IOA Safe Sports Policy Drawbacks and Pathways for Improvement

The aim of the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Safe Sports Policy is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for officials, volunteers, staff, and athletes. This paper looks at the policy’s shortcomings and difficulties. Though the policy has good intentions, it falls short in several ways. For example, it doesn’t have clear rules for recognizing and handling harassment and abuse, hold stakeholders responsible, or offer sufficient protections for whistleblowers. Furthermore, it provides no specific steps for enforcing robust reporting and investigation practices, educating stakeholders, or increasing awareness. Better awareness campaigns, easy-to-use reporting systems, more robust support networks, cooperation with outside organizations, periodic policy reviews, and thorough instruction and training for all participants are among the suggestions for enhancing the policy. The IOA can address these shortcomings to improve athlete well-being and promote a safer sporting environment in India.