WAKO is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment free from all forms of harassment and abuse for everyone attending any WAKO event. Regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, culture, or socio-economic background, every member should enjoy a safe sport environment with equal opportunities.
 

In 2022, WAKO adopted the General Safeguarding Policy and Safeguarding policy. These policies cover both general safety at WAKO events and safety from harrasment and abuse, the assurance that appropriate reporting mechanism and investigation exists in cases of potential incidents, mostly in interpersonal relations during the events, with particular attention to situations where minors may be involved as victims.

To create, promote, and maintain safe and inclusive environment, WAKO protects the integrity of kickboxing through robust reporting mechanisms while also delivering safeguarding education to all stakeholders.
 

The WAKO Safeguarding Committee permanent members are:

· Mr. Ilija Salerno, General Safeguarding Officer

· Mrs. Marijana Pelevic, Safeguarding Officer for Harassment and Abuse

· Mr. Romeo Desa, WAKO Technical Director
 

The following individuals are also members of the Safeguarding Committee for specific events:

• a member of the LOC of the WAKO Event 

•  one member of WAKO Organizing Committee attending the WAKO Event
   

On March 12, 2022, the WAKO Board of Directors has approved two documents: 

WAKO General Safeguarding Policy

WAKO Safeguarding policy to protect participants in sport from harassment, abuse, neglect and other kinds of violence
 

It is fundamental that each WAKO member complies with the requirements set forth in both Policies and, based on these documents, adopts its own Safeguarding policies.
 

The Safeguarding Committee serves in a neutral and impartial capacity to receive safeguarding reports and investigate reported cases during WAKO competitions. In carrying out its duties, the Committee is directly accountable to the WAKO Disciplinary Committee and the WAKO Legal Committee.

 

Safeguarding education: 

Violence in sport: Principles, Categories, and Examples; Ethics of Professional Touch