Guidance on the Reporting of Safeguarding Matters
to World Athletics, by Member Federations & Area Associations
This note is intended to provide guidance to Member Federations and Area Associations in identifying what
safeguarding matters must be reported to World Athletics, in accordance with the World Athletics Safeguarding
Policy and World Athletics Safeguarding Rules.
There are three circumstances in which the existence of a complaint, investigation or case must promptly bedisclosed to World Athletics. These are set out below:
1.

Matters of World Athletics jurisdiction

Safeguarding matters involving World Athletics Officials, or any persons participating in or accredited at
World Athletics Series (WAS) Events, the Olympic Games or a Congress, must be reported to World
Athletics (Safeguarding@worldathletics.org) and the Athletics Integrity Unit
(ConfidentialReport@athleticsintegrity.org).
2.

Risk of Harm in Other Jurisdiction

Safeguarding matters which arise within one MF’s (or AA’s) jurisdiction, where the MF or AA believes
the individual presents a risk of harm to those involved in Athletics in the country or territory of anotherMF or AA.
This might be due to knowledge of an individual’s intention to relocate to take up employment or otherform of paid or voluntary engagement within another national team, MF or AA, or similar circumstances.
3.

Serious Matters involving International-Level Individuals
Safeguarding matters which fall within a MF’s or AA’s jurisdiction, but which involve international-level
individuals operating in Athletics who either:a.

have had their employment or voluntary functions within the MF or AA terminated, or whose license
was not renewed, as a result of safeguarding-related allegations.
This would include someone who was being investigated for safeguarding allegations but resigned
from their role within the MF or AA before proceedings concluded.

b.

are the subject of a provisional suspension, investigation, or sanction by the MF, AA, or an
authorised third party for a serious matter, or have been charged in a Criminal Court for conduct
which would constitute a safeguarding violation under the World Athletics Safeguarding Rules(section 3, Prohibited Conduct), whether in the context of sport or otherwise, and whether thosecharges were found proven or not.

International-Level Individual is defined as:a.

someone who has previously been selected or appointed to attend international competitions oract as an official member of a delegation on behalf of the MF or AA, or;b.

someone who acts as a coach or athlete support personnel to international-level athlete(s) within
the MF’s or AA’s territory, whether or not the individual falls under that MF’s or AA’s jurisdiction.
This includes individuals who operate within a MF or AA’s territory but who may not be members of
the MF or AA (e.g. a private coach).

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Guidance on the Reporting of Safeguarding Matters
to World Athletics, by Member Federations & Area Associations

Serious Matters are defined as:
matters of a safeguarding or disciplinary nature resulting or having the potential to result in a ban ofmore than one year. A ban means any form of restriction or limitation on their ability to work or compete
within Athletics/sport).
Reporting Mechanism

Reports of any matters outlined above can be made to Safeguarding@worldathletics.org andConfidentialReport@athleticsintegrity.org.
The information shared may be utilised for purposes of reviewing the granting of accreditation at WAS events,and shared with another MF or AA where a reasonable request is made for information on a particular individual.
This might be, for example, in the context of employing an international-level coach from another jurisdiction.
Where appropriate, World Athletics will pass on reports to the Athletics Integrity Unit who may, at theirdiscretion, conduct investigations or seek orders from the World Athletics Safeguarding Case Management
Group, such as an application for a ban imposed by a MF to be extended to have worldwide effect.
Reports should contain, where possible, the name, birthdate and nationality of the individual, their role within
Athletics, the charge they face or faced, the outcome of any investigation or disciplinary matter (e.g. whether
the charge was found proven or not, and what sanction was imposed, if any), and a copy of the decision taken.
Where necessary, the names and identities of complainant(s) and/or victim(s) may be redacted.
Any questions on this guidance can be addressed to: Safeguarding@worldathletics.org. We thank you for yourcollaboration.

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