Department of Community Development launches Child Protection in Sport Policy
Developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), and the Family Care Authority (FCA), the policy aligns with Federal Law No (3) of 2016, known as Wadeema, and its executive regulations. The policy applies to all sports entities in Abu Dhabi, as well as to all workers and volunteers involved in sports activities outside educational institutions. To support the policy's implementation, the department will roll out a comprehensive awareness campaign.
His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Sports Sector at DCD, said: 'The Child Protection Policy in the Sports Entities reflects the department's commitment to promoting the welfare of children and ensuring their safety in all areas. It is an important step that promotes the healthy growth and development of children, in line with the vision of our leadership, which is keen to protect children and ensure their rights and safety. The policy focuses on enhancing awareness and community participation in protecting children by empowering sports entities, parents and workers in the sports sector to effectively assume their responsibilities.
'The policy includes a comprehensive set of principles and mechanisms that ensure the application of the highest standards of protection, including the appointment of child protection coordinators in sports entities, and the provision of mandatory training programmes for workers and volunteers to ensure their readiness to deal with any potential dangers, in addition to imposing strict procedures for reporting and following up on violations, which enhances the culture of transparency and accountability.'
The policy is based on four main principles that ensure parents, and their children feel safe by promoting the right to participate, zero tolerance for child abuse, as well as responsibility, accountability, protection, and non-retaliation.
The policy aims to establish mechanisms, standards, and procedures to safeguard children in all sports entities and facilities. It also seeks to protect children participating in sports activities from any behaviour, conduct, or actions that violate their rights, harm their interests, or cause them physical or emotional harm. Additionally, the policy provides support for children in sports activities who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or violence.
The policy mandates that all employees in sports entities and facilities who interact directly with children must report any suspected or alleged cases of child abuse, neglect, or violence within the sports sector. It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of sports entities, professional athletes, volunteers, parents, and caregivers in addressing such cases. This approach aims to promote the wellbeing and safety of children in sports, foster positive behaviour, build healthy social relationships, uphold standards of sportsmanship, and create a safe and constructive environment for sports activities.
The policy includes the development of legal frameworks to prevent anyone who poses a threat to children participating in sports activities, in addition to preventing them from joining any sports entity, work or other environment that allows them to deal with children. It also focuses on coordination with the competent authorities and concerned parties to ensure the protection of the rights of all children participating in sports activities.
The Child Protection Policy in the Sports Entities prohibits all forms of child abuse, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, neglect, exploitation, bullying in any form, and any type of discrimination based on race, age, gender, nationality, religion, or developmental delays.
The policy was developed through the collaborative efforts of DCD, ADSC, and FCA, along with various relevant partners in the health, society, sports and education sectors, including the ECA, the UAE Pro League, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the Ministry of Education, in addition to the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and the Emirates Schools Establishment.
The Department of Community Development invites all relevant entities and individuals to learn more about the Child Protection Policy in Sports Entities by visiting the official website: www.addcd.gov.ae
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
8 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi Police arrest motorists for reckless driving, performing dangerous stunts
A group of motorists was arrested in Abu Dhabi's Liwa region for driving recklessly and performing dangerous stunts, the emirate's police said on Monday. The apprehended violators were also found fleeing from a traffic officer, and driving without license plates, it added. They were caught by the Traffic and Security Patrols Department in the Al Dhafra region, in coordination with the Special Patrols Department. Brigadier General Mahmoud Yousef Al Baloushi, Director of the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police, called on parents to monitor their children's behaviour and guide them towards responsible and safe vehicle use. He also stressed the important role the public plays in supporting security efforts, urging them to report any dangerous or illegal activities via the "Aman" service at 8002626 or by SMS to 2828.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Morning runs, ice workouts: How UAE residents are staying fit, beating summer heat
From changing their exercise timings to trying out new activities, UAE fitness enthusiasts are experimenting with their workouts this summer. As UAE summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°, some individuals have opted to run before dawn, while others participate in activities such as ice baths. Former international sprinter Daniel Oderinde, an athletics coach and runner based in Dubai, has observed a significant shift in workout routines preferences during the summer. "I've noticed, both in my training and when coaching others, that the heat doesn't mean people stop, it just means they change when and how they train,' he said. He said that he often runs early in the morning or later in the evening. 'I often move runs to early mornings before the sun is fully out, like the Grey Days 5K social runs hosted with New Balance or opt for evening sessions after work when it's a bit cooler," he said. "On days when the heat is unbearable, I take my runs indoors to the treadmill to stay on track safely." He added that this shift during summer months required more planning. 'An early morning run means prioritising sleep the night before and staying hydrated in advance,' he said. 'Evening sessions require planning meals and water intake carefully throughout the day to avoid cramping and ensure my body is fuelled to perform." Marked shift in workout routine According to Julien Khoury, founder of Dubai wellness centre Breasy, they have seen a "distinct shift" in workout preferences as the warmer months approach. "There's a growing inclination towards early morning starts to fully capitalise on the cooler hours before the sun reaches its peak," she said. "Also, as the day winds down, we see a strong pull towards later evening sessions." She said that Breasy had responded to this demand by adjusting timings and offering a relaxed schedule. "For our outdoor offerings like yoga sessions, gym workouts, and run club, we've moved to earlier morning starts,' she said. 'Our sunset and evening sessions now begin slightly later, always culminating with an invigorating cold plunge. We also understand that summer brings a natural ebb and flow with holidays, so we've adopted a more relaxed and reduced schedule. This flexibility ensures our community members can travel and return without missing a beat. For example, our popular floating breathwork sessions at Aura Skypool are now running bi-weekly through the summer.' Workouts with ice Fitness company GymNation took advantage of the summer months by offering a one-of-a-kind workout session at one of its branches. The 'Coolest Class in Dubai' fitness experience, which was offered at the Motor City branch every Saturday in July, included workouts with ice and fans. One of the activities, Blizzard Sprints, required participants to run on treadmills against giant fans. The Polar Push involved sledge pushes with ice blocks, and the Glacier Grip challenge included ice-bucket farmer carries. According to Rory McEntee, the company's Chief Marketing Officer, the response to these unique classes was 'overwhelmingly positive' and the sessions may be extended. 'Classes have booked out so quickly that we've implemented a ballot system to keep it fair and give as many people as possible the chance to participate,' he said. 'Considering this demand, we're already exploring options to increase capacity and run additional sessions to meet interest.'
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
‘Can I employ a domestic help who has her own UAE visa?'
Question: I have employed a woman to come to my house and cook some meals for my husband and teenage children as I have been away. She said she has her own visa, so can work for anyone. I paid her in advance, but she has not worked all the days we first agreed and is now not returning my calls. What steps can I take to get some money back and stop her from doing this again? FA, Dubai Answer: The UAE has employment regulations to cover all categories of work. A cook is classed as a domestic worker. The classification includes 19 types of jobs, such as housemaids, cleaners, drivers and cooks. In this, and in previous legislation, it has always been made clear that domestic workers may only be employed through an agency or be sponsored as a direct employee. It is illegal to employ any domestic worker who claims to have their own visa. It is also illegal to employ any domestic worker who is under the sponsorship of another resident. The fines for breaking the law are significant and clarified in the latest legislation, Federal Law Decree No 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers. Article 17.3 states: 'A fine of at least Dh50,000 [$13,614] and up to Dh200,000 shall be imposed on those who commit the following: a. Provides employment to a domestic worker without obtaining a work permit for the latter.' FA was employing this cook illegally and has no legal recourse to recover any money owed to her. Both she and the person she employed could be subject to substantial fines if they are reported to the UAE authorities. Q: I have a part-time job in a school and while I am a qualified teacher, I only teach a few classes each week. I have been approached to do some private tutoring but am wondering how I can do this. I am sponsored by my husband and have a work permit from the school. JD, Dubai A: JD requires a suitable licence to undertake any other paid work. Carrying out any work in the UAE without the proper licence is illegal and subject to fines. The good news is that while a licence is mandatory, in December 2023 the UAE introduced a specific licence for private tutoring. This is free. It is a joint initiative from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Ministry of Education and is intended to put a stop to illegal and unregulated private tuition. In order to apply, the individual must obtain a letter of no objection from their employer and provide this along with a good conduct certificate, valid Emirates ID, a copy of their most recent academic degree and details of their teaching experience. A good conduct certificate is also known as a police clearance certificate and can be obtained from the police app relating to the emirate of residency. The application can be made through UAE Pass and passed on to the ministry for checking and approval. They should take only two working days for a complete and valid application. Permits are valid for two years. The permit can be used for both in-person and online tutoring. It is available to non-teachers, but they should have qualifications and/or experience in the relevant subjects. Watch: Computer engineer conned in job scam says UAE visa amnesty saved life Students aged 15 or over can also apply for the permit but must seek permission from their legal guardian, usually their father, and have this in writing in the form of a no-objection certificate. In all cases, a person must be a resident of the UAE. Q: I used to live and work in Saudi Arabia until 2023. I left to go home but will be returning later this year. I still have my Saudi driving licence, will I be able to drive straight away? HM, Canada A: Saudi driving licences are usually valid for five years for expats (non-Saudi or GCC citizens). That said, they are linked to the Iqama, the residence visa. So if an Iqama is cancelled, the licence is technically invalid. Note that the Iqama number is unique to each individual, like an identity number, so it does not change but still has to be reapplied for to be valid at renewal and cancelled on leaving the country permanently. On returning to Saudi Arabia, HM's new employer will reapply for a valid Iqama and once that has been issued, he can reactivate his driving licence. All driving activities go through the Absher app and platform these days, so it should be a simple and quick process.
