Safeguarding policy

Safe Races for Everyone

RaceBase Limited Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 17 June 2025

1. Purpose and Commitment

RaceBase Limited is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants in our events, including runners, volunteers, staff, spectators, and photographers. We actively promote gender equality and diversity, and we have zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, abuse, or misconduct.

2. Scope

This safeguarding policy applies to:

  • All participants in RaceBase Limited events (runners, pacers, crew).
  • Volunteers and event staff.
  • Media personnel and photographers.
  • Children and their parents or guardians.
  • Spectators where relevant.

This policy specifically recognises the rights and dignity of all individuals, including those who identify as female, male, non-binary, transgender, or gender-diverse.

3. Our Standards of Behavior

All individuals involved with RaceBase Limited events must:

  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect regardless of gender identity, gender expression, race, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, or background.
  • Avoid discriminatory language, behavior, or actions.
  • Respect personal boundaries — no unwelcome physical contact, inappropriate photography, or intrusive questioning.
  • Refrain from making sexually suggestive, gender-biased, or offensive comments.
  • Never abuse a position of authority or influence (e.g. coaches, volunteers, pacers, photographers).
  • Promptly report any safeguarding concerns to an event official.

4. Discrimination and Harassment

RaceBase Limited maintains a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of:

  • Gender-based discrimination or harassment, including that directed at women, non-binary, transgender, or gender-diverse individuals.
  • Verbal or physical harassment.
  • Sexual harassment or unwanted advances.
  • Bullying or intimidation.
  • Hateful or exclusionary conduct based on gender identity or expression.

We recognise that inappropriate behavior can be directed at anyone — female, male, non-binary, transgender — or otherwise — and all cases will be treated in one response.

5. Volunteer and Photographer Conduct

All volunteers and accredited media personnel must:

  • Wear official credentials and follow event conduct guidelines.
  • Avoid behavior that may be perceived as invasive, intimidating, or inappropriate.
  • Obtain consent before photographing or filming individuals, especially in vulnerable or emotional moments.
  • Refrain from photographing children without explicit parental consent.
  • Avoid making assumptions about someone's gender or identity — if unsure, use gender-neutral language (e.g. "they/them").
  • Report any inappropriate behavior or concerning incidents they witness.

6. Safeguarding Children at RaceBase Limited Events

RaceBase Limited is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and fun environment for children participating in our events. We recognise that children require additional safeguarding measures to protect them from harm, abuse, and inappropriate behavior.

6.1 Definitions

  • Children: Any participant under the age of 18.
  • Parent/Guardian: The legal caregiver or designated responsible adult for a child.

6.2 Guidelines for Children's Events

  • All children must be registered with parent or guardian consent.
  • Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, unless participating in a clearly supervised activity.
  • A designated Children's Safeguarding Lead will be present during all children's races or programs.
  • All staff and volunteers involved in children's activities will be:
    • Clearly identified (e.g. via lanyard or vest).
    • Briefed on appropriate conduct.
    • Vetted where legally required.

6.3 Expectations of Adults

Adults working or volunteering with children must:

  • Never be alone with a child in a private or secluded area.
  • Not use physical force, except in an emergency situation.
  • Not take photos or videos of children without parental permission.
  • Avoid all unnecessary physical contact.
  • Report any concern involving a child immediately.

6.4 If a Child Discloses Harm or Discomfort

If a child shares information about being uncomfortable, being hurt, or being targeted:

  • Stay calm, listen carefully, and speak gently.
  • Reassure the child that they have the right to feel safe.
  • Do not promise to keep secrets.
  • Report immediately to the Children's Safeguarding Lead or Event Director.

7. Reporting and Complaints Procedure

7.1 How to Make a Complaint

Any participant can raise a concern about discrimination, harassment, or misconduct. Complaints may be made:

  • In person to a safeguarding officer or designated event marshal.
  • By email to hello@racebase.asia.

All complaints will be handled with confidentiality, care, and seriousness.

7.2 What Happens Next

  • An impartial safeguarding Lead will review the case confidentially.
  • The complainant will be supported throughout the process.
  • Outcomes may include:
    • A formal warning.
    • Suspension from future events.
    • Referral to appropriate authorities (e.g. legal or law enforcement bodies).

There will be no retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

8. Review and Updates

RaceBase Limited takes safeguarding seriously.

This policy will be reviewed annually to incorporate evolving best practice in an open and timely manner.