Description of the Tool
This tool provides a model policy to assist sport organisations in developing their own anti-harassment policy. Organisations are encouraged to adapt the policy to suit their own sport, and their organisational structure and policies.

When to Use it?

Format
The Hillary Commission of New Zealand has provided a sample policy that you can add your name and sport, at a minimum, or make appropriate modifications.

Tool

1. Policy Statement
[Sports organisation (enter your details here)] is committed to providing a harassment-free environment where all people involved in [sport] are treated with respect and dignity and can contribute and participate to their full potential. This benefits athletes/players, the coaches and officials, the [Sports organisation] and [sport]

We will do our best to prevent harassment by:

• Ensuring that this policy is drawn to the attention of all employees, coaches, officials, parents and athletes/players
• Responding promptly, appropriately and fairly to any complaints that are brought to our attention
• Appointing and training appropriate Harassment Contact People who can be approached for information and advice
• Reviewing regularly our policy, procedures and practices.

2. Who the Policy and Procedures Cover
The Policy and Procedures cover all:

• Athletes/players
• Administrators and officials
• Coaches
• Anyone who is employed by or represents the [Sports organisation], whether paid or unpaid.

3. What the Policy and Procedures Cover
The Policy and Procedures cover all situations connected with [sport] including:

• Coaching and training
• Competition
• Travel
• Social events
• Meetings or conferences.

4. Definitions
4.1 Harassment is any unwelcome comment, conduct or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive, and is either repeated or of such a significant nature, that it adversely affects someone's performance, contribution or sports environment.

4.2 Harassment may be focused on an individual's or group's race, colour, gender, physical characteristics, sexual orientation, disability or any other distinguishing characteristic.

4.3 Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature.

4.4 In most cases, harassment (including sexual harassment) is an attempt by one person to inappropriately exert power over another person. Harassment ranges from mild conduct such as gestures or comments to conduct that may be physical, forceful and violent.

5. Responsibilities
[Sports organisation] is responsible for taking all reasonable steps to prevent harassment in our organisation and for ensuring our policy and procedures are well known throughout the organisation. This means we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that everyone in the organisation understands:

• What harassment means
• That it is against the law
• That it will not be tolerated
• That complaints will be dealt with through identified procedures. These will provide both formal and informal mechanisms.

6. Legal Liability
Harassment is a form of discrimination. Sexual and racial harassment is illegal in many countries. Check legislation to confirm your organization's liability for harassment in your country.

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