Policy for Child Protection

Policy for Child Protection
within Sports Entities

• DEFINITIONS
• PURPOSE OF THE POLICY
• APPLICABILITY
• POLICY PRINCIPLES
• FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE
• DCD ROLE IN THE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
• ADSC ROLE IN POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
• CHILD PROTECTION COORDINATORS
• SPORTS ENTITIES
• SPORTS PROFESSIONALS AND VOLUNTEERS
• FAMILY, PARENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND CUSTODIANS
• MANDATORY TRAINING
• WHISTLBLOWING PROCEDURES
• RESPONSIBILITY
• SUPERVISION AND MONITORING
• CONFIDENTIALITY
• APPLICATION
Contents
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1. Definitions
Emirate: Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Competent Authorities: The relevant federal authorities concerned with children's
affairs.
Concerned Bodies: Local authorities concerned with children's affairs.
DCD: Department of Community Development
ADSC: Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Child Rights Law: Federal Law No. (3) of 2016 on Child Rights (Wadeema Law) and its
Executive Regulations.
Policy: Policy for Child Protection within Sports Entities.
Policy Implementation Manual: The manual issued by DCD, which governs the
implementation of the Policy for Child Protection within Sport Entities.
Child: Each and every human being born alive and under 18 years of age.
Child Protection: All mechanisms, measures, procedures, and both preventive and
remedial interventions that must be implemented to prevent, address, and respond to
any potential risks, harm, or injury to children that may arise while they are under the
supervision of the Sports Entity, including during their transit to and from the Sports Entity
using the Entity’s transportation means, their movement between designated locations,
periods of waiting, and their participation in all sports-related activities organized by the
Sports Entity, whether conducted within its facilities or at external venues.
Custodian: The person legally in charge of the Child or entrusted with the Child’s custody,
as defined by the Child Rights Law.
Child Protection Coordinator: An individual designated by the Sports Entity and duly
trained and certified by the Concerned Bodies to acquire the requisite skills to identify,
assess, and respond to incidents of violence, neglect, or abuse against children within the

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Sports Entity, which require preventive or remedial interventions to safeguard the child
against risks.
Child Abuse: Any act or omission that results in harm to a child and impedes their proper,
safe, and healthy development, in accordance with the provisions of the Child Rights Law.
Child Neglect: Failure of parents or custodians to take the measures necessary to protect
the Child’s life and physical, psychological, mental, and moral well-being from danger and
preserve their various rights, as prescribed under the Child Rights Law.
Violence against Children: The deliberate use of force by any individual or group against
a Child, resulting in actual harm to the Child’s health, development, or survival, as defined
under the Child Rights Law.
Child’s Best Interest: According paramount importance to the Child’s interest above
all other considerations, ensuring its prioritization and preference in all circumstances,
irrespective of the interests of other parties, as stipulated in the Child Rights Law.
Designated Reporters: Individuals entrusted with the protection, care, or education of
children, who are under a legal obligation to report to the Competent Authorities or
Concerned Bodies any matter that poses a threat to the child’s safety or to their physical,
mental, moral, or intellectual well-being, in accordance with the provisions of the Child
Rights Law.
Sports Entities: Any non-governmental sports entity duly registered or licensed by the
Concerned Bodies, operating within the domain of sports. Pursuant to Federal Law No.
(4) of 2023 Concerning Sports, Sports Entities include sports federations, associations,
clubs, and sports companies and institutions.
Sports Institutions: Any for-profit Sports Entity duly licensed by the Concerned Bodies
to engage in Sports Activities and provide sports services, including but not limited to
centers, private clubs, and academies, in accordance with Federal Law No. (4) of 2023
Concerning Sports.
Sports Clubs: Recognized Sports Entities established to practice one or more sports
disciplines and formally affiliated with a relevant sports federation, in accordance with
the provisions of Federal Law No. (4) of 2023 Concerning Sports.

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Sports Activities: All forms of physical or mental activities undertaken by individuals or
organized through Sports Entities, whether conducted professionally or as a recreational
pursuit, aimed at improving fitness levels and overall health, participating in friendly or
official championships and competitions, or for entertainment purpose.
Sports Event: Any sports activity, competition, or training involving the participation
of amateurs or professionals, conducted at designated sports venues—including sports
complexes, sports centers, or any other locations suitable for such purposes, such as
beaches, desert areas, or mountainous regions—provided that attendance or viewing by
the public is permitted.
Sports Professionals: Individuals employed by Sports Entities and licensed to engage in
sports-related professions, in accordance with the provisions of Federal Law No. (4) of
2023 Concerning Sports.
Volunteer: Every registered natural or legal person practicing volunteer work free of
charge or outside their job, in accordance with Federal Law No. (13) of 2018 on Volunteer
Work.
Suspension Order: A temporary precautionary measure issued by the Sports Entity
upon a suspicion or formal complaint indicating a potential breach of child protection
obligations of medium or high severity. The order entails the exclusion of the individual
subject of the suspicion or complaint from any interactions with children, pending the
resolution of the complaint.

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2. Purpose
2.1. DCD affirms its unwavering commitment to the safeguarding of children's safety
and well-being, the preservation of their dignity, and the provision of a secure and
enjoyable sports environment.
2.2. This Policy is designed to accomplish the following objectives:
• Ensure the effective implementation of the mechanisms, standards, and procedures
required for the protection of children within Sports Entities, in accordance with the
applicable legislation and this Policy;
• Protect children engaged in Sports Activities from any acts or behaviors that
may infringe upon their rights, jeopardize their interests, or cause them harm, in
accordance with the provisions of Federal Law, including Abuse, Neglect and Violence
against Children;
• Provide support and assistance to children deemed at risk of Abuse, Neglect, or
Violence while participating in Sports Activities;
• Ensure that all Sports Professionals and employees in Sport Entities who have
direct contact with children under their supervision—including service providers,
bus drivers, security personnel, and Volunteers— report any cases of Child Abuse,
Neglect, or Violence occurring within Sports Entities..
• Specify the roles and responsibilities of Sports Entities, Professionals, Volunteers,
Parents, Custodians, and caregivers in the context of responding to reports of cases
of Child Abuse, Neglect, and Violence;
• Ensure that all Sports Entities demonstrate a commitment to the care and protection
of children participating in Sports Activities, and coordinate pertinent procedures in
relation to such care and protection;
• Promote the safety and well-being of children within the domain of sports;
• Establish legal frameworks designed to prevent and dismiss any individual who poses
a risk to the safety and well-being of children involved in Sports Activities.
• Encourage the establishment of partnerships aimed at enhancing the protection of
children.
• Facilitate collaboration with the Competent Authorities and Concerned Bodies to
ensure the protection and preservation of the rights of all children participating in
Sports Activities organized by the Sports Entity or affiliated with any Sports Events.

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3. Applicability
3.1. This Policy shall apply to the following parties within the geographical boundaries
of the Emirate:
• Sports Entities, excluding sports associations and federations.
• Child Protection Coordinators and Sports Professionals employed by Sports Entities,
as well as any other individuals operating under their supervision who have direct
contact with children—including, but not limited to, service providers, bus drivers,
and security personnel;
• Volunteers who engage with children in a voluntary capacity within Sports Entities,
whether in collaboration with such entities or during organized Sports Events;
• Parents, caregivers, and Custodians.
3.2. This Policy shall not apply to Sports Activities or Events conducted by educational
institutions within their fields or facilities. Such activities shall be governed by the
National Child Protection Policy in Educational Institutions currently in force within
the United Arab Emirates.

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4. Policy Principles
4.1. This Policy is based on the following four key principles:
Child's Best Interests and Right to Participation: The paramount
consideration shall be the best interests and safety of the Child in all
circumstances. This principle shall guide all procedures established to
ensure their protection and well-being, irrespective of the interests of other
parties. Furthermore, children shall be afforded the right to express their
views and actively participate in discussions regarding matters related to
their protection or any issues that may affect their well-being. Their voices
shall be heard, and their opinions shall be considered in decision-making
processes, taking into account their age-related capacities and maturity.
Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse: The Sports Entity, along with all Sports
Professionals and Volunteers, shall bear the responsibility to identify, address,
and manage child protection risks within the scope of their capabilities to
ensure that such risks are mitigated and that any form of child abuse is
strictly not tolerated.
Responsibility: Whistleblowers are required to adhere to the standards
established for Child Protection, to implement such standards diligently, and
to uphold the privacy of children, thereby ensuring their safety and well-
being.
Protection and Non-Retaliation: All whistleblowers shall be afforded full
protection and shall not be subject to any form of obstruction, retaliation,
or penalty for fulfilling their duty to report incidents of Abuse, Neglect, or
Violence against Children, in accordance with the provisions of Federal Law
No. (14) of 2020 on the Protection of Witnesses and the Like.

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5. Forms of Child Abuse
The following forms of Child Abuse are strictly prohibited within Sports Entities:
• Physical Abuse: Infliction of physical harm upon a Child, or the failure, or
unwillingness to prevent such harm.
• Sexual Abuse: The act of coercing, enticing, or involving a Child in any form of sexual
activity, whether the Child is conscious or unconscious of the act. This also includes
behaviors that do not involve direct physical contact, such as involving children in
the production or consumption of pornography, exposing them to sexual activities,
or encouraging inappropriate sexual behavior.
• Mental Abuse: Refers to the treatment of a Child in a manner that inflicts severe
and lasting harm to their mental well-being, hindering their emotional growth and
development, including coercing a Child into participating in Sports Activities against
their will, applying undue pressure, or engaging in actions that humiliate the Child or
damage their reputation.
• Neglect: The failure to provide for a Child’s basic needs, including the omission
of necessary actions to preserve the Child’s life, physical health, mental health,
psychological well-being, moral integrity, and various rights.
• Exploitation: The use of children for labor or activities that result in financial, social,
or political gain for others, in a manner that adversely affects the Child's physical,
mental, cognitive, moral, or social development.
• Bullying: The repeated physical, social, or verbal abuse of children by those in a
position of power over those who are vulnerable, weak, or unable to resist to gain
advantages or draw attention, resulting in harm and causing emotional or physical
pain to the victim. Bullying may be carried out by individuals or groups and can occur
in person or through digital platforms (cyberbullying).
• Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of children and their families
based on race, age, gender, nationality, religion, or developmental delays.

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6. DCD Role in the Policy Implementation
7. ADSC Role in Policy Implementation
In exercising its legally prescribed powers, DCD shall oversee the implementation of
this Policy within Sports Institutions through the following measures:
• Ensure that all individuals working with children receive the mandatory training on
Child Protection.
• Ensure the appointment of a Child Protection Coordinator to complement the
provision of the necessary training.
• Ensure that every Sports Event organizer designates a Child Protection Coordinator
for any organized event involving children.
• Provide guidance and support to the Child Protection Coordinators in the execution
of their responsibilities.
• Ensure that accurate and comprehensive records are maintained in accordance with
applicable data protection requirements, particularly with respect to:
• Attendance logs of Child Protection training sessions for individuals engaged in
working with children within Sports Institutions.
• Reports, investigations, decisions and penalties in relation to cases of Abuse,
Neglect, or Violence against Children, in accordance with the procedures
outlined in the Policy Implementation Manual.
In the exercise of its legally stipulated powers, ADSC shall oversee the implementation
of this Policy within Sports Clubs through the following measures:
• Ensure that all individuals working with children receive the mandatory training
on Child Protection.
• Ensure the appointment of a Child Protection Coordinator to complement the
provision of the necessary training.
• Ensure that every Sports Event organizer designates a Child Protection
Coordinator for any organized event involving children.
• Provide guidance and support to the Child Protection Coordinators in the
execution of their responsibilities.
• Ensure that accurate and comprehensive records are maintained in accordance
with applicable data protection requirements, particularly with respect to:
• Attendance logs of Child Protection training sessions for individuals engaged
in working with children within Sports Clubs.
• Reports, investigations, decisions and penalties in relation to cases of Abuse,
Neglect, or Violence against Children, in accordance with the procedures
outlined in the Policy Implementation Manual.

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8. Child Protection Coordinators
8.1. Every Sports Entity engaging with children shall designate a Child Protection
Coordinator, and every organizer of Sports Events targeting children must also
designate a Child Protection Coordinator.
8.2. Responsibilities of the Child Protection Coordinator:
• Ensure that the Sports Entity’s child protection policy aligns with this Policy and any
other relevant applicable legislation;
• Ensure that all Sports Professionals interacting with children within the Sports Entity
have completed the mandatory child protection training;
• Organize and conduct regular awareness programs, training sessions, and workshops
on child protection within Sports Entities for Sports Professionals, staff, Volunteers,
athletes, and parents;
• Maintain and update accurate records of attendance at mandatory child protection
training and development programs; Ensure that Sports Entities maintain
confidential and accurate records concerning child protection issues, incidents,
and interventions, and share such reports with Concerned Bodies or Competent
Authorities, as required;
• Receive complaints related to child safety from parents, children, Sports Professionals,
workers, or Volunteers; and provide appropriate guidance and support, in line with
the severity of the complaint, as outlined in the Policy Implementation Manual. Assess
the severity of complaints and concerns related to Abuse, Neglect, or Violence against
Children and determine whether the issue can be addressed internally or whether it
requires reporting and referral to the relevant authorities, such as Abu Dhabi Police
or the Family Care Authority, in accordance with the Policy Implementation Manual
and applicable legislation;
• Make recommendations to the Sports Entity regarding the issuance of Suspension
Orders against individuals within the entity;
• Ensure that ADSC and DCD are notified upon the issuance of a Suspension Order by
the Sports Entity, including the grounds for such action;
• Evaluate potential risks and vulnerabilities within the Sports Entity that may affect
the safety and well-being of children participating in Sports Activities.
8.3 Child Protection Coordinators are not responsible for investigating or addressing
high-risk child protection cases.

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9. Sports Entities
Sports Entities shall take all necessary actions and measures to ensure the protection
of children in accordance with the provisions of this Policy, Child Rights Law, and
applicable legislation. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Ensure compliance with child protection legislation;
• Establish and maintain a safe environment for Children to facilitate their participation
in Sports Activities.
• Ensure that all personnel have completed appropriate first aid training.
• Ensure that the Sports Entity adopts a child protection policy that incorporates all
requirements outlined herein and as specified in the Policy Implementation Manual.
Designate a Child Protection Coordinator.
• Ensure that all Sports Professionals, workers, and Volunteers interacting with
children, within the Sports Entity, have completed the mandatory child protection
training.
• Maintain an internal database of all individuals working with children, in compliance
with the Policy Implementation Manual.
• Ensure that their internal regulations and employment contracts include a provision
stating that an employee's services will be terminated if they violate the provisions
of the Child Rights Law and any legislation related to child protection, in accordance
with the provisions of this policy and its Implementation Manual.
• Address and report cases of Abuse, Neglect or Violence against Children, according
to the severity of the case, in accordance with the Policy Implementation Manual
and applicable legislation.
• Ensure that the right to education for children is upheld and consider the timing of
school assessments when scheduling Sports Activities.
• Refrain from coercing children to participate in Sports Activities that do not interest
them or subjecting them to pressure to compel their participation.
• Publish the Child Protection Policy on the Sports Entity’s website and within its
facilities, along with the procedures for reporting any cases of Abuse, Neglect, or
Violence against children.

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10. Sports Professionals and Volunteers
11. Family, Parents, Caregivers & Custodians
12. Mandatory Training
13. Whistleblowing Procedures
• Sports Professionals and Volunteers working with children shall ensure the safety
and protection of the Child in accordance with the provisions of this Policy and
applicable legislation, and shall adhere to the rules of conduct established by Sports
Entities.
• Report any issues or concerns to the Child Protection Coordinator at the respective
Sports Entity.
• Report any cases of Abuse, Neglect or Violence against Children.
• Attend any required child protection training.
The family, parents, and Custodians shall ensure the safety and protection of the Child in
accordance with the provisions of this Policy and applicable legislation, and shall notify
the Sports Entity or Concerned Bodies of any threat to the Child's safety, or any concerns
regarding their physical or mental well-being.
All individuals engaging with children within Sports Entities shall complete the necessary
training on child protection provided by the Concerned Bodies, in accordance with the
Policy Implementation Manual and applicable legislation.
13.1 The Policy Implementation Manual outlines the rules for addressing and reporting
cases of Abuse, Neglect, or Violence against Children within Sports Entities, in accordance
with this Policy, the Child Rights Law, and applicable legislation related to child protection.
13.2 The identity of the whistleblower shall remain confidential, and legal protection shall
be provided in accordance with the applicable legislation.

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14. Responsibility
15. Supervision and Monitoring
17. Application
16. Confidentiality
Without prejudice to any criminal liability arising from the violation of the provisions
of the Child Rights Law and applicable child protection legislation, any individual who
breaches the provisions of this Policy shall be subject to administrative penalties. The DCD
Chairman, in coordination with ADSC and with the approval of the Executive Council,
shall issue a schedule of violations and administrative fines for actions that contravene
the provisions of this Policy, in accordance with the applicable legislation.
DCD, in collaboration with ADSC and the Concerned Bodies, shall regularly monitor and
evaluate the implementation of this Policy.
17.1. This Policy shall be regularly reviewed by DCD through the following steps:
• Considering feedback provided by ADSC regarding recommendations for policy
amendments.
• Engaging with the Concerned Bodies to evaluate the application of the Policy
and explore avenues for its development.
• Ensuring the alignment of this Policy with any updates or amendments made to
the applicable legislation concerning child protection.
17.2. DCD shall hold exclusive authority to interpret the provisions of this Policy, as
required.
17.3 This Policy shall enter into force as of its date of publication in the Official Gazette.
16.1 Child Protection Coordinators, Sports Professionals, Volunteers, employees working
with children within Sports Entities, parents, and Custodians shall maintain strict
confidentiality in connection with child protection concerns and cases of child abuse, and
shall share such information only with individuals or entities who have a legal right to
access it, in accordance with the applicable legislation.
16.2. Sports Entities shall ensure that the appropriate measures are in place to safeguard
data and prevent the unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of sensitive information, in
accordance with the applicable legislation.

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United Arab Emirates - Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Issued by: Department of Community Development
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