Classifying Severity of Non Accidental Violence in Sport

The information set out in the documents are guidelines only. The Safe Sport Commission cannot be held responsible for any outcomes arising from the use of the guidelines.

Together with the input of over 40 experts from child protection, sexual abuse case managers, sport psychology practitioners and stakeholders in the sporting community, the Safe Sport Commission has developed a set of Classification Guidelines for determining the severity of non-accidental violence.

Severity and/or seriousness is measured based on the degree of culpability relating to abusive behaviour and degree of harm caused to the affected party.

Documentation

• Classification Guidelines

• Full Paper - including a description of the background, rationale, process and list of contributors.

• Safe Sport Programme Handbook applied in conjunction with the Harmonised Decision Making Framework, Section 8.4

Purpose

Classification of severity is necessary for:

• recognising the psychological impact of non-accidental violence on affected parties;

• introducing interventions such as provision of psychosocial support

• raising awareness about the long-term effects non-accidental violence

• supplementing disciplinary process

The effects of abuse and harassment in sport can stay with the Affected Party long after incidents have happened, sometimes even resulting in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

When “fault” is objectively measured and harm caused is recognised, this not only informs accountability but provides a basis to extend the appropriate level of psychological support to the Affected Party.

This is a working document which the Safe Sport Commission will regularly update and seek views on as the information and research in this space develops.

If you wish to find out more or contribute to our efforts please email contact@safesport.sg.