How does Rowing South Africa protect children, and how do I report a concern?

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The RowSA Safeguarding Policy (November 2025) applies to everyone in South African rowing: RowSA staff and volunteers, and the athletes, coaches and administrators of clubs, school clubs, provincial bodies, and visitors to regattas. A child is anyone aged 0 to 18. What it covers: psychological, physical, sexual and discriminatory abuse, harassment and neglect, including bullying, cyber-bullying and age-inappropriate training loads. Code of conduct, for example: No taking children home or to private places, and no sharing rooms. No inappropriate touching, and no doing personal things a child can do themselves. No photographing, filming or interviewing a child without informed, documented consent from the child and their parent or guardian. No contact with children outside official duties. Photos: RowSA seeks documented consent from parents before photographing or filming a child. Published images shouldn't include identifying details such as the family name. Photographers may be asked to stop. Screening: people applying to work directly with children must provide evidence of good conduct or no criminal record. Reporting Raise concerns immediately with the RowSA Safeguarding Officer (safeguarding@rowsa.co.za), who completes a report form with you. Reports are confidential, and people who report in good faith are protected. The officer makes sure the child is safe, investigates, and reports to the police where appropriate. Sanctions can include a ban of up to two calendar years from all sporting activity. Your school or club should also have its own safeguarding procedures that are consistent with RowSA's.