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ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

1. Introduction

Sportiz is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for everyone participating in or associated with its Events. Sportiz believes that every individual should have an equal opportunity to participate in its Events with dignity, fairness and mutual respect.

This Anti-Discrimination Policy ("Policy") establishes the standards of conduct expected from all individuals associated with Sportiz and its Events and reinforces Sportiz's commitment to preventing discrimination, harassment, bullying and other forms of inappropriate behaviour.

This Policy applies to all Events promoted, endorsed, franchised, managed or organized by Sportiz and should be read together with the Terms & Conditions, Consent, Waiver, Disclaimer, Privacy & Data Protection Policy and all other applicable Event policies.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to:

  • Promote equality, dignity and mutual respect.
  • Prevent discrimination, harassment and victimization.
  • Foster an inclusive sporting environment.
  • Ensure fair participation for all individuals.
  • Encourage reporting of inappropriate conduct.
  • Establish procedures for addressing complaints.
  • Support compliance with applicable laws and internationally accepted sporting principles.

3. Scope and Applicability

This Policy applies to every individual associated with Sportiz, including but not limited to:

  • Participants;
  • Prospective participants;
  • Parents and legal guardians;
  • Volunteers;
  • Event officials;
  • Coaches;
  • Trainers;
  • Medical personnel;
  • Sponsors;
  • Vendors;
  • Contractors;
  • Service providers;
  • Media personnel;
  • Spectators;
  • Employees;
  • Consultants; and
  • Any other individual attending or participating in any Sportiz Event.

This Policy applies during:

  • Registration;
  • Pre-Event activities;
  • Race Expo;
  • Bib Collection;
  • Medical screening;
  • Event participation;
  • Award ceremonies;
  • Promotional activities;
  • Digital interactions through Sportiz and its Event Websites;
  • Social media interactions connected with the Event; and
  • Post-Event activities.

4. Guiding Principles

Sportiz is committed to ensuring that every individual is treated with:

  • Equality;
  • Fairness;
  • Courtesy;
  • Respect;
  • Inclusion;
  • Integrity;
  • Professionalism; and
  • Dignity.

Sportiz has zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimidation or abusive behaviour in any form.

5. Protected Characteristics

Discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic is strictly prohibited, including but not limited to:

  • Race;
  • Colour;
  • Ethnicity;
  • Nationality;
  • Place of birth;
  • Language;
  • Religion or belief;
  • Caste;
  • Gender at birth;
  • Gender identity, where protected by applicable law;
  • Sexual orientation;
  • Marital status;
  • Pregnancy or maternity;
  • Age;
  • Disability;
  • Medical condition;
  • Socio-economic status;
  • Political opinion, where protected by law;
  • Any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

6. Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct is strictly prohibited:

A. Discrimination

Treating an individual unfairly or denying equal opportunity because of a protected characteristic.

B. Harassment

Any unwanted conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment, including:

  • Verbal abuse;
  • Offensive jokes;
  • Derogatory remarks;
  • Insults;
  • Threats;
  • Mockery;
  • Display of offensive material;
  • Unwelcome gestures.

C. Bullying

Repeated unreasonable behaviour intended to intimidate, humiliate or undermine another individual.

D. Sexual Harassment

Any unwelcome act or behaviour of a sexual nature, whether verbal, non-verbal, physical or digital.

E. Hate Speech

Statements or conduct intended to incite hatred, violence or discrimination against an individual or group.

F. Victimization

Treating any person unfairly because they have:

  • made a complaint;
  • supported another person's complaint;
  • acted as a witness; or
  • participated in an investigation.

G. Online Misconduct

The Policy also applies to inappropriate behaviour occurring through:

  • Social media;
  • Messaging platforms;
  • Emails;
  • Event forums;
  • Digital communities; or
  • Sportiz and its Event Websites.

7. Responsibilities

Every individual covered by this Policy is expected to:

  • Treat others with dignity and respect.
  • Comply with all Event Rules and Guidelines.
  • Refrain from discriminatory conduct.
  • Avoid abusive, threatening or offensive behaviour.
  • Cooperate with investigations.
  • Report suspected violations promptly.
  • Respect the decisions of Event officials.

Sportiz expects all officials, volunteers, employees and contractors to model inclusive and respectful behaviour at all times.

8. Accessibility and Inclusion

Sportiz shall make reasonable efforts to provide an accessible Event experience for persons with disabilities, including, where reasonably practicable:

  • Accessible registration processes;
  • Accessible Event information;
  • Accessible routes and facilities;
  • Appropriate medical assistance;
  • Reasonable accommodations consistent with participant safety and Event operations.

Participants requiring reasonable accommodation are encouraged to inform Sportiz during registration or as early as reasonably possible.

9. Reporting a Complaint

Any individual who experiences or witnesses conduct that may violate this Policy is encouraged to report the matter promptly.

Complaints may be submitted through:

  • The designated Event Help Desk;
  • Official Sportiz communication channels;
  • Sportiz or its Event Websites; or
  • Any other reporting mechanism notified by Sportiz.

Where possible, complaints should include:

  • Date and time of the incident;
  • Location;
  • Persons involved;
  • Witnesses, if any;
  • Supporting photographs, videos or other evidence.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where sufficient information is available.

10. Investigation Procedure

Upon receiving a complaint, Sportiz may:

  • acknowledge receipt of the complaint;
  • conduct a preliminary assessment;
  • collect relevant information and evidence;
  • interview affected persons and witnesses;
  • consult Event officials or other relevant persons; and
  • determine appropriate action based on the available evidence.

Investigations shall be conducted as promptly, fairly and impartially as reasonably practicable.

11. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

Sportiz shall make reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality throughout the complaint process, subject to legal and operational requirements.

Retaliation against any individual who:

  • reports a concern;
  • files a complaint;
  • participates in an investigation; or
  • assists another person in exercising their rights,

is strictly prohibited and may itself constitute a violation of this Policy.

12. Sanctions

Where Sportiz determines that this Policy has been violated, it may take one or more of the following actions, depending on the seriousness of the conduct:

For Participants:

  • Warning;
  • Time penalty;
  • Disqualification;
  • Removal from the Event;
  • Suspension from future Events;
  • Permanent ban from Sportiz Events.

For Officials, Volunteers, Employees or Contractors:

  • Written warning;
  • Removal from duties;
  • Suspension;
  • Termination of engagement or employment;
  • Permanent disqualification from future Events.

For Spectators or Visitors:

  • Removal from Event premises;
  • Restriction from future Events;
  • Referral to law enforcement authorities where appropriate.

Sportiz reserves the right to report conduct that may constitute a criminal offence to the appropriate authorities.

13. Compliance with Applicable Laws

This Policy shall be interpreted in accordance with applicable laws, including, where relevant:

  • The Constitution of India;
  • The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023;
  • The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other applicable criminal laws;
  • The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016;
  • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013;
  • Applicable sports federation regulations; and
  • Any other applicable laws and governmental guidelines.

14. Education and Awareness

Sportiz may provide educational materials, awareness programmes or training relating to equality, diversity, inclusion, participant welfare and respectful conduct for participants, officials, volunteers and other stakeholders.

15. Review of this Policy

Sportiz may review and amend this Policy periodically to reflect:

  • Changes in applicable law;
  • Operational requirements;
  • Best practices in sports governance;
  • Participant feedback; or
  • Other relevant developments.

Updated versions shall be published on Sportiz and its Event Websites.

16. Contact and Grievance Redressal

Questions, concerns or complaints relating to this Policy may be submitted to Sportiz through its official communication channels or via Sportiz and its Event Websites.

Sportiz shall endeavour to address complaints fairly, promptly and in accordance with applicable law.

17. Acceptance of this Policy

By registering for, participating in or attending any Event promoted, endorsed, franchised, managed or organized by Sportiz, or by accessing Sportiz or its Event Websites, every individual acknowledges that they have read, understood and agree to comply with this Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Failure to comply with this Policy may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the Event, disqualification, suspension or any other action considered appropriate by Sportiz in accordance with applicable law and Event Rules.