The International Judo Federation safe sport (safeguarding) policies and procedures: meeting the responsibilities of an international federation

This research critically examines the safeguarding policies and practices of the International Judo Federation (IJF). It evaluates the adequacy of these policies in addressing abusive and harassing behaviours, applying the Five 'R' framework: Readiness, Recognition, Reporting and Disclosure, Response, and Remedy. The analysis highlights significant strengths, including the IJF's proactive stance in establishing a safeguarding policy and appointing Safeguarding Officers. However, it identifies areas for improvement, such as enhancing independent reporting mechanisms and extending the statute of limitations for reporting safeguarding violations. The study underscores the importance of clear language and comprehensive application across all IJF documents to ensure consistency. It also introduces the concept of 'Reach' to address the scope and applicability of safeguarding policies. The findings suggest the need for continued vigilance to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all judo participants. This research contributes to the broader discourse on safeguarding in sports, offering recommendations for policy enhancements that align with international standards and best practices.