Coaches hold a position of trust and authority, and with that comes the responsibility to ensure the physical and emotional safety of those they oversee. The duty of care that coaches, clubs & organisations have to identify & address risks, implement clear policies and provide adequate training to staff and volunteers is fundamental to safeguarding.
Safeguarding is vital to coaches not only because it protects their integrity but also ensures they provide a safe environment conducive to the well- being and development of their participants. By adhering to safeguarding protocols, coaches demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of participants, which helps to build trust. A high level of trust is placed on such individuals by parents, carers and the participants themselves. In the vast majority of cases that level of trust is more than repaid through the commitment, dedication and selflessness of people involved in organising and delivering sports and activities, but occasionally that trust can be abused. All organisations and individuals involved in sport should be aware of the risks and act promptly to deal with any concern.
For information from UK Coaching on position of legal legislation click here.
For coaches, safeguarding training equips them with the knowledge to recognise the signs of potential abuse – whether physical, emotional or sexual – as well as bullying or neglect and it ensures they understand how to act appropriately if a concern arises. This includes knowing how to report concerns, who to approach within their organisation for support, and how to handle disclosures sensitively & confidentially.
For all those involved in sport, safeguarding
Ultimately, safeguarding is not just about protecting participants from abuse or neglect but also about promoting a culture of safety, respect and inclusion. This is essential for coaches as it ensures they are prepared to protect participants from harm, create inclusive and respectful environments and uphold the values of fairness, safety and accountability within the sporting sector.
Click Here for information about Play Their Way & Duty to Care
Please contact the Sport Welfare leads below for information on training opportunities.
