Safeguarding
Our Commitment
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the sport of surfing. Safeguarding is a core responsibility of the ISA and reflects our duty of care toward athletes, particularly minors and vulnerable participants, as well as coaches, officials, staff, volunteers, and all individuals engaged in ISA activities.
Safeguarding is embedded in the ISA Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy and is aligned with international best practice within the Olympic Movement, including the IOC Safeguarding Framework. The ISA applies these principles across its governance, events, education programs, and daily operations.
Who the Safeguarding Policy Applies To
The ISA Safeguarding framework applies to all individuals associated with ISA activities, including:
- Athletes (including Para Surfing athletes)
- Coaches, instructors, and support personnel
- Judges, officials, and technical delegates
- Staff, volunteers, and contractors
- Members of National Federations affiliated with the ISA.
All covered individuals are expected to uphold the standards of behavior set out in the ISA Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy and to contribute actively to a safe sporting environment.
What We Mean by Safeguarding
Safeguarding in surfing means protecting individuals from all forms of harm, abuse, harassment, exploitation, and inappropriate behavior. The ISA adopts a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct and strictly prohibits:
- Sexual harassment and sexual abuse
- Physical abuse and neglect
- Psychological abuse, bullying, and intimidation
- Discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics
- Any behavior that compromises the dignity, safety, or wellbeing of participants.
Clear professional boundaries, respect, and responsible conduct are fundamental expectations within all ISA activities.
Preventing Harm
The ISA takes a proactive approach to safeguarding through:
- Clear behavioral standards set out in the ISA Code of Conduct
- Education and awareness for athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders
- Emphasis on professional boundaries, particularly when working with minors
- Encouraging parental or guardian involvement where appropriate
- Integration of safeguarding principles into event delivery, education programs, and governance processes.
Safeguarding considerations form part of decision-making at all levels of the organization.
Reporting Concerns
The ISA encourages anyone who experiences, witnesses, or becomes aware of conduct that may breach safeguarding standards to speak up. Concerns can be reported confidentially and, where preferred, anonymously.
Reports may be made: – Through the ISA Safeguarding Report Form for Incidents of Harassment and Abuse
All reports are treated seriously, handled confidentially to the extent possible, and investigated in accordance with ISA policies. Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Whistleblower Protection
The ISA Whistleblower Policy provides protection for individuals who report suspected illegal, unethical, or improper conduct in good faith. The ISA is committed to ensuring that
no individual is subjected to retaliation, harassment, discrimination, or adverse consequences as a result of raising a concern.
Please refer to our Safe Reporting who also works as a platform for any whistleblower reports.
Whistleblower protections apply to employees, athletes, and all covered individuals, reinforcing a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust.
International Hotline:
Child Helpline International >
IOC Integrity Line >
Responding to Safeguarding Issues
When a safeguarding concern is raised, the ISA will: – Assess the matter promptly; – Take appropriate interim measures where necessary to protect individuals; – Conduct or commission investigations as required; – Apply disciplinary measures proportionate to the findings; – Refer matters to external authorities where legally required.
All actions are guided by principles of fairness, proportionality, confidentiality, and due process.
Education and Awareness
The ISA promotes awareness and understanding of safeguarding responsibilities through reference to key international frameworks and resources, including:
The ISA Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy >
International human rights instruments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child >
These resources support consistent safeguarding standards across the global surfing community.
The ISA draws on the IOC Safeguarding Toolkit, which provides practical guidance to support sports organizations within the Olympic Movement in developing and implementing effective safeguarding policies and procedures. The Toolkit helps promote consistent, informed, and athlete-centered safeguarding practices across all levels of sport.
To further support awareness and understanding, the IOC has also developed a free, accessible Athlete Safeguarding e-learning course available through the IOC Athlete Learning Gateway. This short, interactive course is designed to help athletes, their entourage, and other stakeholders understand key safeguarding principles, recognize inappropriate behavior, and know how and where to seek support.