K. RAJAN
KUALA LUMPUR: Safe Sport Malaysia (SSM) has called for accountability and laws in sports here to protect athletes, particularly those with disabilities.
This comes following allegations of sexual misconduct by a swimming coach at the Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan recently.
The National Sports Council (NSC) said it has not received any reports on the allegation, and this underlined a critical issue within the sports community - the lack of protection for athletes.
SSM president Sarina Sundara Rajah stressed that safe sport policies play a vital role in preventing such incidents.
She said Malaysian sports need a law that requires an adult in some specified positions to report known or suspected cases of abuse.
"Safe Sport is a system and structure designed to keep bad actors out of sports. While the Safe Sport Code is an important starting point, the existing safeguard policy must implement measures to ensure greater accountability, compliance, and transparency," said the former national rhythmic gymnast.
"As it emerges, this case points to a lack of accountability within the system due to the power imbalance, which, ironically, the Safe Sport Code aims to mitigate. Persons with disabilities may be viewed as 'safe' targets for abuse, and it is often assumed that individuals who work to support these athletes would never perpetrate any harm because they are helping a group that is traditionally considered vulnerable.
"When an athlete discloses a concern and describes what may be an abusive act or person, such reports should be taken seriously. In addition, individuals may, and in many cases must, report any allegation of child physical or sexual abuse to the relevant law enforcement authorities.
"We need to recognise that the decision not to act when there is knowledge of harm to another cannot be tolerated. As guardians of sports, sporting authorities have an inherent duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Without effective enforcement measures, safe sport policies become mere 'check-boxes' for sports organisations."
Sarina pointed out that athletes with physical and intellectual impairment may be up to four times more likely to be victimised according
to the International Olympic Committee.
She stressed that there is an urgent need for a Safe Sport Act that provides statutory protection against abuse and exploitation in sport.
"These athletes are particularly vulnerable to abuse due to factors such as dependency, vulnerable living arrangements, communication skill deficits, diminished ability to protect themselves, and misinterpretation of affectionate behaviour, among others.
"Athletes with a higher need for physical assistance may face difficulties expressing their concerns towards carers, fearing potential backlash. Taking into account all aspects of persons with disabilities, particularly children, they should not be burdened with the responsibility of disclosing or reporting.
"The prevailing culture of impunity must end, highlighting the urgent need for a Safe Sport Act. We also see a need for effective oversight to ensure the law is achieving its intended purpose.
"The Malaysian sport system must hold individuals and organisations responsible for their actions or inaction. With our children's lives at risk, we must strive for a more justiciable instrument rather than relying solely on the code."