Appendix 1: Advice for Young People
Advice for young people on how to avoid misconduct by others in athletics and what to do about it
What Is misconduct?
Any form of unacceptable behaviour towards you such as sexual misbehaviour, physical acts, inappropriate remarks, suggestive gestures, pictures or other material, or some other forms of abuse such as physical violence and all forms of bullying.
What you can do to avoid such misconduct?
Listen to the advice of your parents.
Avoid being left alone with anyone.
If you have to leave a group tell someone - where your going, why you are going, how long you are likely to be, and report to them when you return.
Do not allow anyone to talk to you about something personal concerning either themselves or yourself if it has nothing to do with their job or work in sport. If they still persist, walk away and complain to someone in a senior position.
Do not agree to meet anyone on your own any time, without informing another adult.
Do not accept a lift from anyone if you feel unsafe.
Do not tolerate any form of bullying from anyone.
If misconduct happens what should you do?
Tell that person to stop at once.
Tell others who may be present what happened.
If they actually saw what happened remember who they are so they can be your witnesses.
If the misconduct continues, tell that person again to stop at once then leave if you can or shout for help. If this is not possible then you must report the matter as soon as possible, to another official or adult.
Report it to the Welfare Officer
Tell your parents as soon as possible.
Keep a record of the date, time and place and what happened, and make a list of any witnesses.
If any of your group or club mates have suffered the same sort of experience, ask them to make a similar record.
Ask any witnesses to do the same.
What you should definitely not do:
Do not wrongly complain if nothing happened.
Do not exaggerate if something did happen.
Do not ignore behaviour that makes you uncomfortable.
Do not keep to your self what happened.
Do not delay before complaining.
Do not agree to hush up or hide what happened.
Do not be afraid or embarrassed to tell your parents, a friend or the Welfare Officer.