staff Code of Conduct)
  3. By unwanted behavior, we mean all forms of intimidation, aggression and violence, discrimination, or bullying.
  4. Unwanted behavior can occur both during direct contact and through contact via means of communication such as telephone, internet, e-mail, SMS, etc.
  5. To determine whether unwanted behavior has occurred, one does not rely on the intentions of the perpetrator, but on how the behavior is perceived by the person experiencing it.
  6. People have the right to set their own boundaries in their interactions with one another.

4. Code of conduct:

General rules (code of conduct for sports members CVSN):

  1. Respect the privacy of your club members in the broadest sense.
  2. Treat one another in a respectful manner.
  3. Refrain from unwanted behavior such as swearing, foul language, irritating others, violence, discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, and other forms of (verbal) aggression.
  4. Unwanted behavior can be reported to the confidential counsellor.
  5. Report unwanted behavior even if it was caused unintentionally by yourself.
  6. In the event of misconduct by youth members, the parents will be informed immediately.
  7. Use the facilities and materials as intended.
  8. Respect the confidentiality of information you receive from the association.
  9. Also convey the code of conduct to spectators, parents, etc.
  10. Outside the GVAC complex, you are also an ambassador for the club. Ensure that you represent the club in a sporting and proper manner.


Specific rules for trainers and supervisors (code of conduct for trainers CVSN):

  1. Ensure an environment in which the athlete feels physically and emotionally safe.
  2. Teach the members that the rules of the game are agreements that no one may disregard.
  3. You serve as a role model.
  4. Remember that members play sports for fun and want to learn something. Winning is only a part of the sport, and so is losing, for that matter.
  5. Do not shout and never ridicule members when they make mistakes or lose a match (certainly not in front of third parties).
  6. Athletes need a coach they respect. Be generous with praise when it is deserved.

Specific Rules of Conduct (to prevent sexual harassment):

  1. Safe environment. The supervisor must ensure an environment and atmosphere in which the athlete can feel safe.
  2. Dignity. The supervisor refrains from treating the athlete in a manner that undermines the athlete’s dignity and from intruding further into the athlete’s private life than is necessary in the context of sports participation.
  3. Sexual harassment. The supervisor refrains from any form of (abuse of) power or sexual harassment towards the athlete.
  4. Sexual abuse. Sexual acts and sexual relationships between the supervisor and the young athlete under the age of eighteen are under no circumstances permitted and are considered sexual abuse.
  5. Touching. The supervisor may not touch the athlete in such a way that the athlete and/or the supervisor can reasonably expect this touch to be sexual or erotic in nature, as will generally be the case with the deliberate touching (or causing to be touched) of genitals, buttocks, and breasts.
  6. Intimacies. The supervisor shall refrain from (verbal) sexually suggestive intimacies via any means of communication whatsoever.
  7. Private space. During training (camps), competitions, and travel, the supervisor shall treat the athlete and the space in which the athlete is located, such as the changing room or hotel room, with reserve and respect. In high-risk situations (e.g., washing/showering, undressing, and going to sleep), at least two supervisors must be present. If circumstances allow only one supervisor to be present, it must be ensured that more than one young person is always present.
  8. Protection. The supervisor has the duty – to the extent within their power – to protect the athlete against harm and (abuse of) power resulting from sexual harassment. Where it is known or established who represents the interests of the (young) athlete, the supervisor is obliged to cooperate with these persons or organizations so that they can perform their work properly.
  9. Consideration. The supervisor shall not provide the athlete with any (im)material compensation with the apparent intention of demanding consideration. Nor shall the supervisor accept any financial reward or gifts from the athlete that are disproportionate to the customary or agreed-upon remuneration.
  10. Compliance. The supervisor shall actively ensure that these rules are complied with by everyone involved with the athlete. If the supervisor observes behavior that is not in accordance with these rules of conduct, they shall take the necessary action(s).
  11. Responsibility. In those cases where the rules of conduct do not (directly) provide, it is within the supervisor’s responsibility to act in the spirit thereof.

5. Measures against Undesirable Behavior

5.1. Confidential Counsellors

Confidential counsellors have been appointed within GVAC. They are Joris Korbeeck and Ans Saalberg.

They can be contacted via email:

You can contact the Confidential Contact Persons regarding (questions about) prevention, identifying issues, and making a report.

5.2. Certificate of Conduct (VOG)

All trainers and volunteers who will be directly involved in the guidance of athletes in any way from 2013 onwards will be requested to familiarize themselves with the GVAC Code of Conduct. The Board will request volunteers and trainers acting in high-risk situations (particularly in potential one-on-one situations) to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG). The costs of this certificate will be borne by GVAC.

5.3. Report

If you wish to report unwanted behavior, the following steps are followed in the process. Each report requires a unique approach, which is why only a general process is described here. Anyone involved with GVAC can file a report.

  1. Discussing the behavior mutually
  2. Contact the confidential contact person
  3. Drawing up a report in consultation with the person making the report
  4. Report sent to the board
  5. An appropriate response always follows consultation

Finally

All board members and trainers will give their explicit approval to Socially Safe Sports and these codes of conduct. New volunteers and members will be informed in advance about Socially Safe Sports.