INTRODUCTION
Internationally,theimportanceofchildren’sparticipationinleisureactivities,including sport,isuniversallyrecognised.Itissohighlyvaluedthatitisenshrinedasafundamental humanrightininternationalframeworkssuchastheUnitedNationsConventiononthe RightsoftheChild(UNCRC).Sportisoftenviewedasakeyavenueforchildren’sphysical, social,andemotionaldevelopment,providingopportunitiestobuildlifeskills,developselfconfidence,andfosterpositiverelationshipswithpeersandmentors.Thebenefitsarewelldocumented,fromimprovedphysicalhealthtocultivatingteamworkandresilience.
However,alongsidetheseadvantages,thereisagrowingawarenessthatchildren’s experiencesinsportsarenotalwayspositiveorbenign.Whilesportisintendedtobeasafe andnurturingenvironment,casesofabuse,harm,andmaltreatmenthavesurfacedwithin organisedsportscontexts.Thesecasesrevealthattheverystructuresmeanttosupport children'sdevelopmentcanalsoexposethemtorisks,includingemotional,physical,and sexualharm.Asaresult,safeguardingchildren’srightsandwell-beinginsportshas becomeacriticalconcernfornationalandinternationalorganisationsalike.
Toeffectivelyaddressthisissue,itisimperativetounderstandtheexistingknowledgein thisarea.Byexaminingresearch,bestpractices,andpolicyframeworks,wecangain insightsintothenatureandextentofrisksfacedbychildreninsports,identifyeffective strategiesforpreventionandintervention,anddevelopcomprehensivepoliciesand procedurestoensurethatallchildrenhaveaccesstosafeandpositivesporting experiences.
Thiscomprehensivedocumentprovidesanin-depthexaminationofthecomplexand multifacetedlandscapesurroundingchildren'ssportsrights,sheddinglightontheharsh realities,persistentchallenges,andemergingtrendsthatshapetheexperiencesofchildren andyoungpeoplewhotakepartinsportsactivities.
Througharigorousliteraturereview,insynthesisestheexistingbodyofresearchon children'ssportsrights,drawingonawiderangeofacademicstudies,policyreports,and greyliteraturetoprovideanuancedandevidence-basedanalysis.
Theliteraturereview,whichspannedmultipledisciplinesanddatabases,aimedtoidentify andcriticallyevaluatethekeymeasuresbeingimplementedbysportsorganisationsto safeguard,promote,andintegratechildren'srights.Thereviewexaminedtheempirical evidenceontheeffectivenessofvariousinitiatives,includingchildsafeguardingpolicies, backgroundchecksforcoachesandstaff,andreportingmechanismsforincidentsof misconduct.Italsoexploredthetheoreticalframeworksandconceptualmodelsthat underpinourunderstandingofchildren'ssportsrights,includingtheUnitedNations ConventionontheRightsoftheChild(UNCRC).
Throughacriticalanalysisoftheliterature,thisdocumentidentifiesthesuccessesand shortcomingsofexistingapproachestoprotectingandpromotingchildren'srightsin sports.Ithighlightsthegapsincurrentknowledgeandunderstandingandidentifiesareas wherefurtherresearchisneededtoinformpolicyandpractice.Thedocumentalso examinesthechallengesthatsportsorganisationsfaceinintegratingchildren'srightsinto theirpoliciesandpractices,includingtheneedforgreaterawarenessandeducationamong coaches,officials,andparents,thelackofresourcesandinfrastructureinsome communities,andthetensionbetweenthepursuitofexcellenceandtheprotectionof children'swell-being.
Bysynthesisingtheexistingliteratureandidentifyingthekeyfindings,gaps,and challenges,thisdocumentprovidesacomprehensiveandauthoritativeoverviewofthe currentstateofknowledgeonchildren'ssportsrights.Itoffersacriticalreflectiononthe successesandshortcomingsofexistingapproaches,andprovidesaroadmapfor stakeholderstoworktogethertoaddressthecomplexchallengesfacingchildren'ssports rights.Ultimately,thegoalofthisdocumentistoinformandinspireaction,providinga foundationforevidence-basedpolicyandpracticethatprioritisesthesafety,well-being, andempowermentofchildrenandyoungpeople.
Thedocument'sstructureisorganisedintoseveralkeysections,beginningwitha discussionofthedefinitionofsafeguardingandviolenceasauniversalchallenge.Thissets thestageforunderstandingthebroadissuesatplay.Followingthis,weexaminethevarious formsofmaltreatmentthatchildrenmayexperienceinsportsenvironments.Asectionon vulnerabilitiesinsafeguardingdelvesintothesystemicandcontextualweaknessesthat hindereffectiveprotection,particularlyforyoungathletes,whoseuniquepositioninsports organisationscanamplifytheserisks.Theissueofdropoutfromsportisthenexplored, emphasisingthefactorsthatpushchildrenawayfromparticipation.
Subsequentsectionsfocusonthedynamicsofsafeguardingwithinsportsevents,theroles ofadvising,monitoring,andsupportmechanisms,andthebarriersthatpersistin implementingeffectivesafeguardingmeasures.Thedocumentalsohighlightsthe importanceofencouragingacultureoflisteningtochildren,empoweringcoachesthrough knowledge,andbuildingbridgesbetweendifferentstakeholders.Committedleadership emergesasacrucialelementindrivingpositivechange,andtheneedforongoingresearch andcontinuingeducationforsportspractitionersisunderscoredasvitalformaintaining progress.
Finally,thedocumentconcludeswithadescriptionofthemethodologyusedinthe literaturereview,offeringathoroughfoundationfortheinsightsandrecommendations presentedthroughoutthetext.
ThisdocumentispartoftheCRCSportEUfundedproject.Theprojectstandsatthe forefrontofatransformativemovementwithintheEuropeansportscommunity.Our missionisclear:toempowersportsorganisationstoupholdthefundamentalrightsof childrenparticipatinginsportsactivities.
AlignedwiththeEuropeanUnion'sdirectivesandrecommendations,CRCSportembarks onapioneeringjourneytoprotecttheintegrity,values,anddignityofyoungandchildren. Ourprojectisrootedinthebeliefthatsportsorganisationsbearaprofoundresponsibility toshapethefutureofthenewgenerations.
forfurtherinformation,pleasereferto:
https://crcsport.isca.org
DEFINITIONOFSAFEGUARDING
Theliteratureconsistentlyhighlightstheabsenceofstandardisedsafeguarding terminology.Mostdiscussionscentreonwhatindividualsorgroupsarebeingsafeguarded fromratherthanauniformdefinitionofsafeguardingitself.
Somedefinitionsaredetailedandspecific,whileothersremainmoregeneral.However, thereisnoclearpatternregardinghowdifferentcountriesorauthorsdefinesafeguarding, althoughnationallegalframeworksandterminologiesofteninfluencethesedefinitions.
However,itisimportanttonotethattheUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsofthe Child(UNCRC)providesacomprehensivedefinition:
“Totakeallappropriatelegislative,administrative,socialandeducational measurestoprotectchildrenfromallformsofphysicalormentalviolence, injuryorabuse,neglectornegligenttreatment,maltreatmentorexploitation whileinthecareofparent(s),legalguardian(s),oranyotherpersonwhohas thecareofthechild.”
Thisdefinitionoutlinesboththenecessaryprotectivemeasuresandthetypesofrisksfrom whichchildrenshouldbesafeguarded.
Similarly,theCoachingAssociationofCanadaextendsthisconceptbyadoptinga comprehensive,humanrights-basedapproachtofosterasecure,inclusive,andsupportive sportsenvironment.AsMcCraeetal.(2024)note,theirdefinitionfocuseson:
“creatinganenvironmentfreefromallformsofmaltreatment,harassment, anddiscriminationinsport.”
Regardlessofthedefinitionortheapproachesadopted,onekeyconceptremainscrucial toanyeffectivesafeguardingstrategy:thebestinterestofthechild.Thisprinciple, embeddedinbothnationalandinternationalchildprotectionframeworks,servesasthe foundationuponwhichsafeguardingpoliciesandpracticesarebuilt.
TheconceptofthebestinterestofthechildisrootedintheUnitedNationsConventionon theRightsoftheChild,whichunequivocallystatesthat"thebestinterestsofthechildshall beaprimaryconsideration"inallactionsconcerningchildren(Article3).Thisprincipleis furtherreinforcedbytheCRC'semphasisonthechild'srighttoprotectionfromallforms ofviolence,exploitation,andabuse(Article19).
Butwhatdoesitmeantoprioritizethebestinterestofthechild?Inessence,itrequiresa child-centeredapproachthatplacesthechild'sneeds,rights,andwell-beingatthe forefrontofalldecision-makingprocesses.Thisinvolvesconsideringthechild'sunique circumstances,experiences,andperspectives,aswellastheirphysical,emotional,and
psychologicalneeds.Itdemandsanuancedunderstandingofthechild'sdevelopmental stage,culturalbackground,andindividualcharacteristics,andawillingnesstoadapt safeguardingstrategiesaccordingly.
Inthecontextofsport,thebestinterestofthechildmeansprioritisingthechild’ssafety, well-being,andrightsaboveallotherconsiderations,ensuringthattheenvironmentsin whichchildrenparticipatearenotonlyconducivetotheirdevelopmentbutalsofreefrom harmandformsofmaltreatment.
Safeguardingrequiresmorethanjustreactivemeasures;itdemandsaproactive,childcentredapproachthatanticipatesrisksandactivelyseekstopreventthem.Thisinvolves implementingcomprehensivepoliciesthataddressallpotentialformsofharm—whether physical,emotional,psychological,orsexual—andputtinginplacesystemsformonitoring, reporting,andrespondingtosafeguardingconcerns.Furthermore,itrequirestheactive involvementofallstakeholders,fromcoachesandparentstosportsorganisationsand policymakers,tocreateaculturewherechildren’svoicesareheard,respected,andacted upon.
Thecentralityofthebestinterestofthechildinsportalsounderscorestheimportanceof individualisedapproachesinsafeguarding.Notwochildrenarethesame,andtheir vulnerabilitiescanvarywidelydependingonfactorssuchasage,gender,disability,sports experiencesandsocioeconomicbackground.Therefore,safeguardingstrategiesmustbe flexibleandadaptable,takingintoaccountthespecificneedsandcircumstancesofeach child.
Thisbroaderapproachemphasisestheimportanceofsafeguardingacrossvarious contexts,includingsports,byaddressingvariousrisks.Intherealmofsports,safeguarding iscrucialduetotheuniquephysical,social,andpsychologicaldynamicsthatcanaffect individuals.Sportsenvironments,whilefosteringdevelopment,teamwork,andpersonal growth,canalsoexposechildrentoriskssuchasmaltreatment,abuse,bullying,and exploitation.Therefore,safeguardinginsportsinvolvescreatingprotectiveframeworks thatnotonlypreventharmbutalsopromoteapositive,inclusive,andsupportive atmosphereforyoungparticipants.
Today,sportsorganisationgroupsarelearningthattheymustputstrongsafetymeasures inplace.Theylooktoimportantguidelines,tools,policyandstrategiestoguidetheirsafety efforts.Thesemeasuresareallaboutkeepingchildrensafefromharmandmakingsure theyhavetheemotionalsupporttheyneed.Thismeansprotectingthemfromabuseand ensuringtheiroverallwell-beingistakencareof.
InternationalbodiessuchastheInternationalOlympicCommittee(IOC)andUNICEFhave alsoplayedkeyrolesinshapingsafeguardingpoliciesinsports.TheIOC’sinitiativeson safeguardingathletesemphasisetheimportanceofeducation,awareness,andprotection fromabuse,promotingstandardsthatnationalandlocalsportsorganisationscanadopt.
Similarly,UNICEFadvocatesforachild-centredapproachinsports,ensuringthat safeguardingmeasuresaccountforthespecificvulnerabilitiesofyoungathletes.
Inpracticalterms,safeguardingpoliciesinsportsofteninvolvemeasuressuchas backgroundchecksforcoaches,educationonrecognisingandpreventingabuse,andclear reportingmechanismsforanyincidentsofharm.Theseinitiativesaredesignedtocreatea safersportingenvironmentwherechildrencanparticipateinphysicalactivitiesfreefrom fearofexploitationormistreatment.
Ultimately,safeguardinginsportsisaboutfosteringanenvironmentthatnurturesthe physical,mental,andemotionalwell-beingofindividuals.Itensuresthatsportremainsa positiveforceinchildren’slives,supportingtheirdevelopmentwhileprotectingthemfrom potentialharmandmisconducts.
VIOLENCE:AUNIVERSALCHALLENGE
Protectingkidsfromviolenceisessential,andwhenwetalkaboutviolence,weare coveringawiderangeofharmfulbehaviours.Understandingthedifferenttypesofviolence andwhattheyentailiscrucialforkeepingchildrensafe.
Everyorganisationandadultshouldaimtoshieldchildrenfromallformsofharm. Dependingonwhereyouareintheworld,thelawsmightdescribetheseharmfulactions differently.However,commontermsusedtodescribetheseharmfulactionsinclude physical,emotional,andsexualabuse,neglect,bullying,andexploitation,amongothers.It isallaboutensuringasafeenvironmentforchildrentogrowandflourishin.
Therearesomecontradictionsandkeydifferencesalso.Maltreatmentisfocusedon deliberateacts.Othershavebroadenedthistoincludeomission,referringtoharmful inaction,commissionreferringtoharmfulactionandexploitation,referringtoactionsthat aredeception,cynicalandharmful.Italsoextendstobothdirectandindirectactionsand includesactionswithorwithoutmaliciousintent.Theotherfocusisontheoutcomeand whetherharmisrequiredorifthepotentialtocauseharmorevenintenttocauseharmis sufficienttoconsideranactionaninfringementofsafeguarding.
Theavailableknowledgeidentifiesashiftinresearchfrommoretraditionalareas,which originallyfocusedonsexualabuseandthenexpandedtophysicalabuse,neglectand emotionalabuse,towardscontemporarythemesfocusingonthingslikediscrimination, childlabour,andinstitutionalandvirtualmaltreatment.
Thereisalsomorescrutinyonthefactthatsportisoftenseenasadomainwherebasic societalnormsdonotapply.Thingsthatareunacceptablewithinothercontextsareoften seenasnotonlyacceptablebutalsoencouragedorrequiredinthesportsworld. Atthehigh-performancelevel,thereisabalancebetweenaculturethatpromotesfaster, higher,andstrongerwiththeimportanceofprotectingathletesfromharm.However,there istheneedtodiscusscriticallyhowtheglorificationoftoughnessandresiliencemight contributetonormalisingharmfulpracticesinsports.Often,behavioursdeemed unacceptableinothersectorsoflifearejustifiedas‘good’coachingpractice,whichbrings positiveresultsandbuildsresilience.
Whiletheimportanceofsafeguardingchildrenfromviolenceisclear,somepointsof contentionariseindiscussionsonhowbesttoimplementthesemeasuresandtheir implications:
Broaddefinitionscanbeproblematic:thewiderangeofbehaviourscategorised underviolencecansometimesmakeitdifficultfororganisationsandindividualsto clearlyidentifyandaddressspecificissues.Amoretargetedapproachmightbe necessarytoeffectivelytackleandpreventspecifictypesofabuse.
Culturalsensitivitiesandlegalvariances:whatisconsideredabuseorneglectcan varysignificantlyacrossdifferentculturesandlegalsystems.Thisdiversitycanlead tochallengesinestablishinguniversallyacceptedsafeguardingstandardswithout infringingonculturalpracticesorautonomy.
Balancingprotectionwithautonomy:overlystringentsafeguardingmeasuresmight inadvertentlyrestrictchildren'sfreedomandopportunitiesforgrowthandlearning. Findingtherightbalancebetweenprotectingchildrenandallowingthemto experiencecalculatedrisksaspartoftheirdevelopmentiscrucial.
Potentialforwrongfulaccusations:whenpoliciesandawarenesscampaignsare aggressivelyimplemented,there'sariskthatinnocentinteractionscouldbe misconstruedasabuse.Thiscouldleadtowrongfulaccusations,causing unnecessarydistresstofamiliesandpotentiallydivertingresourcesawayfrom actualcasesofviolence.Wrongfulaccusationscanalsoimpactfuturecases.
Resourceallocationandeffectiveness:implementingwide-rangingsafeguarding measuresrequiressignificantresources.There'sanongoingdebateaboutwhether theseresourcesmightbemoreeffectivelyusediftargetedtowardsaddressingthe rootcausesofviolence,suchaspoverty,lackofeducation,andsocialinequality.
FORMSOFMALTREATMENT
Maltreatmentcanmanifestinvariousforms,includingpsychological,physical,andsexual harmandneglect.Thesetypesofabusehaveaprofoundimpactonbothmentaland physicalhealth,potentiallyleadingtolong-termconsequences.Therelationshipbetween maltreatmentandoverallwell-beingiswell-established,withvictimsoftensufferingfrom anxiety,depression,andothermentalhealthdisordersalongsidephysicalhealthproblems. Inthecontextofsports,however,theperceptionofmaltreatmentbecomesmorecomplex.
Inmanysports,behavioursthatwouldbeconsideredabusiveinothersettings,suchas schools,aresometimesnormalisedorevenjustifiedbytheuniquedemandsofathletic performance.High-pressureenvironments,intensecompetition,andthehierarchical natureofcoach-athleterelationshipscreatesituationswherepsychologicalandemotional dominancemaybeseenasessentialforachievingsuccess.Thepursuitofexcellencein sportsofteninvolvespushingathletestotheirphysicalandmentallimits,blurringthelines betweenwhatisconsideredacceptableandabusive.
Thenormalisationofpotentiallyharmfulbehavioursinsportscanmakeitdifficultto recognisemaltreatment.Psychologicalpressure,socialcontrol,andemotionaldependency aresometimesseenasessentialforimprovingperformance.Coachesandtrainersmay rationaliseharshtreatmentasawaytotoughenathletesorpreparethemforcompetition. Athletes,inturn,mayacceptorinternalisethesebehaviours,thinkingthatenduringsuch treatmentisnecessaryforsuccess.
Itisimportanttoquestiontheseassumptionsandacknowledgethatmistreatment,no matterthecontext,canharmindividuals'healthandoverallwell-being.Itiscrucialforthe
sportscommunitytobeabletodifferentiatebetweenappropriatetrainingpracticesand detrimentalbehavioursthatqualifyasabuse.Creatingasupportiveandrespectful environmentisessentialforthelastinggrowthofathletes,bothasindividualsandas competitors.
CRITICALSTAKEHOLDERSTOSAFEGUARDING
Keyactorsinvolvedinpreventingandaddressingsafeguardingpolicyviolationsinclude victims,potentialvictims,perpetrators,andstakeholders.It'simportanttonotethatpeople inrolesconsideredprotectorscanalsobeperpetratorsandviceversa.
Researchhasidentifiedperpetratorsinvariouspositionswithinsports,includingcoaches, parents/guardians,athletes,scientificandmedicalstaff,high-performancedirectors, trainers,administrators,sponsors,referees,strangers,fans,andmentors.Whilemuch researchfocusesontheathlete-coachrelationship,prominentcases,suchastheUS gymnasticsscandal,haveincreasedscrutinyofmedicalteams.Recentresearchhasalso highlightedelementsofbullyingbypeersandotherswithinphysicalspaces,extendingto onlineplatformsinthecontextofgeneralchildsafeguardingandwithinschoolcontexts. Furthermore,jointreportsfromseveralsportsdisciplinesandFederationshavehighlighted bullying,harassment,andabuseby'fans',whoareultimatelystrangers,withinphysical stadiumspacesandonlineplatforms.Notmuchhasbeendoneconcerningsuchincidents withinyouthsports,butitisimportanttoacknowledgethatsomeyoungplayershave increasedonlineplatforms,mediaattention,andvisibility.
Buildingupontheinitialnotionthatsafeguardingisamultifacetedissuewithinsportsand similardomains,itiscriticaltodevelopcomprehensivestrategiesthatencompassthe broadrangeofactorsinvolved.Thesestrategiesshouldnotonlyfocusonpreventionbut alsooncreatingacultureofaccountabilityandsupport.
AstherightofchildrentoplayisenshrinedintheUnitedNationsConventionontheRights oftheChild,anyorganisationprovidingsportsactivitiesforchildrenandyoungathletes shouldestablishsafeguardingmeasurestopreventinterpersonalviolence.Thisrequires theinvolvementofvariousstakeholders,includinggovernments,nationalsportsgoverning bodies,organisations,nationalandinternationalassociations,coaches,supportstaff, parents,caregivers,medicalandpsychologicalprofessionals,educators,andathletes themselves.Athletesshouldbeencouragedtospeakoutforchange,whilesurvivorsshould begivenasafespacetosharetheirexperiences.It'simportanttonotethatthe responsibilitytospeakupandstoptheabuselieswiththeperpetrator,bystanders,and thoseresponsiblefororganisingsports,notwiththeathlete.
SEXUALABUSE
Childsexualabuseinsportssettingsisacriticalissuerequiringin-depthunderstanding andattentionforseveralreasons:
1.Powerdynamics:coachesandsportsstaffoftenholdsignificantpoweroveryoung athletes,whichcansometimesbemisusedtoexploitorharmyoungathletes.This unequalpowerdynamiccanmakeitdifficultforchildrentorefuseunwantedadvances ortospeakoutagainstinappropriatebehaviour.
2.Closenessandtrust:thecloserelationshipsandbondsthatcandevelopinsports environmentsbetweencoaches,staff,andathletesmight,unfortunately,provide opportunitiesforabusetooccurundertheguiseofmentorshiporcare.
3.Competitivepressure:thehigh-pressureenvironmentofcompetitivesportscan sometimesleadtosituationswherechildrenmightbevulnerabletoabuse.Thefearof losingtheirplaceonateam,notmeetingexpectations,orbeingsingledoutcanmake childrenlesslikelytospeakupaboutabuse.
4.Lackofawarenessandeducation:athletes,parents,andevencoachescanlack awarenessorunderstandingaboutwhatconstitutesappropriatevs.inappropriate behaviourinsportssettings.Thiscanleadtosituationswherewarningsignsaremissed ornotacteduponswiftly.
5.Inadequatesafeguardingpolicies:notallsportsorganisationshaverobustsafeguarding policiesinplace,oriftheydo,thesepoliciesmaynotbestringentlyfollowedor enforced.Thislackofoversightcanputyoungathletesatrisk.
BODYSHAMINGANDEMOTIONALABUSE
Bodyshamingisasignificantandoftenunderappreciatedissueinsports,especiallyin high-performanceandelite-leveldisciplines.Duringtheselectionprocessforathletes, whereonlyindividualsdeemedmostphysicallysuitedforaparticularsportarechosen,the riskofbody-relatedabusecanescalateconsiderably.Thisissuebecomesparticularly pronouncedindisciplineswherestrictweightcontrol,specificbodyproportions,orheight arecrucialindetermininganathlete’scompetitiveness,suchasgymnastics,ballet, wrestling,orweight-class-basedsportslikeboxingandjudo.
Thepressuretoconformtoidealisedphysicalstandardsexertsasignificanttollon individuals,particularlyinenvironmentswhereappearanceandphysicalprowessarehighly valued.Thisdriveforacertainbodytypeorathleticcapabilitycanleadtounhealthy practicesthathavefar-reachingconsequencesforbothmentalandphysicalhealth.
Engaginginextremediets,over-exercising,anduseofpotentiallyharmfulsubstancesto achieveormaintainaspecificweightorshapearecommonmanifestationsofthispressure. Negativebodyimage,whereindividualsviewtheirbodiesfromaplaceofdissatisfaction andself-criticism,canpervadeone'smentalhealth,leadingtodiminishedself-esteemand, inseverecases,todisorderssuchasdepressionandanxiety.
Athletes,especiallyyoung,areparticularlyvulnerabletothesepressures.Theworldof sportsoftenheraldscertainbodytypesastheepitomeofsuccessandability,leavingthose whodonotnaturallyconformfeelinginadequate.Thisnotonlyresultsinstigmatisationand potentialexclusionwithintheirsportingcommunitiesbutalsopushesmanytoadopt harmfulpractices.Theconsequencesofsuchactionsarenotonlyimmediate,affectingthe athletes'performanceandwell-being.Theycanalsohavelong-lastingeffectsontheir health,includingthedevelopmentofchronicconditionsandeatingdisorders.
Thepsychologicaldistressstemmingfromthesepressuresisprofound.Theconstant scrutinyandcomparisoncanerodeathletes'confidenceandenjoymentofthesport, replacingitwithfearoffailureorjudgmentbasedonphysicalappearanceratherthanskill ordedication.Thisnotonlyaffectstheirmentalhealthbutcanalsodetractfromtheirfocus andcommitmenttothesportitself,potentiallyderailingpromisingcareers.
Moreover,thehealthrisksassociatedwithconformingtothesenarrowphysical expectationsaresignificant.Fromtheimmediaterisksofnutritiondeficiencies,physical injury,andexhaustiontothemoreinsidiousdevelopmentofconditionslikeosteoporosis, heartissues,andchroniceatingdisorders,thecostofconformityishigh.It'sessentialfor communities,coaches,andorganisationswithinsportstorecognisethediversityofhealthy bodiesandtopromotepracticesthatprioritiseathletes'well-beingoveroutdatedidealsof physicalappearance.Encouragingacultureofacceptance,focusingonhealth,skill,and personalprogress,canhelpmitigatethesepressuresandfosteramoresupportive environmentforallathletes.
Giventheprevalenceoftheseissues,itisessentialtofosteranenvironmentthatprioritises physicalandmentalwell-beingoverrigidbodynorms.Coaches,sportsorganisations,and governingbodiesshouldactivelyworktopreventbodyshamingandassociatedformsof abuse,promotinginclusivityandensuringthatathletesarevaluedfortheirskills, dedication,andoverallperformanceratherthanjusttheirphysicalappearance.This approachwillnotonlycontributetothementalandphysicalhealthofathletesbutalso promotediversityinbodytypesacrossvarioussportsdisciplines.
VULNERABILITIESINSAFEGUARDING
Safeguardingchildreninsportsrequiresacomprehensiveunderstandingofthevarious vulnerabilitiesthatexistwithinthesystem.Thesevulnerabilitiescanbegroupedintothree
interconnectedthematicareas:organisational,individual,andsocietal.Eachcategoryplays acrucialroleinshapingtheexperiencesofchildrenandyoungpeopleinsports,highlighting thecomplexityofprotectingtheirrightsandwell-being.
1.OrganisationalVulnerabilities
Organisationalvulnerabilitiesarisefromhowsportsorganisationsarestructuredand managed.Poorlydefinedpolicies,inadequatetrainingforstaffandcoaches,andalackof clearreportingmechanismsallcontributetoenvironmentswheresafeguardingmaybe neglected.Whenthereisalackofaccountabilityorgovernance,childrenareexposedmore topotentialharm,andtheprocessesforaddressingissuesbecomecloudy.Often, organisationsmayfailtorecogniseorprioritisesafeguarding,treatingitasasecondary concernratherthanacoreresponsibility.
2.IndividualVulnerabilities
Childrenareinherentlyvulnerableduetotheirdevelopingunderstandingoftheworldand theirlimitedabilitytorecogniseandrespondtoharmfulbehaviours.Theymaytrustadults, includingcoachesandmentors,whocanexploitthattrust,makingitdifficultforchildren tospeakupaboutnegativeexperiences.Withinthechildpopulation,certainindividuals faceheightenedvulnerabilitiesbasedonfactorssuchasgender,race,ethnicity,disability, sexuality,religion,orsocioeconomicstatus.Theseadditionallayersofvulnerabilitymean thatnotallchildrenfacethesamerisksorbarrierstoprotection.Marginalisedchildren,in particular,maybemoreisolated,lessvisibletosafeguardingsystems,ormorelikelyto experiencediscriminationandexclusion.
3.SocietalVulnerabilities
Atabroaderlevel,societalpressuresalsoplayasignificantroleininfluencing vulnerabilities.Socialnorms,stereotypes,andculturalexpectationscanpushindividualsto conform,oftenattheexpenseoftheirsafetyandwell-being.Marginalisedgroups, includingchildrenfromethnicminoritiesorthosewithdisabilities,mayfeelpressureto adapttosocietalstandards,whichcanmakethemmoresusceptibletomistreatmentor neglect.Furthermore,societalattitudestowardssafeguardingoftenreflectbroader culturalvalues,whichcaneitherreinforceprotectivemeasuresorcreateenvironments whereabuseandneglectaremorelikelytobeoverlookedorjustified.
YOUNGATHLETESINSPORT
Recentcasesandstudiesunderscoretheurgentneedtoimplementrobustsafeguarding measuresforchildrenandadolescentsparticipatinginsportsasathletes.Theworldof youthsports,whileofferingtremendousbenefitsintermsofphysicaldevelopment,
discipline,teamwork,andself-esteem,alsoexposesyoungathletestoawiderangeof potentialabusesthatcanseverelyimpacttheirwell-being.Theseabusesoftengo unnoticedorarenormalisedwithinthecompetitivesportsculture,makingeffective safeguardingprotocolscrucial.
Abuseincompetitivesportscanmanifestinvariousforms,eachwithuniqueanddevastating consequences.
Psychologicalabuseisoneofthemostprevalent,oftentakingtheshapeofverbal degradationbasedongender,bodyshape,orperformance.Coaches,peers,oreven parentsmayimposeunrealisticexpectationsorconstantlybelittleathletes,leadingtolongtermemotionalandpsychologicaldamage.
Unduepressuretosucceedatayoungagecanresultinburnout,anxiety,anddepression, asyoungathletesmayfeeltrappedbythedemandsofachievingsuccessinhighly competitiveenvironments.
Inmoreseverecases,sexualabusehasbeenreported,withperpetratorsusingtheir positionsofauthoritytocoerceathletesintoinappropriateorexploitativesituations.This canincludesexualdemandsasaconditionforteamselectionorprogression,adeeply traumaticexperiencethatcanscartheindividualforlife.
Physicalabusecanalsobemaskedwithinseeminglyacceptablepractices,suchasharmful initiationrituals(hazing),physicallypunishingdrills,orforcedparticipationinriskyactivities beyondtheathlete'scapacityorcomfort.Thesecanresultinbothimmediatephysical injuriesandlong-termharmtotheathlete'sbodyandself-esteem.
Harmfulnutritionandweightlossregimes,especiallyprevalentinsportsthatemphasise specificbodytypes(suchasgymnasticsorwrestling),canleadtoeatingdisorders, malnutrition,andlong-termhealthcomplications.
Perpetratorsofsuchabusearefrequentlyfoundwithintheathlete’simmediate environment.Coaches,trainers,teammates,orevenfamilymembersmayexploittheir positionsoftrustorauthority.Coaches,inparticular,holdasignificantamountofinfluence overyoungathletes,astheyareoftenseenasmentorsorrolemodels.Thispowerdynamic canmakeitdifficultforathletestoreportabusivebehaviour,astheyfearrepercussions, suchaslossofplayingtime,teamexpulsion,orreputationaldamage.Moreover,thecloseknitnatureofsportsteamscancreateacultureofsilence,whereathletesfeelpressured toconformandnotchallengeabusivepractices,furthercompoundingtherisks.
Inmanycases,thesportscultureitselfcancontributetotheperpetuationofabuse.The hyper-competitiveenvironment,combinedwithanemphasisonwinningatallcosts,can leadtothenormalisationofharmfulbehaviours.Athletesmaybeencouragedto"toughit
out"or"provetheirworth"byenduringphysicalorpsychologicalharm,whileconcerns aboutwell-beingaredownplayedordismissed.
Toaddresstheseissues,safeguardingmeasuresmustbemulti-layeredand comprehensive.Theseshouldincludeclearcodesofconductforcoaches,regulartraining forstaffonrecognisingandpreventingabuse,accessiblereportingmechanismsfor athletes,andstronggovernancestructurestoensureaccountability.Theinvolvementof parents,sportsorganisations,andregulatorybodiesisessentialtocreatinganenvironment whereyoungathletescanpursuetheirpassionforsportssafelyandfreefromexploitation.
Ultimately,thegoalofsafeguardinginsportsisnotonlytopreventharmbutalsoto promoteanenvironmentwhereathletescanthrive—mentally,physically,andemotionally. Byrecognisingtheuniquevulnerabilitiesthatchildrenandadolescentsfaceinthesports world,wecanimplementeffectiveprotectionsthatensuretheirwell-beingremainsthe priority,allowingsportstobeapositiveandempoweringforceintheirlives.
DROPOUTFROMSPORT
Sportdropoutisbecominganincreasinglyurgentissueforsportsorganisationsacross Europe.Whiletheextentoftheproblemmayvarybetweencountries,itaffectsthe Europeansportsmovementasawhole.Onekeyfactorcontributingtothisdropouttrend istheinabilityofsomesportsenvironmentstofullycatertotheneeds,interests,andwellbeingofchildrenandyoungpeople.Manysportspractitionersstruggletocreatean inclusiveandsupportivecontext,whichleadstodisengagementfromsports.Thiscanthen havenegativeconsequencesforoverallhealthandwell-being.
Childrenandyoungpeoplerequiresportssettingswheretheyfeelsafe,respected,and valued,notjustasathletes/participantsbutasindividuals.Whentheadultaroundachild centresthewholeidentityofthechildaroundtheirroleasanathlete,achildmightalso onlyseethemselveswithinthisrole.Thiscanimpacttheshortandlong-termdevelopment ofthechild.Whentheirphysicalandemotionalneedsareoverlooked,theymaylose interest,feelalienated,orevenexperienceharm,causingthemtoabandonsport altogether.
Addressingthisissuerequiressportsorganisationstoadoptmorechild-centredpractices prioritisinghealth,well-being,andenjoyment.
Onepromisingsolutiontoreducesportdropoutisimplementingachildsafeguarding approach.ThisstrategyalignswiththeprinciplesoftheUNCRC,whichemphasisesthe rightofchildrentoparticipateinactivitiesthatpromotetheirdevelopmentinasafeand nurturingenvironment.Safeguardingensuresthatchildren’srightsarerespected,helping topreventharmandpromotingtheirwell-being.
Byembeddingchildsafeguardingpoliciesintotheirstructures,sportsorganisationsand sportpractitionerscancreateenvironmentswhereyoungpeoplefeelprotectedand supported.Thisinvolvestrainingcoaches,managers,andotherstakeholderstorecognise andrespondtotheuniqueneedsofchildrenandyoungathletes.Bydoingso,theriskof negativeexperiencesthatleadtodropoutcanbesignificantlyreduced.Thepoliciesmust prioritiseapreventativeapproach,notjustreactiveandpunitivemeasures.
Theadoptionofchildsafeguardingmeasuresisnotonlybeneficialforreducingdropout ratesbutalsohelpsfosterahealthierandmoresustainablesportsculture.Whenyoung athletesfeelsecureandappreciated,theyaremorelikelytostayengagedinsports, developingtheirskillsandenjoyingthelong-termbenefitsofphysicalactivity.Inturn,this contributestotheoverallstrengthoftheEuropeansportsmovementandencourages lifelongparticipationinsport.
SPORTSEVENTS
Recently,concernshaveescalatedregardingtheinsufficientcommitmentofmegasports event(MSE)organiserstoensuringchildren'srightsarethoroughlyrespected,protected, andchampionedbefore,during,andaftertheseeventsoccur.Thissituationunderscores thecriticalneedtoadvocateforeventownersandorganisersnotonlytoreinforcebutalso
expandprotectionswithintheplanningandimplementationoftheirevents,ensuringa secureandrights-respectingenvironmentforchildren.
Theconcernthathasbeenraisedisnotmerelyabouttheabsenceofintentionalityin safeguardingchildren'srightsbutalsoaboutthemissedopportunitiestopositivelyimpact younglivesandthebroadercommunity.
First,itiscriticaltoemphasisethatMSEsoftencommandglobalattention,offering unparalleledplatformsforadvocacyandchange.Whenorganisersplaceastrongemphasis onrespecting,protecting,andpromotingchildrights,theysetapowerfulexamplefor millionsworldwide.Thisnotonlyinvolvespreventingharmbutalsoactivelycontributingto thewell-beinganddevelopmentofchildren.
Second,thesubstantialeconomicandinfrastructuralinvestmentsaccompanyingthese eventscan,andshould,considertheneedsandrightsofchildren.Thisincludescreating safespacesforchildrenateventvenues,ensuringaccessiblefacilitiesforall,and integratingchild-friendlyservicesandspaces.Moreover,communityoutreachand engagementprogramscanbedesignedtobenefitthelocalchildren,frompromoting educationandsportsprogramstosafeguardingmeasuresagainstexploitationandabuse.
Third,there'sanopportunityforMSEorganiserstocollaboratewithchildprotection organisations,localcommunities,andgovernmentstoestablishcomprehensivestrategies andpoliciesthatnotonlyprotectchildrenduringtheeventbutalsoleavealastingpositive impactonchildwelfarestandardsinthehostcommunities.
Unfortunately,thelackofintentionalityandcommitmenttotheseprinciplescanleadto negativeoutcomes,suchasthedisplacementoffamilies,increasedvulnerabilitytochild labourandexploitation,andthemissedopportunitytopromoteinclusivityandequality. Therefore,itisnotjustaboutstrengtheningprotectionsbutexpandingthevisionofwhat MSEscanachieveregardingchildrightsandwelfare.Thisapproachensuresthatthe legacyoftheseeventsisnotmarredbynegligenceorexploitationbutisinstead rememberedasacatalystforpositive,long-standingchangeincommunitiesworldwide.
ADVISING,MONITORINGANDSUPPORT
Organisationsmustsignificantlyenhancetheircapacitytomonitorandupholdchildren's rights,asdoingsoisessentialtofosteringtheappropriatedevelopmentandwell-beingof youngindividuals.Effectivesafeguardingrequiresmorethanpassivepolicies;itdemands aproactive,systematicapproachtoensurethatallorganisationalactivities,interactions, andenvironmentsarecentredonthewelfareandprotectionofchildren.
Toachievethis,implementingacomprehensivemonitoringsystemiscritical.Thissystem shouldnotonlyscrutinisethecoreoperationsandprocedureswithintheorganisationbut alsoassesshowthesepracticesalignwithchildprotectionstandardsandhumanrights frameworks.Suchasystemwouldinvolvecontinuousevaluation,whereeverydepartment andactivityisreviewedtoidentifypotentialriskstochildren’ssafety.Monitoringshould alsobedynamic,incorporatingfeedbackloopsthatalloworganisationstoadaptquicklyto newrisks,emergingissues,orchangesintheexternalenvironment.
Onecrucialcomponentofsafeguardingisthedevelopmentofself-assessment mechanismswithinorganisations.Theseself-assessmentsshouldmeasurethe organisation’scapacitytoprotectchildrenperestablishedcodesofconductandchild protectionpolicies.Athoroughself-assessmentwouldalloworganisationstoidentify strengthsandweaknessesintheirexistingsafeguardingmeasures.Forexample,itmight highlightgapsinstafftraining,insufficientreportingmechanisms,orambiguousprotocols forrespondingtoallegationsofabuse.Byregularlyconductingsuchassessments, organisationscannotonlyensurecompliancebutalsofosteracultureofaccountability andvigilancearoundchildprotection.
Inadditiontointernalmonitoring,theremustbeexternalsupportsystemsinplaceatboth localandnationallevelstoassistorganisationsintheirsafeguardingefforts.Governments andregulatorybodiesshouldprovideresources,suchasguidelinesforbestpractices, trainingmodules,andtoolsforriskassessment,tohelporganisationsimprovetheir safeguardingframeworks.Thissupportwouldalsoincludeaccesstospecialised personnel—suchaschildprotectionofficersandlegaladvisors—whocanassistin developing,implementing,andrefiningorganisationalpoliciesonchildwelfare.Crucially, thesesystemsshouldbedesignedtofostercollaborationbetweenorganisations,enabling themtoshareknowledge,experiences,andstrategiesforaddressingchallengesin safeguarding.
Trainingandcapacitybuildingarekeyelementsinstrengtheningorganisational safeguardingmeasures.Staffatalllevels—fromseniormanagementtovolunteers—should beequippedwiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytorecognisesignsofabuse, understandtheirresponsibilities,andtakeappropriateactionwhenconcernsarise. Trainingshouldberegularlyupdatedtoreflectthelatestresearch,legalrequirements,and bestpracticesinchildprotection.Furthermore,organisationsshouldadoptachild-centred approach,ensuringthatstaffarenotonlytrainedtoprotectchildrenbutalsotoempower thembyfosteringopencommunicationandtrust.
Organisationsmustalsoensurethattheyhavearobustreportingandresponsesystemto preventharmtochildren.Thissystemshouldallowchildren,parents,andstafftoreport concernsorincidentsofabuseinasafeandconfidentialmanner.Clearprotocolsshould beinplaceforhowthesereportsarehandled,withswiftandeffectiveresponsesthat prioritisethechild’swell-being.Importantly,thissystemshouldincludemechanismsfor
independentoversight,ensuringthatcomplaintsareaddressedimpartiallyandthat appropriateactionistakenwhennecessary.
Anothercriticalfactoristheroleoforganisationalcultureinsafeguarding.Organisations mustworktobuildacultureofrespectforchildren'srights,wheresafeguardingisseenas acollectiveresponsibilityratherthananadministrativerequirement.Thiscanbeachieved byembeddingsafeguardingintoeveryaspectoftheorganisation’soperations—from recruitmentpracticestothedesignofprogramsandactivities.Regularcommunication abouttheimportanceofchildprotection,alongsidethevisiblecommitmentofleadership, canhelpcreateanenvironmentwheresafeguardingisasharedpriority.
BARRIERSTOWARDSSAFEGUARDING
Theresponseandpreventionofsafeguardinginfringementsshouldbeincorporatedinto organisationalpolicies.Policyconsiderationsshouldincluderespondingtoconcerns, unifiedpolicies,operatingsystems,prevention,codeofethicsandconduct,equity, communication,educationandtraining,accesstoadviceandsupport,implementation, monitoringandevaluation,minimisingriskstochildren,guidelinesforbehaviours, recruiting,workingwithpartners,accesstoresourceslikefunding,andinfluencing.The increaseinregulationsfromgovernmentsandinternationalentitiesmandatingthe
implementationofsafeguardingpolicieswithinorganisationsshouldleadtosubstantial enhancementsinsafeguardingmeasures.
However,evidenceshowsthatevenwhenpoliciesareinplace,severalbarriersexistto theirimplementationandimpact.
Oneprimarybarriertoeffectivesafeguardingistheprevalenceoftop-downapproaches withinthesportingenvironment.Theoveremphasisonwinningandachievingsuccesscan createatoxicculturewhereathletesarepressuredtoprioritiseperformanceovertheir well-being.Thiscanleadtoalackofempathyandunderstandingforathletes'experiences, makingitdifficultforthemtofeelcomfortablereportingabuse.Furthermore,inadequate employmentscreeningprocedurescanallowindividualswithahistoryofabusetoenter coachingpositions,puttingathletesatriskandunderminingtrustbetweencoachesand athletes.Additionally,theprioritisationofwinningoverwell-beingcancreateaculture whereathletesareexpectedtoendurephysicalandemotionalhardships,makingthem morevulnerabletoexploitation.Often,notwantingtoendureanyphysicalandemotional hardshipisseenasaweakness,andchildrenwithinsportsareoftentaughtthatweakness islikelytopreventprogresswithinthesport.
Children'slackofvoiceisanothersignificantbarriertoeffectivesafeguarding.Cultural conditioningcanteachchildrentoprioritiseobedienceandrespectforauthorityfigures, evenwhentheirownsafetyisatstake.Thiscanmakeitdifficultforchildrentorecognise andreportabusivebehaviour,astheymayfeartheconsequencesofspeakingout. Additionally,thefearofnegativeconsequences,suchasbeingostracisedbyteammates orcoaches,candeterchildrenfromcomingforward.Thisfearcanbeexacerbatedbythe powerdynamicswithinthesportingenvironment,whereathletesmayfeelpowerlessto challengetheauthorityofcoachesorteamofficials.Moreover,thepressuretoconformto certainstandardsofbehaviourandperformancecancreateacultureofsilenceand secrecy,makingitdifficultforathletestoseekhelpandsupportandfearthattheir concernswillnotbetakenseriously.
Reportingculturesplayacrucialroleinpreventingandaddressingsexualabuseinsports. However,fearofretaliationandlackofsupportforsurvivorscancreateahostile environmentthatdiscouragesathletesfromreportingabuse.Survivorsmayfearthat reportingabusecouldjeopardisetheircareersorrelationshipswithteammatesand coaches.Additionally,thelackoftrustinthesystemsdesignedtoprotectathletescan hinderthereportingprocess.Athletesmayfeelthattheirconcernswillnotbetaken seriouslyorthattheywillbeblamedfortheabusetheyhaveexperienced,leadingtoa senseofhopelessnessanddespair.
Thereareadditionalbarrierstoeffectivesafeguardinginsports.Theseincludelackof awarenessandeducation,powerimbalances,culturalfactors,andstigmaassociatedwith beingasurvivor.Educationprogramscanhelpraiseawarenessandequipindividualswith theknowledgetheyneedtopreventandaddressabuse.Thepowerdynamicswithinthe
sportingenvironmentcancreateacultureoffearandintimidation,makingitdifficultfor athletestoreportabuse.Culturalnormsandvaluescaninfluencehowathletesperceive andrespondtoabuse.
Additionally,survivorsofabusemayfacestigmaanddiscrimination,deterringthemfrom comingforward.Thisstigmacanbeexacerbatedbythepressuretomaintainapositive publicimage,especiallyinthesportsindustry.Themediaalsotakesresponsibilityforthis. Childrenmightseemediarepresentationsofpreviouscasesorbeexposedtothestigma associatedwithspeakingout.
ENCOURAGEACULTUREOFLISTENINGTOCHILDREN
InlinewiththeprinciplesoutlinedintheUNCRC,childrenmustberecognisedasindividuals withtherighttoexpresstheiropinionsandthoughtsfreely.Article12oftheUNCRC specificallystatesthatchildrenhavetherighttobeheardinallmattersaffectingthem, withtheirviewsbeinggivendueweightaccordingtotheirageandmaturity.Thisrightis notonlyalegalobligationbutalsoanessentialaspectoffosteringchildren’sdevelopment, autonomy,andself-esteem.
Therefore,organisationsworkingwithchildrenhavearesponsibilitytocreateaculturethat encouragesactivelisteningandparticipation.Thisinvolvesestablishingclearprocedures andmechanismsthatempowerchildrentoexpressthemselvesandensuretheirvoicesare meaningfullyconsideredindecision-makingprocesses.Suchproceduresmayinclude child-friendlyconsultationmethods,accessiblecommunicationchannels,andthe involvementofchildreninshapingpoliciesoractivitiesthatdirectlyimpacttheirlives.
Mindfulnessoverthemethodsofcommunicationandthemessagethatdifferentformsof communicationconveyisimportant.Awarenessofwordsused,toneofvoice,andtiming areessentialelementsofverbalcommunication.Bodylanguageisalsoimportant.Children canunderstandaggressiveorviolentbodylanguage,whichwillinstilfearintothechild.
Moreover,creatingacultureoflisteningiscrucialforsafeguardingandpromoting children'swell-being.Whenchildrenfeelheard,itstrengthenstheirsenseofbelonging, reducesfeelingsofpowerlessness,andbuildstrustintheadultsandinstitutionsthat supportthem.Incontrast,failingtolistentochildrencanleadtofeelingsofalienationand frustrationandevenperpetuateharmfulenvironmentswheretheirrightsmaybe overlookedorviolated.
Organisationsshouldalsotakeproactivestepstobuildchildren’sconfidenceandcapacity toexpressthemselves.Thisincludesofferingtrainingandsupporttodevelop communicationskills,encouragingtheuseofcreativeexpression,andensuringaninclusive approachthatreachesmarginalisedgroups,suchaschildrenwithdisabilitiesorthosefrom
minoritybackgrounds.Specialattentionshouldbegiventoovercomingbarrierssuchas languagedifferences,socio-economicfactors,andpowerimbalancesbetweenadultsand children.
Byembeddingtherighttobeheardintoorganisationalcultureandpractices,institutions notonlycomplywiththeUNCRCbutalsocontributetotheholisticdevelopmentofchildren, fosteringagenerationofempoweredindividualswhocanconfidentlyengagewithsociety.
EMPOWEREDCOACHINGTHROUGHKNOWLEDGE
Toenhancecoachdevelopmentandlearningcontexts,itisimperativetocreate environmentsthatnotonlyencouragethediscussionofchildsafeguardingproceduresin sport-specificsettingswithexpertsbutalsodelveintoselectingtheappropriate pedagogiesbasedontheathlete'sage,gender,andcompetitivelevels.Suchdiscussions shouldberobust,involvingvariousstakeholdersinthesportscommunitytoensurea wholesomeapproachtowardschilddevelopmentandsafetyinsports.
Furthermore,thereisacriticalneedforstakeholderswithinthesecontextstoscrutinise whethermisinterpretationsormisunderstandingsofchildren’srightsandneedsare inadvertentlyleadingtotheadoptionofdefensivepedagogies.Theseapproaches,while well-intentioned,mightproveunhelpfulorevendetrimentaltotheoveralldevelopmentand well-beingofchildreninthesportsframework.Itisessentialtostrikeabalancethat promotessafe,inclusive,anddevelopmentallyappropriatepracticesthatbenefitthe childrenbothonandoffthefield.
Coachesplayapivotalroleinnotonlysafeguardingthewell-beingoftheirathletesbut alsoinensuringtheirdevelopmentisnotsolelymeasuredbycompetitivesuccess.The aspirationforpositiveresultsinsportsmustneverovershadowtheparamountimportance ofsupportingthecomprehensivegrowthandwell-beingofyoungathletes.Thisentailsa commitmentfromcoachestofosteranenvironmentthatnurturesthephysical, psychological,andsocialdevelopmentofthechild,ensuringsportsserveasapowerful vehicleforpositivelifelessonsandpersonalgrowth.
Tofurtherthisgoal,continuouseducationanddevelopmentprogramsforcoachesshould incorporatemodulesonethicalcoaching,emotionalintelligence,communicationskills,and strategiesforhandlingdiversegroupsofyoungathletes.Byequippingcoacheswitha broadersetofskillsandknowledge,wecanbetterguaranteethatsportsenvironmentsare safe,supportive,andenrichingforallparticipants-pavingthewayforahealthier,more inclusivesportingculturethattrulyrecognisesandnurturesthepotentialineveryyoung athlete.
BUILDINGBRIDGES
Sportsorganisationsplayapivotalroleinsafeguardingchildren’srights,astheyarekey environmentswheremillionsofyoungindividualsparticipateinactivitiesthatsignificantly shapetheirdevelopment.Throughinteractionswithcoaches,managers,andothersports practitioners,childrenandadolescentsexperiencemomentsthatarenotonlyphysically engagingbutalsoemotionallymeaningful.Formanyyoungpeople,sportrepresentsavital aspectoftheirdailylife,contributingtotheirsenseofidentity,belonging,andpersonal growth.Thehighlevelsofemotionalandphysicalengagementmakesportsapowerful platformforpositiveinfluence.
However,theresponsibilitytosafeguardchildrenwithinthesportssectoriscomplexand cannotbefulfilledbysportsorganisationsalone.Whiletheycanimplementfoundational policiesandprocedures,thebreadthanddepthofsafeguardingworkrequireamore comprehensive,collaborativeapproach.Sportsorganisationsoftenlackthespecialised expertiseandresourcesnecessarytoaddressalldimensionsofchildprotection,suchas mentalhealthsupport,educationonabuseprevention,andlegalframeworksforreporting violations.
Toeffectivelyprotectchildren,sportsorganisationsmustbuildpartnershipswithexternal entitiesthatspecialiseinchildprotectionandwelfare.Thesepartnerorganisationsmay includechildadvocacygroups,legaladvisors,mentalhealthprofessionals,educational institutions,andgovernmentalagenciesdedicatedtochildren’srights.Bycreatingthese bridges,sportsorganisationscanenhancetheircapacitytoimplementrobustsafeguarding frameworks.Thiscollaborationenablessportsbodiestoaccessspecialisedknowledge, providetrainingforstaff,andensureproperreportingandresponsemechanismsincases ofabuse,neglect,orexploitation.
Thiscollaborativeapproachalsoallowsfordevelopingaholisticsafeguardingstrategythat addressestheuniquechallengesyoungathletesface,bothonandoffthefield.Partnering withexternalexpertsensuresthatsportsorganisationsareequippednotonlytorespond toincidentsbutalsotopreventthembyfosteringacultureofawareness,vigilance,and proactiveprotection.
Safeguardingyoungathletesisnotjustthedutyofcoachesandsportsadministrators;it requiresacollectiveeffortfromallsectorsthattouchachild’slife.Byleveragingthe expertiseofexternalpartners,sportsorganisationscanensurethattheirsafeguarding policiesarecomprehensive,up-to-date,andresponsivetotheevolvingneedsofyoung athletes.Thiscollaborativenetworknotonlyreinforcestheprotectionofchildrenbutalso enhancestrustwithinthesportscommunity,asparents,athletes,andstakeholders recognisethecommitmenttosafetyandwell-being.
COMMITTEDLEADERSHIP
Children’srightsmustbeacentralpriorityinthepolicies,strategies,andactivitiesofany sportsorganisation.Ensuringthesafety,well-being,anddevelopmentofyoungathletesis notjustalegalobligationbutamoralimperativethatfostersapositiveenvironmentfor growth.Toachievethis,thecommitmentoftheleadershipisessential.Leaderssetthe toneandvisionfortheentireorganisation,andtheiractivededicationtochildprotectionis fundamentaltoestablishingasafe,inclusive,andchild-orientedculture.
Leadershipcommitmentinvolvesnotonlyendorsingsafeguardingpoliciesbutalso embeddingchildren'srightsintotheorganisation'scorevaluesandoperationalprocedures. Thismeansthatsafeguardingprinciplesmustinfluenceeveryaspectoftheorganisation's work,fromrecruitmentandtrainingofstafftothedesignofprogramsandevents.Leaders mustensurethatpoliciesarenotjustdocumentsonpaperbutareactivelyimplemented, monitored,andregularlyupdatedtoreflectevolvingbestpracticesandlegalrequirements inchildprotection.
Furthermore,fosteringachild-centredorganisationalculturegoesbeyondcompliance.It requirespromotinganethoswherechildren'svoicesarevalued,andtheirneedsandrights areprioritisedatalllevelsofdecision-making.Thisincludescreatingchannelswhere childrenfeelempoweredtoexpressconcerns,sharefeedback,andparticipateinshaping theirsportingexperience.Leaderscansupportthisbyinstitutingregularconsultationswith youngathletes,appointingchildsafeguardingofficers,andensuringthatallstaffare trainedtorecogniseandrespondtorisks.
Tosolidifythiscommitment,sportsorganisationsshouldalsoestablishaccountability mechanismsthattracktheeffectivenessofsafeguardingmeasures.Thiscouldinvolve regularaudits,independentevaluations,andtransparentreportingsystemstoensurethat anygapsinprotectionareidentifiedandaddressedpromptly.Leadersshouldchampion theseefforts,reinforcingthemessagethatchildprotectionisnon-negotiableandintegral totheorganisation'smission.
ONGOINGRESEARCH
Thereisundeniableevidenceunderscoringtheurgentneedforamorethorough investigationandanalysisofchildmaltreatmentinsports.Theincreasingrecognitionof thisissuehasledtoagradualproliferationofresearchonsafeguardingwithinthesporting context,reflectinggrowingawarenessoftherisksthatchildrenface.Overrecentyears, thevolumeofstudiesandresearchactivitiesinthisareahasexpandedsignificantly, offeringvaluableinsightsintothecomplexitiesofchildprotectioninsports.However,the bodyofknowledgeremainsincomplete,andfurtherresearchisessentialtogainadeeper, morenuancedunderstandingoftheproblem.
Ongoingresearchiscriticalforseveralreasons.Firstly,ithelpstouncoverthevariousforms andcontextsinwhichmaltreatmentoccurs,contributingtoamorecomprehensivepicture ofhowchildrenexperienceharmwithinsportssettings.Additionally,researchplaysa pivotalroleinshapingeffectivepolicies,strategies,andinterventionsthatcanenhancethe capacityofsportsorganisationsandprofessionalstosafeguardchildren’srights.
Byadvancingknowledgeinthisarea,researcherscanhelpinformthedevelopmentof tailoredtoolsandframeworksthatempowersportsorganisationstocreatesafer environments.Thisinvolvesnotonlypreventingmaltreatmentbutalsoresponding effectivelywhenincidentsoccur.Furthermore,evidence-basedresearchsupports advocacyefforts,raisingawarenessamongstakeholders—includingpolicymakers, coaches,andparents—abouttheimportanceofchildprotectioninsports.Ultimately,a strongerresearchfoundationiscrucialforfosteringacultureofsafetyandrespectthat prioritisesthewell-beingofyoungathletes.
CONTINUINGEDUCATIONFORSPORTSPRACTITIONERS
Continuingeducationforsportspractitionersintheareaofchildsafeguardingiscriticalfor enhancingthecapacityofsportsorganisationstoprotectchildren'shealthandwell-being. Whiletechnicalskillsandknowledgerelatedtocoachingandathleticdevelopmentare essential,sportspractitionersmustalsobeequippedtoactasguardiansandcustodians ofthechildrenintheircare.Thisdualroleisbecomingincreasinglyimportantasawareness oftheriskschildrenfaceinsportsenvironmentsgrows.
Thereisanurgentneedtostrengthenthesafeguardingknowledgeandcompetenciesof sportsprofessionals.Thisinvolvestrainingthemnotonlyinthephysicalandtechnical aspectsofsportsbutalsoinrecognising,preventing,andrespondingtopotentialrisksof abuseorharm.Sportspractitionersareofteninauniquepositionoftrust,whichmeans theyplayacrucialroleinensuringasafeenvironmentforyoungathletes.Byenhancing theircapacitytosafeguardchildren,sportsorganisationscanbetterprotectthephysical, emotional,andpsychologicalwell-beingoftheirparticipants.
Inadditiontoimprovingtheskillsofsportspractitioners,itisessentialtoestablisheffective collaborationwithspecialistsinchildsafeguarding.Thesemayincludechildpsychologists, socialworkers,orlegalprofessionalswhoaretrainedtoaddresscomplexissuesrelatedto abuseandwelfare.Workingalongsidetheseexpertscanprovidesportspractitionerswith thesupportandguidancetheyneedtohandlesensitivesituationsandensurethat appropriatemeasuresaretakenwhensafeguardingconcernsarise.
Continuouseducationinsafeguardingalsohelpstobuildacultureofsafetywithinsports organisationsandensuresthatpoliciesandpracticescanbeupdatedwhenrequired. Sportspractitionerscanhelpcreateenvironmentswherechildrenfeelsafe,supported,and
empoweredbyregularlyupdatingtheirknowledgeandstayinginformedaboutbest practices.Thisongoinglearningiscrucialnotonlyforpreventingharmbutalsoforfostering positiverelationshipsbetweencoaches,athletes,andtheirfamilies.
Ultimately,safeguardingisnotaone-timeeffortbutacontinuouscommitment.Investing inthecontinuingeducationofsportspractitionerswillensurethattheyarepreparedto meetthechallengesofsafeguardinginanincreasinglycomplexworld.Thiswillhelpsports organisationstoupholdtheirdutyofcareandprotecttherightsandwell-beingofall childreninvolvedinsportsactivities.
Methodology
ThedocumentwasdevelopedbasedonascopingliteraturereviewconductedbytheCRC SportConsortiumaspartoftheprojectactivities.Keyfindingshavebeensynthesisedand integratedintothevarioussectionsofthisdocument,withtheanalysedarticles encompassingabroadrangeofsocialandculturalcontextsthatextendbeyondthe Europeanlandscape.
Relevantliteratureincludedjournalarticles,systematicreviews,andmeta-analyses,all centredaroundchildsafeguardinginsports.Prioritywasgiventopublicationsfromthelast decade.Keywordsusedinthereviewincludedtermssuchas"childsafeguardinginsport," "policieschildsafeguardinginsport,"and"self-assessmenttoolssafeguarding."Although theinitialfocuswasonresearchconductedwithintheEuropeanUnion,therewas considerableoverlapintheinformationreviewed.Manyarticlesdidnotspecifycountries orwerebasedonstudiesspanningdifferentcontinents.
Theliteraturerevealsasignificantincreaseinattentiontochildren'srightssince2015, signallingapivotalshiftinthefield.Thisreflectsbroadersocietaltransformationsand growingawarenessoftheimportanceofsafeguardingandpromotingchildren'srights.
Nevertheless,whenthereviewisrefinedtofocusspecificallyonsportsandsports organisations,itbecomesevidentthatresearchonchildren'srightsinthesecontexts remainslimited.Despitethecentralrolesportsplayinchildren'slives,scholarlyinterestin howtheirrightsareaddressedinsportssettingsisinsufficient.Thisgapisespecially concerning,giventheprofoundimpactthatsportscanhaveonchildren’sphysical, psychological,andsocialdevelopment.
Theliteraturehighlightsseveralkeyconsiderationsfordevelopingsafeguardingguidelines andprocedureswithinsportsorganisations.Effectiveriskassessment,theidentificationof safeguardingleaders,andthecreationofacomprehensivesafeguardingpolicystatement arecrucial.Additionally,ensuringthatproperproceduresareinplace,suchasestablishing codesofbehaviour,selectingsuitablestaffandvolunteers,andprovidingcontinuous updates,helpsmaintainaneffectivesafeguardingenvironment.
Thearrangementsmustalsobeculturallysensitive,dynamic,andsupportedbyadequate resourcesandstrongleadership.
Further,theliteratureemphasisestheimportanceofengagingstakeholders,building networks,andpromotingempowermentaspartofsafeguardingefforts.Itadvocatesfor anapproachthatbalancesprevention,protection,proportionality,partnership,and accountability.Acommitmenttoreportingpoorpractices,ensuringconfidentiality,and addressinghealthandsafetyconcernsisalsofundamental,asisimplementingstrategies tocombatbullying,promoteequality,andupholdethicalcodesofconduct.Comprehensive
systemsshouldbeinplacetohandlecomplaints,ensuringreadiness,recognitionofrisks, andappropriateresponsesandremedieswhensafeguardingissuesarise.
Inadditiontosafeguardingpractices,promotingchildren'swell-beingandequal opportunitiesiscentraltothefindings.Supportingfamiliesandparenting,facilitating accesstoinformationandparticipationforyoungpeople,andpreventingviolenceagainst childrenarekeyobjectives.Encouragingthedevelopmentoftoolsandscientificknowledge toadvanceaglobalunderstandingofchildren'srightsisequallyimportant.
Thereviewalsounderscoresseveralessentialrecommendations:addressingallformsof maltreatment,mandatingeducationforallstakeholders,andprohibitingsexualrelations andforcedintimacybetweenathletesandthoseinpositionsofauthority.Theholisticwellbeingofathletesshouldbeprioritised,withstrongaccountabilitymeasuresinplaceto ensuresafeguardingeffortsareupheld.Providingresourcesandsupportforvictimsof maltreatmentiscrucial,andthecreationofanindependentbodytoinvestigateand adjudicatecomplaintswhileapplyingsanctionsisstronglyrecommended.
Acoherentsafeguardingframeworkrequiresaclearpolicystructure,effective partnerships,andarobustsystemtorespondtoconcerns.Itmustalsoprovideadvice, support,andcontinuouseducationtoallstakeholders.Safeguardingstandardsmustbe continuallymonitoredandevaluated,ensuringthatrecruitmentprocessesaresafe,and thatethicalguidelinesandcodesofconductarestrictlyfollowed.
Child-friendlyversionoftheUNConventionontheRightsoftheChild.
TheUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsoftheChild(UNCRC)isaglobalagreement thatprotectstherightsofallchildrenundertheageof18.Adoptedin1989,itoutlinesthe civil,political,economic,social,andculturalrightsthateverychildisentitledto.The UNCRCensuresthatchildrenhavetherighttobeprotected,toexpresstheiropinions,to receiveeducation,healthcare,andtogrowupinasafeenvironment.Itcovers54articles, highlightingtheimportanceofequality,safety,development,andcare.Theconventionalso emphasizestheresponsibilityofgovernments,families,andcommunitiestoensurethat children'srightsarerespectedandupheld.Asthemostwidelyratifiedhumanrightstreaty, itplaysavitalroleinshapingpoliciesforchildren'swelfareworldwide.
Belowarejustafewkeypoints,buttheUNCRCaddressesnumerousareastoensurethe safety,health,andhappinessofallchildren:
1.Youhavetherighttolife–Governmentsshouldensureyougrowupinahealthyand safeenvironment.
2.Youhavetherighttoanameandnationality–Youshouldhaveanameandbelong toacountry.
3.Youhavetherighttoanidentity–Nooneshouldtakeawayyournameorwhereyou comefrom.
4.Youhavetherighttohaveyouropinionlistenedto–Adultsshouldlistentowhatyou havetosayandtakeitseriously.
5.Youhavetherighttoprivacy–Yourpersonalspace,family,andthingsshouldbe respected.
6.Youhavetherighttogetinformation–Youcanaccessinformationfrombooks,the internet,andmedia,aslongasit’sgoodforyou.
7.Youhavetherighttoalovingandcaringfamily–Youshouldbewithparentsor guardianswholoveandtakecareofyou.
8.Youhavetherighttobesafe–Youshouldn’tbehurt,mistreated,orbullied. Governmentsshouldprotectyou.
9.Youhavetherighttoeducation–Youshouldgotoschoolandlearn.Education shouldhelpyoudevelopandprepareforthefuture.
10.Youhavetherighttoplayandrest–Youshouldhavetimeforfun,play,and relaxation.
11.Youhavetherighttospecialcareifyouaredisabled–Ifyouhaveadisability,you shouldreceiveextrahelptomakesureyouhaveafullandhappylife.
12.Youhavetherighttoprotectionfromharmfulwork–Youshouldnotdoworkthatis dangerousorgetsinthewayofyoureducation.
13.Youhavetherighttohealthcare–Youshouldreceivehelpfromdoctorsandnurses tokeepyouhealthy.
14.Youhavetherighttobetreatedfairly–Nomatterwhereyouarefrom,whatyou believe,orhowyoulook,youshouldbetreatedequally.
15.Youhavetherighttoexpressyourself–Youcanshareyourthoughts,beliefs,and feelings,aslongasitdoesn’thurtothers.
16.Youhavetherighttomeetandmakefriends–Youcanmeetwithotherchildrenand joingroupsaslongasit’ssafe.
17.Youhavetherighttobeprotectedinwar–Childrenshouldbeprotectedandnotbe partofwars.
18.Youhavetherighttohelpifyouareindanger–Ifsomethingbadhappens,youshould getthehelpyouneedrightaway.
19.Youhavetherighttospecialprotectionifyouarenotwithyourfamily–Ifyoucan’t bewithyourfamily,youshouldbecaredforbyadultswhowilllookafteryou.
20.Youhavetherighttobecaredforandloved–Whereveryoulive,youshouldbeloved andtreatedkindlybythosearoundyou.
UniversityofCassinoandSouthernLazio,DepartmentofHumanSciences, SocietyandHealth ScientificCoordinator:Prof.SimoneDigennaro,s.digennaro@unicas.it
Co-fundedbytheEuropeanUnion.Viewsandopinionsexpressedare howeverthoseoftheauthor(s)onlyanddonotnecessarilyreflectthoseof theEuropeanUnionortheEuropeanEducationandCultureExecutive Agency(EACEA).NeithertheEuropeanUnionnorEACEAcanbeheld responsibleforthem.