Kuwait City, Kuwait, April 8, 2026: The Olympic Council of Asia is asking all accredited members of each delegation to read and sign the OCA Safeguarding Code of Conduct ahead of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, from April 22-30.
In a circular to the Secretary General, Chef de Mission and Safeguarding Officer of all 45 National Olympic Committees, the OCA said this request applied to athletes, coaches, officials, medical staff, support staff and any other accredited personnel.
“By signing, participants agree to uphold the highest standards of conduct and safeguard the rights, dignity and well-being of every individual, especially children, young people and vulnerable persons,” the OCA said.
“All accredited participants must read, understand and sign this Code of Conduct before the start of the Games. Participants are also reminded to respect local laws and cultural norms in the People’s Republic of China, both inside and outside the sporting venues.”
1 - General Principles
All participants are required to:
*Respect and comply with the laws of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the rules, codes and regulations of the OCA, the International/Asian Federations (IF/AF) and the Sanya Asian Beach Games Organising Committee.
*Place the safety, dignity and well-being of athletes and other participants above all other considerations.
*Conduct themselves with integrity, fairness and respect for others, regardless of age, gender, ability, culture, religion or background.
*Recognise and respect positions of authority and trust, while acting in the best interests of children and young people at all times.
2 - Safeguarding Standards of Behaviour
All participants must:
*Maintain appropriate physical, emotional and professional boundaries at all times.
*Communicate in a respectful and inclusive manner, free from harassment, bullying, intimidation or abuse.
*Stand against, intervene where safe, and report any form of harassment, abuse, exploitation, neglect or inappropriate conduct.
*Respect privacy and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive safeguarding information or athlete data.
*Promote a safe and supportive environment, on and off the field of play, including in accommodation, transportation and digital or online spaces.
3 - Prohibited Conduct
Participants must never:
*Disregard, conceal or engage in any form of harassment, bullying, abuse, neglect or exploitation, whether physical, psychological, emotional or sexual.
*Engage in sexual activity or inappropriate relationships with minors, or with any individual over whom they hold a position of trust, authority or influence.
*Use language, gestures, images or behaviour that is discriminatory, degrading or offensive.
*Engage in online or offline activities that could reasonably be considered harmful, culturally insensitive, inappropriate or that could place others at risk of emotional, physical or reputational harm.
*Provide or encourage the use of alcohol, drugs or substances prohibited under anti-doping regulations to athletes or minors.
*Abuse positions of power or trust for personal gain, favoritism or exploitation.
4 - Reporting and Accountability
Any safeguarding concern, misconduct or breach of this Code must be reported immediately to the designated OCA Safeguarding Officer:
*Email: safeguarding@oca.asia
*Phone/WhatsApp: +8618789002697
*In person: OCA Office, Sanya 2026 Athletes’ Village, No. 155 Fenghuang Road, Tianya District, Sanya, Hainan Province.
*Confidentiality will be respected and maintained in line with safeguarding procedures.
*Safeguarding Officers and team members will be available throughout the Games to provide support, answer questions and address concerns.
*All participants are obligated to cooperate fully with safeguarding investigations and procedures.
The OCA added: “Breaches of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, including removal of accreditation, suspension from the Games, referral to law enforcement and/or further sanctions from the OCA, the NOC or relevant sports authorities.”
