Athletics Cook Islands
Resources

Policies

The policies everyone involved in athletics in the Cook Islands is expected to know and follow.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is how we protect everyone in athletics, children and adults, from abuse, harassment and exploitation. It is not one person's job. It belongs to all of us.

Athletics Cook Islands has aligned its Safeguarding Policy to World Athletics, our governing body, so what we do here matches the world standard.

If you have a concern, raise it

You do not need to be certain. You do not need proof. Every concern raised is taken seriously and treated confidentially.

Our Safeguarding Officer is Sally Malcolm, who is also our Secretary.

Phone +682 77042 or email athleticsci@gmail.com. You can also speak to any Executive Board member, coach or official.

If someone is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services first. If someone needs medical support, get that first.

The four principles

  • Dignity and respect. Everyone has the right to be free from discrimination, whatever their sex, race, age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, beliefs, or religious or political affiliation.
  • A safe place to compete. Everyone has the right to take part, enjoy athletics and develop personally in an inclusive environment free from abuse, harassment and exploitation.
  • Your voice is heard. Children and adults both have the right to be heard, especially when raising a concern about themselves or someone else. Everyone should know who to ask for help.
  • Children's welfare comes first. Everyone is responsible for the care and protection of children, and decisions are made in their best interests.

Who it applies to

ACI, the Pa Enua federations, athletes, staff, officials, coaches, volunteers, and anyone else affiliated with athletics in the Cook Islands.

Everyone in a position of authority must confirm in writing that they have read and understood it. Every athlete is given it when they register. For anyone under 18 it goes to their parent or guardian as well, who confirm they have read it. It is gone over again before any overseas travel, every time.

Our cultural values

The policy is built around Cook Islands culture rather than over the top of it.

Faith. Prayer before competition, events and training is part of who we are and is respected. Scheduling should allow time for it. Telling a coach you do not wish to compete on a Sunday is reasonable, so long as it is said clearly and early. Changing a schedule at the last minute is not.

Travelling and staying with family. Male coaches and officials are accommodated with male athletes, female with female. That is the standard protocol. Immediate family may be able to share accommodation, but it is agreed with the ACI executive before anything is booked, not after.

Meals. During competition athletes eat with their travelling party, so the coach or nutritionist's plan holds. Time with family and eating with family comes after competition, if time allows.

Travelling overseas

  • Minors are accompanied by a coach, parent or supervisor they know and are comfortable with
  • Every young athlete has a named coach or ACI leader acting as their guardian for the trip
  • Female minors must have a female ACI leader, parent or guardian in the travelling group
  • Female minors share accommodation only with other female athletes or a female leader, parent or guardian
  • Parents are consulted and must consent to travel and accommodation arrangements, and to who is in the travelling party. This includes travel to the Pa Enua.

What happens when a concern is raised

  1. You raise it with an ACI representative: an executive member, a coach or an official. As soon as possible, immediately where you can.
  2. They assess whether it can be resolved straight away, needs investigating, or is a possible criminal offence. A possible offence goes to Police immediately.
  3. If it needs investigating, you are asked to put it in writing to the President and Secretary. A parent does this if the person concerned is a minor.
  4. A formal meeting is called within three days of that being received.
  5. Everything is documented and signed off by two executive members, including the President.
  6. Further meetings or mediation happen if the issue needs them. Every step is exhausted to reach a resolution.
  7. If ACI cannot resolve it, it is escalated to CISNOC or Oceania Athletics, then potentially World Athletics.
  8. If it still cannot be resolved, ACI seeks guidance within the Cook Islands legal framework, such as Crown Law.
  9. Where serious misconduct is proven, that person and anyone involved is struck off and no longer allowed to take part in ACI activities. They may also face charges or fines.

Confidentiality

Every concern raised is treated with respect and kept confidential. Anyone who breaches that is removed from ACI activities and struck off as a member.

The full policy also covers the World Athletics Integrity Code of Conduct, vetting and recruitment of staff and volunteers, support for victims and their families, and the resources ACI points people to. It is reviewed every year.

Selection

How athletes are selected to represent the Cook Islands.

Competition rules

Athletics Cook Islands competitions run under the World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules. More about the rules.

The general Selection Policy, which sits above the NZSSAC one, is still to come. So are the coaching and officials resources.