OCA sets strict conduct rules for Asian Games, violators face suspension

Inappropriate relationships where "power imbalance or dependency" exists, use of degrading language or being a bystander to instances of harassment have been strictly prohibited in the Olympic Council of Asia's Safeguarding Code of Conduct for athletes and officials at the Asian Games with violations punishable by suspension from the mega-event.The code of conduct has been circulated to all athletes and officials bound for the Games beginning September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan and participants are required to sign and adhere to it.Softball Association of India President Neetal Narang would be India's Safeguarding Officer during the Games, which is a mandatory requirement in the contingent staff as per the OCA.The use of social media has also been addressed in the code of conduct with the OCA making it clear that content should be "respectful, and appropriate" and must not "compromise the dignity or safety of others.”“Breaches of this Code may result in removal of accreditation, suspension or exclusion from the Games, referral to law enforcement authorities, disciplinary action by the OCA, NOC (National Olympic Committee), AINAGOC (Organising Committee), IF/AF (International Federation/Asian Federation), or relevant governing body," the OCA has warned in the communication accessed by PTI.There is emphasis on maintaining appropriate physical, emotional, and professional boundaries at all times."Communicate respectfully and inclusively, free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, intimidation, abuse, or exploitation. Challenge, intervene where safe, and report any safeguarding concern or inappropriate conduct," the code of conduct states.The OCA made Safeguarding Officers mandatory in 2022 and subsequently, India had one for the Youth Asian Games last year with former shot-putter Om Prakash Karhana fulfilling the responsibility.India will field 501 athletes (267 male and 234 female) and 265 support staff in 36 disciplines at the Asian Games, hoping to better the best-ever tally of 106 medals achieved in the previous edition of the Games in Hangzhou. The haul included 28 gold, 38 silver and 40 bronze medals."The Indian athletes have been made aware of this code of conduct through workshops and e-mail communication. We are continuing to receive the signed acknowledgments pledging adherence to the code," a well-placed source told PTI.Protecting MinorsThe OCA Code of Conduct places emphasis on protection of minors who would be competing in the Games.India's 15-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and 16-year-old TT player Syndrela Das, along with China's 13-year-old world championship bronze-winning swimmer Yu Zidi are some of the youngest athletes in the over 10,000 who will be eyeing medals at the Games.The OCA's safeguarding code bars any "inappropriate relationships" with minors and providing them access to alcohol."Participants must never engage in, condone, ignore, conceal, or facilitate any form of harassment, bullying, abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, or violence," the code emphasised.The code bars explicitly bars "sexual activity or inappropriate relationships with minors, or with any person where a power imbalance, position of trust, authority, or dependency exists." Use of language that is degrading, sexually suggestive, or intimidating has also been prohibited.The OCA said it would also take action if there is any retaliation against persons who raise a safeguarding concern or participate in an investigation.Aichi-Nagoya will play host to over 17,000 athletes and officials during the Games that will conclude on October 4. The Games will serve as direct Olympic qualifiers for hockey and squash with gold-medallists assured of a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.