December 21st, 2025

​ WORLD CHILDREN & YOUTH PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACADEMY - C.Y.P.E. - ACADEMY
GLOBAL STANDARDS MANUAL
Version: 1.0
Effective from: 2026
Scope: All member organizations, partners, and projects operating under the C.Y.P.E. - Academy framework

1. INTRODUCTION
This Global Standards Manual defines the core principles, requirements, and operational standards of the World Children & Youth Physical Education Academy (C.Y.P.E. - Academy).
All member organizations, affiliated academies, and project partners commit to complying with these standards in order to:

• protect the rights and well-being of children and youth
• ensure ethical, safe, and human-rights-based physical education
• establish a unified, internationally credible operational model
• provide special protection to children and youth in vulnerable situations

2. INTERNATIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The C.Y.P.E.- Academy
standards are grounded in internationally recognized legal and ethical frameworks, including:

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
• UNESCO Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport
• World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on physical activity
• Council of Europe ethical principles in sport
• UN Agenda 2030 (SDGs 3, 4, 10, 16)

These foundations ensure full alignment with EU and international requirements.

3. CORE VALUESAll
C.Y.P.E. - Academy activities are guided by the following values:

1. Human rights
2. Best interests of the child as a primary consideration
3. Safety and physical and psychological integrity
4. Participation and equality
5. Inclusion and accessibility
6. Transparency and accountability
7. Peace, democracy, and human dignity

4. CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND PARTICIPATION
4.1 Best Interests of the Child

• The best interests of the child must guide all decisions and actions
• No sporting, financial, political, or institutional interest may override this principle

4.2 Participation

• Children and youth have the right to be heard
• Participation must be age-appropriate and meaningful

5. CHILD SAFEGUARDING AND SAFETY
5.1 Zero Tolerance Policy
C.Y.P.E. Academy enforces zero tolerance toward:

• physical violence
• psychological abuse
• sexual exploitation or abuse
• bullying and discrimination

5.2 Mandatory Safeguarding Measures

• Background checks for staff and volunteers, in accordance with national law
• Mandatory safeguarding training
• Clear reporting, response, and referral mechanisms
• Immediate action in cases of suspected harm

6. TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH
C.Y.P.E.- Academy recognizes the impact of war, violence, displacement, and crisis on children and youth.
Key principles:

• No coercion or forced participation
• No performance or competition pressure
• Predictable, safe, and supportive environments
• Cooperation with mental health and trauma professionals

7. INCLUSION AND SPECIAL NEEDS

• Full inclusion of children and youth with disabilities or special needs
• Accessible facilities and adapted activities
• Individualized support plans
• No discrimination in any form

8. ETHICAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND FAIR PLAY

• Human dignity takes precedence over performance
• Physical education as an educational and developmental tool
• Fair play, respect, and equality
• No exploitation or commercialization of children

9. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND TRAINING

• Adequate professional qualifications are required
• Continuous professional development is mandatory
• Ethical commitment is expected from all staff
• Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined

10. GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
10.1 Governance Structure

• Transparent decision-making processes
• Clearly documented organizational structure
• Defined accountability and oversight mechanisms

10.2 Youth Representation

• Youth councils or structured consultation mechanisms
• Genuine influence on program development and evaluation

11. IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

• Monitoring of physical, psychological, and social well-being
• Regular feedback from children, youth, and families
• Ethical impact assessments
• Transparent reporting to stakeholders

12. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND SOLIDARITY

• European and global cooperation
• Knowledge sharing and capacity building
• Priority support for crisis- and conflict-affected regions
• Commitment to peacebuilding through sport and education

13. COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS
All C.Y.P.E.- Academy member organizations:

• formally commit to this Standards Manual
• are responsible for its implementation
• accept monitoring, evaluation, and review processes

14. OFFICIAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
​“This organization operates in accordance with the Global Standards of the World Children & Youth Physical Education Academy (C.Y.P.E. - Academy) and commits to applying these standards in all its activities and projects.”

General Manager Timo Virtanen in Mykolaiv city Ukraine May 2025.