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APPENDIX I – FEI SAFEGUARDING POLICY AGAINST
HARASSMENT AND ABUSE

Consistent with the objectives and principles of the FEI, the welfare of the equestrian community,
especially minors, is of paramount concern. When any member of equestrian community, such as
Athlete, Support Personnel, Coach, Trainer, Groom, Official, volunteer or staff member - is
subjected to or engages in abuse or misconduct, it undermines the mission of FEI and is inconsistent
with the best interests of equestrian sport. All forms of harassment and abuse are prohibited and
will not be tolerated by the FEI.

The FEI is committed to promoting a safe environment for its members, Athletes, Support
Personnel, Coaches, Trainers, Grooms, Officials, volunteers and staff in all equestrian Disciplines.
The FEI has developed and adopted this Policy to set forth the efforts it will undertake to promote
a safe equestrian environment, both independently and in partnership with other necessary
parties, including National Federations, parents (or legal guardians), Athletes, and the equestrian
community.

ARTICLE 1 - Definitions and Application

1.1 Definitions
1.1.1 Harassment and Abuse

Harassment and abuse can be expressed in five forms which may occur in combination or in isolation.
These include i) psychological abuse, ii) physical abuse, iii) sexual harassment, iv) sexual abuse, and
v) neglect.

These forms of abuse are defined as:

(i) Psychological abuse — means any unwelcome act including confinement, isolation,
verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, infantilisation, or any other treatment which
may diminish the sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth.

(ii) Physical abuse — means any deliberate and unwelcome act – such as for example
punching, beating, kicking, biting and burning – that causes physical trauma or injury.
Such act can also consist of forced or inappropriate physical activity (e.g., age- or
physique- inappropriate training loads; when injured or in pain), forced alcohol
consumption, or forced doping practices.

(iii) Sexual harassment — any unwanted and unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature,
whether verbal, non-verbal or physical. Sexual harassment can take the form of sexual
abuse.

(iv) Sexual abuse — any conduct of a sexual nature, whether non-contact, contact or
penetrative, where consent is coerced/manipulated or is not or cannot be given.

(v) Neglect — within the meaning of this Policy means the failure of a coach or another
person with a duty of care towards the Covered Individual to provide a minimum level
of care to the Covered Individual, which is causing harm, allowing harm to be caused,
or creating an imminent danger of harm.

Harassment and abuse can be based on any grounds including race, religion, colour, creed, ethnic
origin, physical attributes, gender, sexual orientation, age disability, socio-economic status and
athletic ability. It can include a one-off incident or a series of incidents. It may be in-person or online.

Harassment and abuse often result from an abuse of authority, meaning the improper use of a
position of influence, power or authority by an individual against another person.

1.1.2. Covered Individual means any person in one or more of the following categories at the
time of the alleged misconduct:

a. Athlete as defined in Appendix A of the GRs;
b. Accredited Persons at an FEI Event and/or FEI Meeting
c. FEI Representatives, such as FEI Board Members, Members of a Technical or Standing
Committee or Sub-Committee thereof, other members of a body or group designated by any

General Regulations, 24th edition, 1 January 2020 60