Safe Sport Code: good move, but to what extent?

KUALA LUMPUR – Since the Safe Sport Code (SSC) was launched last week by the Youth and Sports Ministry, many sports figures have expressed support for its implementation, as they believe it underlines the aspects of safe sport in Malaysia. 

Safe sport, as highlighted by the International Olympic Council, is where athletes can train and compete in an environment that is respectful, equitable, and free from all forms of harassment and abuse.

However, The Vibes spoke with some of the country’s high-profile sports figures about what they think of the SSC, as they have expressed concerns on how effective the implementation will be.

These individuals are national athletes, as well as individuals involved in managing teams and developing grassroots programmes for young athletes.

Former world No. 1 women’s doubles shuttler Wong Pei Tty, a household name in the Malaysian badminton scene during her playing days, has just launched a badminton grassroots programme for young children with other national women’s shuttlers.

Pei Tty, who was also the national women’s doubles coach, said the launching of SSC is timely, but she foresees some challenges coming.

“The launch goes to show that the ministry is serious about combating the negative experiences surrounding children and athletes in sports. 

“They should feel safe when they participate or compete in a sport. So, the code would be for them to be better educated, know they are protected from any harm, and where each stakeholder knows their role and responsibilities to the sport.

“However, the real challenge is whether it would be taken seriously by all parties. Will it be properly implemented, and how accessible will it be for athletes and children to file a report when something happens?”

Malaysian Hockey Confederation chief executive officer Nishel Kumar is no stranger to the local sports industry, as he was the National Sports Institute’s commercial head before being appointed as the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) chief executive officer on March 1. 

Nishel, who attended the launch, said he will be appointed as the SSC safeguarding officer in MHC due to his extensive background. 

“Having a Safe Sport Code is a good first step. Before this, many athletes may not have been aware of their rights, and did not know who to report to when something happens.

“It is too early to tell whether the code is enough to protect our sportsmen. However, this is a good start to better our sports performance, because at least now, with the code, they have a clear platform to rely on.

“If anything is lacking in the code, I hope everyone within the sports industries will come together and figure out a way to improve it from time to time.”

National jiu-jitsu athlete Cassandra J. Poyong created history recently when she clinched Malaysia’s first medal at the Jiu-jitsu Asian Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

Cassandra has been a strong voice for athletes’ safety and well-being. As such, she volunteered to be a safeguarding committee member in the Malaysia Jiu-jitsu Federation (MJJF) even before the launch of the SSC.

“As a volunteer, I and another member from the association will conduct courses to create awareness of abuse and harassment with everyone within the organisation.

“I think the implementation of the Safe Sports Code within MJJF will contribute to a better competitive environment, because our students will be aware of their rights, and will feel safer during training.

“As such, a perpetrator intending to take advantage will think twice before doing so.”

National diver Datuk Pandelela Rinong has also been a strong advocate of protecting athletes’ rights in the country.

She began to speak up in October 2021 about being a victim of alleged sexual harassment for seven years to provide awareness to the public and support for other victims.

“It is a relief to see that the promise made by the Youth and Sports Ministry has been translated into action.

“As much as we deserve to celebrate this success, it is also important for everyone to honour this code and respect every child training in any sport, or else all efforts will go to waste.”

The SSC came into force on March 10.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said her ministry has amended the Second and Third Schedules of the Sports Development Act 1997 to state that all sports bodies and sports-related organisations must develop a safe sport policy in their respective sports ecosystem.

She explained that everyone involved in any form of sports activity is subject to the act and is required to support the implementation of SSC. – The Vibes, March 22, 2023