Women’s Equality Policy

The Throwball Federation of India (TFI) affirms its unwavering commitment to gender equality, dignity, and the empowerment of women in sport. This Policy is established to ensure compliance with applicable Indian laws, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, and international frameworks such as the International Olympic Committee Gender Equality and Safeguarding Principles.

This Policy shall apply to all women athletes registered with TFI, as well as coaches, referees, officials, support staff, administrative personnel, volunteers, and all State Associations and affiliated units under TFI. The Policy covers all activities conducted under the federation, including training camps, competitions, meetings, travel, and official events.

TFI shall ensure full compliance with all applicable legal provisions, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 relating to harassment and assault, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 in cases involving minors, the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

TFI adopts a framework based on equality, non-discrimination, dignity, accountability, and transparency. It is committed to ensuring equal access to opportunities, participation, and resources for women, maintaining zero tolerance for gender-based discrimination, fostering a safe and respectful sporting environment, enforcing strict accountability through disciplinary mechanisms, and upholding fair, transparent, and merit-based processes in all its operations.

Any aggrieved woman may file a written complaint within the prescribed time limits under the POSH Act. The Internal Complaints Committee shall conduct a fair, confidential, and time-bound inquiry into such complaints. Interim relief measures, including transfer, leave, or protection, may be provided where necessary. The recommendations of the ICC shall be binding and implemented promptly, and provisions for appeal shall be made available in accordance with applicable laws.

TFI shall adopt appropriate safeguarding measures, including mandatory background checks for coaches and officials wherever feasible. Safe accommodation and travel arrangements shall be ensured for women athletes, and the presence of female officials during camps and tournaments shall be mandatory. The protection of minors shall be ensured in strict compliance with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

The federation shall ensure equal access for women to training facilities, infrastructure, funding, and competitive opportunities. Selection procedures shall be transparent and merit-based, with equal representation in national and international events. There shall be no discrimination in pay, allowances, or benefits on the basis of gender.

TFI shall provide adequate medical support, including access to female healthcare professionals. Policies shall address menstrual health, nutrition, and mental well-being of women athletes. The federation shall also ensure compliance with anti-doping regulations in accordance with the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

TFI shall strive to ensure adequate representation of women in its governance bodies and actively encourage women to take up roles as coaches, referees, and administrators. Leadership training programs shall be promoted to empower women and enhance their participation in decision-making roles within the sport.

The federation shall ensure that no discrimination is practiced against athletes on the grounds of pregnancy or maternity. Reasonable flexibility in training and participation shall be provided, along with adequate support for athletes returning to play after maternity.

TFI shall conduct mandatory gender-sensitization workshops and awareness programs to educate stakeholders about rights, safety, and reporting mechanisms. It shall also actively promote positive narratives and representation of women in sports to encourage broader participation.

A Gender Equality and Compliance Committee shall be established to monitor the implementation of this Policy. Annual compliance reports shall be maintained, and any non-compliance shall attract appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, as deemed necessary.

This Policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving legal standards and international best practices, including those of the International Olympic Committee. Necessary amendments shall be made from time to time to maintain its relevance and effectiveness.