Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) & Athlete Safeguarding Policy
KhelGrid maintains an uncompromising zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, exploitation, and misconduct. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and dignified environment for all women athletes, coaches, employees, and sports personnel.
Zero Tolerance Across Sports & Operations
Strict prohibition of any unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature across all workplaces, training camps, affiliated academies, partnered turfs, and trial venues.
Independent Complaints Committee (ICC)
An autonomous Internal Complaints Committee chaired by a senior woman leader, featuring external NGO representatives specializing in women's rights and child protection.
Absolute Confidentiality
Mandatory statutory protection of the identity of the aggrieved individual, respondents, witnesses, and inquiry records as prescribed under Section 16 of the POSH Act.
Anti-Retaliation Protection
Guaranteed protection against any form of adverse career action, trial disqualification, academy expulsion, or reprisal for reporting a grievance or participating as a witness.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment
In alignment with the POSH Act 2013 and national athletic federation safeguarding guidelines, the following behaviors (whether explicit or implied) are strictly prohibited:
- •Unwelcome physical contact, advances, or inappropriate physical touching during coaching, fitness drills, or travel.
- •Demanding, suggesting, or implying sexual favors in exchange for trial selection, playing time, scouting recommendations, or sponsorship ('quid pro quo').
- •Sexually colored or derogatory remarks regarding an athlete's body, physical attire, private life, or gender identity.
- •Showing pornography, sexually explicit videos, memes, or unsolicited messages across digital communication channels.
- •Creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive training or workplace environment.
Special Protection for Minor Athletes (POCSO Act)
Where an athlete or individual is below 18 years of age, allegations of sexual abuse or harassment are governed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Any report involving a minor triggers immediate mandatory escalation to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and local law enforcement authorities, alongside immediate suspension of the accused individual from all KhelGrid platforms.
Complaint Redressal Mechanism & Timelines
Every grievance is processed strictly within statutory timelines established under the POSH Act:
Filing a Complaint
An aggrieved woman or authorized representative may submit a written complaint to the Internal Complaints Committee within 3 months of the date of the incident (extendable by the ICC with recorded reasons). Complaints can be lodged directly via posh@khelgrid.com.
Conciliation (Optional)
Prior to initiating a formal inquiry, at the request of the complainant, the ICC may take steps to settle the matter through conciliation. No monetary settlement is permitted as the basis of conciliation.
Formal Inquiry Procedure
The ICC conducts an impartial inquiry in compliance with the principles of natural justice. Both parties are given full opportunity to be heard. The inquiry must be completed within a statutory period of 90 days.
Interim Safeguards
During the pendency of the inquiry, the ICC may recommend interim relief including immediate suspension of the respondent coach/trainer, reassignment of training sessions, or restraining orders.
Inquiry Report & Strict Penalties
Upon completion, the ICC issues findings and recommended actions within 10 days. Penalties include formal censure, immediate termination of employment, permanent blacklisting of the academy/coach from KhelGrid, and referral to law enforcement authorities.
Contact the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
To file a confidential grievance, seek guidance, or report a violation at an affiliated facility or digital portal, reach out to the presiding officer of the KhelGrid ICC:
Direct inbox accessed exclusively by the ICC Presiding Officer and external member.
1091 (Women Helpline) / 1098 (Childline)
24/7 National emergency government toll-free distress numbers.