Safeguarding for clubs and providers
Safeguarding in sports means protecting children, young people, adults at risk from harm, and adults from abuse, preventing harm and promoting their wellbeing.
For sports clubs and organisations this means having:
- effective safeguarding policies and procedures
- codes of conduct for sport
- safe recruitment processes
- relevant training for staff and volunteers.
Many national governing bodies (NGBs) provide detailed guidance and templates about safeguarding policies and procedures for affiliated clubs, individuals and organisations to adopt and apply.
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) also has a range of safeguarding information, resources and tools.
Together we can help our young people play sport and stay safe.
Responsibility for safeguarding in sport
Everyone who comes into contact with children, young people, adults at risk from harm, and adults from abuse through sport or physical activity has a responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. This includes coaches, officials, paid staff and volunteers. Your club or organisation may also have someone in a named welfare and child protection role with a specific responsibility for safeguarding – perhaps a designated safeguarding lead or welfare officer. However, it's important that everyone understands their organisation's safeguarding policies and procedures, knows how to recognise concerns and what steps they must take.
If you believe someone is at immediate risk contact the Police on 999.