At the core of every sports event lies the fundamental principle of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for athletes and stakeholders alike. The European Fencing Confederation (EFC) is dedicated to upholding this principle through its robust safeguarding measures, overseen by dedicated professionals such as Safeguarding Officer Cecilia Brunetti, with whom we had the opportunity to speak. Please enjoy her interview.
Safeguarding - What is it?
Safeguarding aims to create a safe sporting environment for all individuals involved, not only during competitions but also in training venues such as gyms and training camps. The safe guarding officer, holds the power of prevention rather than sanction. Their role involves intervening when issues arise, explaining rules, promoting a healthy atmosphere, and resolving conflicts to ensure everyone – athletes, coaches, referees, and officials – feels comfortable and safe in all sporting environments.
Topics addressed by safeguarding range from preventing various forms of abuse, not limited to just sexual misconduct, to addressing inappropriate behaviors such as psychological or physical pressure exerted on athletes.
WHO
Applies to all staff/members/volunteers/officials of EFC or National/International Fencing Federations and those acting on behalf of them in any capacity
WHERE
Applies to harassment and abuse which may occur during the course of all business, activities and events. It also applies to harassment and abuse between individuals associated with the EFC but outside the EFC business, activities and events when such harassment or abuse adversely affects relationships within the EFC work and sport environment. It applies to persons of all ages and at all competitive levels. WHAT - Applies to all behaviour whether in-person, on the phone or conducted online or distributed electronically, using email, text messages or any other electronic medium. This includes without limitation blogs, web posting, chats and social networking sites.
How to Apply for Support?
If you have experienced or witnessed any form of abuse or misconduct, or if you wish to raise any concerns to improve the safety of the competition venue, training facilities, or camps, you can reach out to the Safeguarding Officer at EFC.
FORM TO APPLY: https://www.eurofencing.info/efc/safeguarding
EMAIL: safeguarding@fencing-efc.eu
Advices
To enhance the dissemination of safeguarding principles, in opinion of Cecilia, every fencing club should establish clear regulations and display the Ethical Code and Safeguarding Policy of their federation or, if their federation lacks one, that of the EFC or FIE. . Regular training sessions for coaches and referees should be conducted, and opportunities for continued education and professional development are essential to maintain a safe and healthy sporting environment.
To further the dissemination of SafeGuarding principles, Cecilia suggests that every fencing club should establish clear regulations and prominently display the Ethical Code and Safeguarding Policy of their federation. If their federation does not have such policies in place, clubs should adopt those of the EFC or FIE. Additionally, each federation should develop its own regulations and organize seminars for coaches, referees, and all stakeholders to promote continued education and professional development. These efforts are crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy sporting environment.
By upholding the values of safeguarding and promoting a culture of respect and well-being, the EFC aims to ensure that fencing remains a safe and enjoyable sport for everyone involved.
