Safe space principles at Aisti Sport
The purpose of the safe space principles is to create an environment in Aisti Sport's activities where everyone can feel safe, accepted and respected. These principles are essential in Aisti's training and competitive activities, for example, and in social situations across the club's activities generally. Below are the key safe space principles that you commit to by taking part in what we do.
1. Respect
Respect every individual as an individual. This means respecting other people's opinions, backgrounds, identities and experiences. In a competitive situation, for example, respect is shown towards the opponent, whatever the competitive situation may be.
2. Empathy and compassion
Show empathy and compassion towards others. Listen to others carefully and understand their feelings and needs.
3. Open communication
Encourage open and honest communication. Create an environment where people can express themselves freely and safely, without fear of being judged.
4. Active listening
Listen to others actively and respectfully. Show an interest in their experiences and avoid interrupting.
5. Safety
Help create an environment where everyone can feel safe expressing themselves and being themselves. Zero tolerance for violence, discrimination and harassment.
6. Respecting boundaries
Respect other people's personal boundaries and situations. Do not pressure anyone into doing anything they do not want to do, and respect other people's decisions.
7. Responsibility
Take responsibility for your own behaviour and actions. Aim to foster a safe and respectful environment through your own conduct, and step in when behaviour is inappropriate.
8. Continuous learning and development
Be open to learning and developing. Listen to feedback, seek to understand different points of view, and be ready to change how you act in order to build a better community.
Remember our club's values too
Do also remember the values that are respected at Aisti Sport ry and on which our activities are built. Our values are set out here in our operations handbook.
If you encounter unpleasant situations, you can contact a harassment contact person or an instructor
Aisti Sport ry's activities have named harassment contact people, who can be approached with a low threshold and a high degree of trust. The harassment contact people help in cases experienced as distressing and look into them as an impartial and trusted party. You will always find our club's harassment contact people and their contact details on our contact page.
Aisti's harassment contact people are there to help you if you have experienced bullying, discrimination or other inappropriate treatment. Do come forward readily, because we all often experience situations and feelings differently and interpret them in different ways.
The harassment contact people help in looking into harassment. They are neutral, and they do not make decisions or pass judgement. No further steps are ever taken without your permission. A harassment contact person can also act as a mediator between the parties. Conversations with the harassment contact people are confidential.
Aisti Sport's board selects and appoints the harassment contact people. Where rule breaches and warnings are concerned, the board makes the decisions when needed.
Also always remember that our instructors are the people responsible for each session or event. You can mention your experiences to an instructor too, who looks after the safety of the space and a good atmosphere for participants.