Safeguarding in Sports

Sports and activities are vital for children of all ages. They help children keep fit, can be loads of fun, also help build self esteem and confidence as well as social skills and a sense of teamwork. Because of this it is important that sports settings for children are safe places where they are protected from harm.

Safeguarding in sport is the process of protecting children and adults from harm by providing a safe space in which to play sport and be active. Everyone has a role to play in keeping others safe and people should know what to do if they have any concerns.

The following video developed by Parentline Scotland and Children First provides some advice to parents on finding a safe sporting club. 

The need for a child wellbeing and policy statement

We have all read in the media about failures by sports organisations and clubs to protect children from sexual abuse. 

Things have progressed - Sports clubs and organisations need to play a vital role in making sure that the environment, and those within it, are as safe as possible for children.

If you are involved with a sporting organisation, your club must have a child wellbeing and protection policy statement. This and related procedures and guidance should be adopted at the highest level, such as the club’s organising committee.

They should be clearly communicated to the children and their parents/carers so that everyone understands the club’s position on promoting the wellbeing of the children involved in its activities

Child protection in Sports organisations 

Children 1st and Sports Scotland have produced the 10 steps approach to safeguarding children in sport The 10 Steps are an in-depth collection of guidelines, good practice, practical advice, templates, procedures and policies – all tools which can help keep children safe in sport.

 The guidelines :   

 -  can be be used to look at what you already have in place, confirm the positives and identify gaps

 - for any club, sports governing body or organisation providing activities for children under 18 years

 - can help a new member of staff or volunteer taking on the role of a child protection officer to understand the range of responsibilities, procedures and guidelines

These are inclusive of the minimum operating requirements for protecting children in sport. They also take account of updated child protection guidance, practice and legislation.

Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport in Scotland.

SportScotland and Children1st have developed "Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport" built on the current safeguarding system to help create a culture in sport that promotes, supports and safeguards children’s wellbeing in Scotland

The 8 standards are 

Specific agency guidelines in Scotland 

Here are some safeguarding, child protection policy statements and related procedures.  These are not recommendations but provided as examples of existing guidance in a sporting environment.

Cricket Scotland - Child protection policy

Scottish Football Association - Child protection policy

Scottish Youth Football Association - Child protection policy

Scottish Swimming - Child protection policy

Scottish Canoe Association - Child protection policy

Scottish Golf - Child protection policy

Scottish Hockey - Child protection policy

Scottish Rugby - Safeguarding

Netball Scotland -Child protection

Judo Scotland - Safeguarding

Scottish Volleyball - Child protection policy

We need your help

Are you involved in a Sports club or organisation?. We would like your help with what should be included here.

Please share your views with us via our Get Help page or email us at scotland@stopitnow.org.uk

Further information

		Safeguarding in Sport is a partnership between Children 1st and Sportscotland. For the implementation of child protection policies, procedures and good practice in Scotland
		Keep children safe in sport The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is a partnership between the NSPCC, Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland and Sport Wales.  Although it does not cover Scotland - there is a lot of useful information here