No one involved in sport & physical activity, whether they’re a volunteer, participant, spectator, or an elite athlete, should ever have to worry about abuse or harassment. – Sport England
Welcome to our Safeguarding in Sport & Physical Activity hub, dedicated to promoting the safety well- being & protection of everyone involved in sport & physical activity, from young children to adults at risk. Safeguarding is at the heart of creating positive, inclusive environments where participants can thrive, free from harm, abuse or neglect. Whether you’re a coach, volunteer, parent or participant, safeguarding ensures that everyone can enjoy sport in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
On this site, you’ll find essential resources, guidelines & information to help protect and promote the welfare of all individuals within the sport & physical activity sector. Let’s work together to build a safer, stronger sporting community.
Effective safeguarding is about preventing harm before it happens by identifying risks and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place. This includes developing robust safeguarding policies, conducting background checks for staff & volunteers, providing mandatory training on recognising and responding to signs of abuse, and creating clear reporting mechanisms for any concerns.
All individuals involved, from coaches, volunteers, participants and parents, must be aware of these policies as well as their roles in maintaining a safe environment.
Safeguarding is crucial to;
- building an environment that promotes safety, respect & trust for everyone involved
- ensuring individuals can engage in sports & physical activities free from harm, abuse & neglect
- promoting trust between participants, families, coaches & organisations
- fostering a culture of openness where participants feel safe to voice concerns without fear of retribution or being ignored
- raising awareness of boundaries, expectations and clear codes of conduct to protect participants from inappropriate behaviour, bullying, harassment & abuse
- ensuring that the focus remains on positive experiences, personal development and the well- being of participants
This ensures a culture of safety, inclusion and respect, fostering personal growth, healthy development and a lifelong love for sport & physical activity.
