INTRODUCTION
Thisdocumentpresentstheresultsofanin-depthstudyfocusingontheGoodPracticesfor theProtectionofChildren'sRightsinSport.Theresearchdrawsuponabroadcompilationof Europeanandinternationalpractices,comprisingpolicydocuments,strategicframeworks, guidelines,andoperationaltoolsadoptedbyvarioussportsorganisations.Theseelements arecrucialinstrengtheningthecapacityoftheseorganisationstoactivelypromote,protect, andsafeguardchildren'srights,particularlywithinthecontextofsports,whichoftenserves asapivotalspaceforchildren'sphysical,social,andpsychologicaldevelopment.
Thecentralaimofthestudyistoprovideacomprehensiveoverviewofthemeasures undertakenbyleadingorganisationstocombatthenumerousformsofmaltreatment,abuse, andneglectthatchildrenmayexperienceinsportingenvironments.Theseformsofharmcan rangefromphysicalandemotionalabusetoneglectandexploitation,whichremaincritical concernsinyouthsportstoday.Bydocumentingandanalysingtheactionsandpoliciesof theseorganisations,thisstudycontributestoadeeperunderstandingofhowsafeguarding strategiescanbeeffectivelyimplementedtoensurethatchildren'srightsareprotected acrossalllevelsofsportsparticipation.
Torigorouslyanalysethecollecteddocuments,thestudyemployedNVivosoftware,awidely recognisedtoolforComputer-AssistedQualitativeDataAnalysis(CAQDAS).Thissoftware facilitatedtheorganisation,management,andexplorationofthedata,allowingforthe identificationofrecurrentthemesandcategoriesacrossthecollectedmaterials.Througha detailedcodingprocess,11keyconcepts*wereidentified,whichserveasthefoundationfor thethematicanalysispresentedinthisreport.Theseconceptsarepivotaltounderstanding thecurrentlandscapeofchildprotectionpoliciesinsportandthevariousapproachesusedto addresssafeguardingchallenges.
Thereport'sstructureismethodicallyorganisedtoguidethereaderthroughthecomplex arrayofthemesrelatedtochildprotectioninsport.Itbeginswithafoundationalsectionon theDefinitionofAbuse,Violence,andDiscrimination,whichestablishesaclearunderstanding ofthetypesofharmfulbehavioursthatsafeguardingpoliciesaimtoprevent.Thisisfollowed byexploringthebroaderStrategyfortheRightsoftheChild,highlightinghowinternational standardsandframeworksguidethedevelopmentofchildprotectionpolicieswithinthe sportssector.
Subsequentsectionsofthereportdelveintomorespecificaspectsofsafeguarding,including Child-SafeReportingMechanisms,whicharecrucialforensuringthatchildrenandtheir advocateshaveclearandaccessiblechannelsforreportingincidentsofabuseormisconduct. ThereportalsoexaminesChildSafeguardingPoliciesindetail,providingconcreteexamples ofsafeguardingpolicystatementsthatsportsorganisationshavesuccessfullyimplemented. Theseexamplesillustratehoworganisationscanformalisetheircommitmenttochild protectionthroughclearandenforceablepolicies.
Inadditiontopolicydevelopment,thereportdiscussesthecriticalrolesplayedbydesignated safeguardingbodies,suchastheSafeguardingGroupandtheSafeguardingOfficer.These entitiesoverseetheimplementationofsafeguardingpolicies,ensuringthattheyare consistentlyapplied,andthatanyreportedincidentsareaddressedswiftlyandeffectively. ThereportalsoincludesinsightsfromrelevantErasmus+projects,whichofferexamplesof Europeancollaborativeeffortstoimprovechildprotectioninsportthrougheducation,training, andpolicyinnovation.
Inthefinalsections,thereportprovidespracticalGuidelinesfortheDevelopmentof OrganizationalModelsthatcanbetailoredtothespecificneedsofdifferentsports organisations.ItincludesReportingFlowchartsthatoutlinethestepsforreportingand respondingtoincidentsofabuseormisconduct,whichcanbeadaptedtolocaland organisationalprocedures.Theseflowchartsserveasapracticaltoolforensuringthat safeguardingpoliciesarenotonlywell-designedbutalsoactionableinreal-worldscenarios.
Thedocumentconcludeswithanoverviewofthekeytoolsandresourcesavailabletosports organisationstohelpthemprevent,recognise,andrespondtocriticalsituationsrelatedto childsafeguarding.Thesetoolsincludetrainingprograms,riskassessmentframeworks,and supportservicesforbothchildrenandadultsinvolvedinsports.
Overall,thisstudyexamined31documentsfromarangeoforganisations,eachcontributing tothebroaderunderstandingofhowsafeguardingpracticescanbeeffectivelyimplemented toprotectchildren'srightsinsports.Byanalysingthesedocuments,thisreportoffersvaluable insightsintotheevolvinglandscapeofchildprotectioninsportandprovidesaroadmapfor sportsorganisationslookingtoenhancetheirsafeguardingefforts.Thefindingsand recommendationspresentedhereaimtosupportthecreationofsafer,moreinclusive environmentswherechildrencanfullyenjoythebenefitsofsportswithoutfearofharmor mistreatment.
Finally,thedocumentpresentsadescriptionofthemethodologyusedintheanalysisofGood practices,whichprovidesanin-depthbasisfortheexperiencesandtoolspresentedinthe text.
Figure1Wordcloudofthemostfrequentwordsintheanalyseddocuments.
ThisdocumentispartoftheCRCSportproject.Theprojectstandsattheforefrontofa transformativemovementwithintheEuropeansportscommunity.Ourmissionisclear:to empowersportsorganisationstoupholdthefundamentalrightsofchildrenparticipatingin sportsactivities.
AlignedwiththeEuropeanUnion'sdirectivesandrecommendations,CRCSportembarkson apioneeringjourneytoprotecttheintegrity,values,anddignityofyoungandchildren.Our projectisrootedinthebeliefthatsportsorganisationsbearaprofoundresponsibilityin shapingthefutureofthenewgenerations.
Forfurtherinformation,pleasereferto:
https://crcsport.isca.org
DEFINITIONSOFABUSE,VIOLENCEANDDISCRIMINATION
Theimperativetocommencewithaunifiedlexiconismanifest.Aglossaryhasbeenderived fromtheanalyseddocumentstodelineatetheterms'abuse','violence',and'discrimination’.
Abuse:
Abuseistheviolationofone’shumanandcivilrightsoractionordeliberateinactionthat resultsinneglectand/orphysical,sexualandemotionalharm.Abusecanbeperpetratedby oneormorepeople(eitherknownorunknowntothevictim)orcantaketheformof institutionalabusewithinanorganisation;itcanbeasingleorrepeatedact.
TheChildProtectioninSportUnit(CPSU)intheUKdefineschildabuseas"anyformof physical,emotionalorsexualmistreatmentorlackofcarethatleadstoinjuryorharm".It commonlyoccurswithinarelationshipoftrustorresponsibilityandisanabuseofpowerora breachoftrust.Abusecanhappentoachildregardlessoftheirage,gender,raceorability. Abuserscanbeadults(maleorfemale)andotheryoungpeople,andareusuallyknowntoand trustedbythechildandfamily.
Childrensufferingabuseoftenexperiencemorethanonetypeofabuse.Theabuseusually happensoveraperiodtime,ratherthanbeingasingle,isolatedincident.Increasingly,abuse canhappenonline.Commonformsofchildabuseare:physical,psychological,sexualabuse, neglect,andsexualexploitation,whicharedescribedbelow.
Theseformsofchildabusearealsodescribedasrelationalmaltreatment,whichoccurswhen thereisapatternofabusiveorneglectfulbehaviorswithinacriticalrelationship,arelationship inwhichoneindividualisdependent,fullyorinpart,onanotherindividualforherorhissense ofsafety,trustandfulfilmentofneeds.
TheWorldHealthOrganisation(2019)describeschildmaltreatmentas“allformsofphysical and/oremotionalill-treatment,sexualabuse,neglectornegligenttreatmentorcommercialor otherexploitation,resultinginactualorpotentialharmtothechild’shealth,survival, developmentordignityinthecontextofarelationshipofresponsibility,trustorpower”.
Violence:
In2019,theWorldHealthOrganization(WHO)articulatedacomprehensivedefinitionof violence,characterizingitas"theintentionalemploymentofphysicalforceorpower,whether threatenedoractual,directedtowardsoneself,anotherindividual,oragainstagroupor community,whicheitherresultsinorislikelytoresultinharm,death,psychologicaldamage, maldevelopment,ordeprivation."
Furthermore,theWorldReportonViolenceandHealth(WRVH)elaboratesonthisdefinition byintroducingatypologyofviolencethatencompassesphysical,sexual,andpsychological assault(termedpsychologicalviolence),inadditiontodeprivation(encompassingneglectand negligence).Thistypologyfurthercategorizesviolenceintothreesub-typesbasedonthe relationshipbetweenthevictimandtheperpetrator.Specifically,self-directedviolenceis identifiedasviolenceinwhichtheperpetratorandthevictimarethesameperson,further categorizedintoself-abuseandsuicide.
Theterm"gender-basedviolence"isalsopivotalwithinthediscourseonviolence.Initially employedsynonymouslywithviolenceagainstwomen,theevolutionofunderstanding surroundingviolenceperpetratedagainstmenhasledtoanexpansionofthisterm’sdefinition. Itnowencompassesactsofviolencedirectedagainstindividualsbasedontheirgender (inclusiveofgenderidentity/expression)oractsthatdisproportionatelyaffectindividualsofa specificgender.ThisdefinitioniswidelyadoptedbykeyinternationalbodiessuchasUN Women,theCouncilofEurope,andtheEuropeanUnion,reflectingabroaderandmore inclusiveunderstandingofviolencewithincontemporarydiscussions.
Discrimination:
TheInternationalCharterofPhysicalEducationandSportadoptedbyUNESCOin2015states that"Everyhumanbeinghasafundamentalrighttophysicaleducation,physicalactivityand sportwithoutdiscriminationonthebasisofethnicity,gender,sexualorientation,language, religion,politicalorotheropinion."
Discriminationcanbedefinedastheunjust,prejudicialandunfairtreatmentofdifferent categoriesofpeople,especiallyonthegroundsoftheirgender,athleticability,athletic longevity,race,socialclass,age,sexualorientation,religionordisabilities. Becauseoftheirsmallersizeandrelativelackofpower,itisoftendifficultforchildrento challengediscriminatorypractices.Harassmentandexclusioninsportonthebasisofgender, race,sexualorientationanddisabilityhasbeenthesubjectofacademicstudies,butveryfew ofthesehavefocusedexplicitlyonchildren.
STRATEGYFORTHERIGHTSOFTHECHILD:AGOOD EXAMPLE
Astrategyencompassesacomprehensiveplandesignedtoachievelong-termobjectives.In therealmofpromotingchildren'srights,theCouncilofEuropehastakenasignificantstep forwardbydevelopingthe"CouncilofEuropeStrategyfortheRightsoftheChild"forthe periodof2022-2027.Thispivotaldocumentemergedfromanextensivedraftingprocess, reflectingadeepcommitmenttoenhancingthewell-beingandrightsofchildrenacross Europe.
Thestrategydocumentservesasaninvaluableguide,particularlyaimedatengagingchildren andyoungpeopleagedbetween12to17years.Itseekstoeducatethemaboutthecoregoals oftheCouncilofEurope'sStrategyfortheRightsoftheChild,therebyfosteringasenseof awarenessandempowermentamongtheyoungergenerationregardingtheirrightsandthe mechanismsinplacetoprotectthoserights.
Notably,thedevelopmentofthisstrategywasnotconductedinisolation;itactively incorporatedinputsfromchildrenandyoungpeople.Thisinclusiveapproachensuredthatthe strategyresonatesmoreeffectivelywithitsintendedaudience,makingitapioneering exampleofparticipatorypolicy-making.Thecontributionsfromyoungindividualshave enrichedthestrategy,makingitmorerelevantandgroundedintherealexperiencesand aspirationsofchildrenandyouth.
Forthoseinterestedindelvingdeeperintohowchildrenandyoungpeople'sperspectives wereintegratedintothestrategy,adedicatedreporttitled"Reportonchildconsultations informingtheformulationoftheStrategyfortheRightsoftheChild"isavailable1.This documentoffersadetailedaccountoftheconsultationprocess,highlightingthevoicesof childrenandyoungpeopleandtheimpactoftheirproposalsonthefinalstrategy.Itstandsas atestamenttotheCouncilofEurope'scommitmenttonotonlysafeguardingtherightsofthe childbutalsoactivelyinvolvingchildreninthecreationofpoliciesthataffecttheirlives.
CHILDSAFEREPORTING:theexampleoftheAustralianSport Commission
TheChildSafeReportingchecklist,createdbytheAustralianSportsCommission(ASC),isa practicaltooldesignedtoguidesportsorganizationsinprotectingchildrenfromharm.It servesaspartofalargerframeworkaimedatensuringsafeenvironmentsforchildrenin sports,focusingonclearandefficientreportingprocedureswhenissuesofsafetyarise.By providinganorganizedstructure,thechecklistensuresthatallpartiesinvolved,including coaches,staff,volunteers,andadministrators,understandthestepsnecessarywhen suspicionsorallegationsofabuseormisconductarebroughtforward.
Asignificantaspectofthechecklistisitsfocusonpromptaction.Anyreportsofchild maltreatment,neglect,orothersafetyconcernsmustbeaddressedquicklytopreventfurther harm.Theprocedureoutlinedensuresthatincidentsarenotonlyreportedefficientlybutalso acteduponinatimelymanner.Thechecklistalsoemphasizestheneedforaccessible reportingchannels,ensuringthatchildren,theirparents,andstaffknowexactlyhowtoreport concerns,andtowhomthoseconcernsshouldbedirected.Thisincludesidentifyingspecific ChildSafeguardingOfficersorexternalauthoritiesresponsibleforhandlingsuchreports.
1 https://www.defenceforchildren.it/easyUp/file/council_of_europe_child_consultations_to.pdf
Additionally,thechecklisthighlightstheimportanceofconfidentiality.Tobuildtrustwithinthe organization,itiscrucialthatsensitiveinformationishandledwithcare,protectingtheprivacy ofthoseinvolvedwhilestillensuringthatthematterisfullyinvestigated.Thishelpsensure thatindividuals,especiallychildrenandtheirfamilies,feelcomfortablecomingforwardwith concernswithoutfearofretaliationorexposure.
Anotheressentialelementinthechecklistisitsattentiontoproperdocumentation.Sports organizationsareencouragedtokeepdetailedrecordsofallreports,includingtheactions takeninresponsetoeachreport,creatingacleartrailofaccountability.Thispromotes consistenthandlingofcasesandsupportsorganizationaltransparency,makingsureevery issueisaddressedwiththesamelevelofdiligenceandseriousness.
Thechecklistalsorecommendsthatsportsorganizationsprovideregulartrainingforstaffand volunteers,equippingthemwiththeknowledgenecessarytorecognizesignsofabuse, appropriatelyrespondtodisclosures,andnavigatethereportingsystem.Educatingstaffin theseareasfostersaproactiveculture,helpingpreventpotentialissuesbeforetheyescalate intoseriousconcerns.
Inconclusion,theChildSafeReportingchecklistbytheASCisavitaltoolforsports organizationsaimingtosafeguardchildren.Byprovidingclearreportingstructures,promoting confidentiality,andencouragingtraining,ithelpscreateanenvironmentwherechildren's safetyisatoppriority.Implementingthistoolallowsorganizationstorespondquicklyand effectivelytoanyrisks,ensuringthatsportsremainapositiveandprotectivespacefor childrentothrive.
CHILDSAFEGUARDINGPOLICY
ChildSafeguardingPolicieswithintherealmofsportrepresentacomprehensivesuiteof measuresaimedatensuringthewelfareandprotectionofyoungparticipants.Thesepolicies havebeencollatedfromadiversearrayofdocumentsprovidedbyarangeofinstitutionsand organisations,includingbutnotlimitedtotheCSI(ItalianSportCentre),InternationalDance Organization(IDO),SaveTheChildren,AustralianSportsCommission,FIFA,andthe collaborativenetworkSafePlaceSafePlay,whichfeaturesprominententitiessuchasthe UniversityG.d’AnnunzioUniversityofChieti-Pescara,CONIAbruzzo,andvarious departmentsfromtheAbruzzoRegion.
TheessenceofChildSafeguardingPoliciestranscendsmereproceduraladherence,instilling acultureofvigilantcareandprotectionacrossalllevelsofsportsorganisation.Itmandates thateveryoneinvolved—fromvolunteersandmanagerstoreferees,competitionjudges,and technicalstaff—adheretostringentstandardsofconduct.Thesestandardsexplicitlyprohibit
arangeofharmfulbehavioursincludingpsychologicalabuse,physicalabuse,sexual harassmentandabuse,bullying,discriminatorybehaviours,andneglect.
Asignificantcontributiontotheframeworkofchildsafeguardinginsportshasbeenmadeby theAustralianSportsCommissionthroughtheformulationoftenNationalPrinciplesforChild SafeOrganisations.Theseprinciplesfosteranenvironmentwherechildsafetyandwell-being areintegraltotheorganisationalethos,leadership,andgovernance.
1.Leadershipandculture:theprincipleunderscorestheimportanceofembeddingchildsafety andwell-beingintotheDNAoftheorganisation,influencinggovernanceandcultural practices.
2.Empowermentofchildren:itstressestheneedforchildrenandyoungpeopletobe educatedabouttheirrights,involvedindecisionsthatimpactthem,andassuredthattheir voicesareheardandtakenseriously.
3.Familyandcommunityengagement:thisprincipleadvocatesfortheactiveinvolvementof familiesandcommunitiesinthepromotionofchildsafetyandwell-being.
4.Equityandrespect:acommitmenttoupholdequityandaddressthediverseneedsof childrenthroughrespectfulpoliciesandpractices.
5.Suitabilityofstaff:ensuringthatindividualsworkingwithchildrenarenotonlysuitablefor theirrolesbutalsoembodythevaluesofchildsafetyandwell-beingintheirconduct.
6.Child-focusedcomplaintsprocess:theadoptionofcomplaintandconcernprocessesthat prioritisethewell-beingandperspectivesofchildren.
7.Stafftrainingandeducation:continuouseducationandtrainingforstaffandvolunteersto equipthemwiththenecessaryknowledgeandskillsforchildprotection.
8.Safeenvironments:thecreationofbothphysicalandonlinespacesthatminimiserisksto childrenandenhancetheirsafetyandwell-being.
9.Continuousimprovement:acommitmenttotheregularreviewandenhancementofchild safeguardingimplementations.
10.**documentedpoliciesandprocedures**:maintainingcomprehensivedocumentationthat delineateshowtheorganisationensuresitsenvironmentissafeforchildren.
Inessence,theseprinciplesformarobustframeworkthat,wheneffectivelyimplemented, significantlycontributetothecreationofasafeandnurturingenvironmentforchildrenand youngpeopleinsports.Itisimperativethatsportsorganisationsadheretotheseguidelines
tofosteranatmosphereoftrustandsafety,thusenablingyoungathletestothrivebothon andoffthefield.
EXAMPLEOFASAFEGUARDINGPOLICYSTATEMENT
TheNationalSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoChildren(NSPCC)providesa quintessentialexampleofasafeguardingpolicystatement.Thisservesasacrucialtemplate fororganizations,underscoringtheimperativeneedtoembedsafeguardingatthecoreof theiroperations.
Thisillustrativeexampleoffersafoundationalblueprintforcraftingadocumentthat meticulouslycaterstothesafeguardingrequirementsofchildrenandyoungpeopleengaged withtheorganization.Itisdesignedtoalignseamlesslywithothercriticalsafeguarding, organizationalpolicies,procedures,andstandards,ensuringacomprehensiveandcohesive approachtochildprotection.
Organizationsareencouragedtopersonalizethistemplate,tailoringittoreflecttheunique needsandcircumstancesofthechildrenandyoungpeopletheyserve,whilesimultaneously ensuringitresonateswiththeoverarchinggoalsandregulatoryframeworksgoverningchild welfareandsafety.Thisnotonlyreinforcestheorganization'scommitmenttosafeguarding butalsoenhancestheeffectivenessoftheirprotectivemeasures,creatingasafer environmentforallinvolved.
ANINTERESTINGINITIATIVE:THESAFEGUARDINGGROUP
TheSafeguardingGroup,apivotalinitiativebytheInternationalCricketCouncil(ICC), underscorestheglobalbody'scommitmenttotheintegrityandsafetywithinthesportof cricket.TheICC,servingastheinternationalfederationoverseeingcricket'sglobal governance,recognizestheparamountimportanceofsafeguardingparticipantsand stakeholdersfromanyformofharmormisconduct.
Toactualizethiscommitment,theICChasestablishedadedicatedgroupofindividuals, knowncollectivelyastheSafeguardingGroup.Membershipofthisgroupisselective,with criteriaensuringthateachmemberpossessesthequalificationsandintegritynecessaryto contributeeffectivelytothegroup’sobjectives.ThecompositionoftheSafeguardingGroup includesanindependentchairpersonandaminimumofeightotherindependentexpertsin safeguarding.TheseindividualsaremeticulouslyselectedbytheSafeguardingChairperson basedontheirextensiveexpertiseinvariousrelevantfieldssuchaslegalaffairs,law enforcement,socialwork,crimemanagement,andsportsadministration.
TheroleoftheSafeguardingChairpersonextendstotheappointmentofaDeputy SafeguardingChairpersonfromwithinthegroup.Thisstrategicappointmentensuresthe continuityandefficiencyofleadershipwithintheSafeguardingGroup.
ThecoremissionoftheSafeguardingGroup,andbyextensiontheSafeguardingPanelwhen convened,istometiculouslyreviewanddeliberateonreferralsmadebytheICCGeneral Counsel.Thisprocessunderscorestheproactiveandresponsivemeasuresputinplaceto addressconcernsrelatedtosafeguardingwithinthesport.
Insupportofitsfunctions,theSafeguardingGroupandanySafeguardingPanelthatmaybe convenedareassuredofadministrativeandsecretarialbackingprovidedbytheICC.This supportcanalsobeextendedthroughalternativearrangementsmadebytheICC,ensuring thatthegrouphasallnecessaryresourcestofulfillitsmandateeffectively.
ThisinitiativenotonlyhighlightstheICC’sdedicationtomaintainingthehigheststandardsof safetyandintegrityincricketbutalsosetsabenchmarkforsportsorganizationsworldwide insafeguardingthewelfareofallparticipants.
SAFEGUARDINGOFFICER
WorldAthleticsandtheItalianUnionofSportforallhaveintroducedtheroleofthe SafeguardingOfficer.Thispivotalpositionisdedicatedtothepreventionandmitigationof abuse,violence,anddiscriminationwithinthesportscontext.
TheSafeguardingOfficerispivotalinenforcingsafeguardingpoliciesandplaysacrucialrole inmonitoringandaddressingpotentialsituationsofdangerorabuse.Thisresponsibilityis carriedoutinalignmentwiththelegalboundariesandcompetencesofthesportsjustice system.Moreover,theofficeristaskedwithimplementingpreventativemeasurestofostera safeandinclusiveenvironmentforallathletesandparticipants.
Thisinitiativesignifiesaproactiveapproachtowardscreatingasafersportingenvironment, emphasizingtheimportanceofnotonlyrespondingtoincidentsbutalsopreventingthem fromoccurring.Throughtheestablishmentofthisrole,WorldAthleticsandUISPdemonstrate theircommitmenttothewell-beingandprotectionofathletes,ensuringthatsportsvenues areplacesofrespect,equality,andsafety.
TheestablishmentoftheSafeguardingOfficerroleisasignificantstepforwardinthesports world.Itunderscoresasharedcommitmenttoupholdthehigheststandardsofsafety, respect,anddignityforallparticipants.Thisroleisnotjustaboutcomplianceorfollowing protocols;it'saboutnurturingaculturethatvaluesandprotectseveryindividual'srightsand well-being.
Inadditiontotheirresponsibilitiesinpreventionandintervention,SafeguardingOfficersare alsoinstrumentalineducatingandraisingawarenessamongathletes,coaches,andstaff abouttheimportanceofsafeguardinginsports.Theyserveasacriticalresourcefor informationandsupport,offeringguidanceonhowtorecognizesignsofabuseormisconduct andencouraginganenvironmentwherepeoplefeelempoweredtospeakup.
Thisinitiativereflectsabroadermovementwithinthesportscommunitytoaddressand eliminateallformsofabuse,violence,anddiscrimination.It'sacalltoactionforothersports organizationstoadoptsimilarmeasuresandcontributetoaglobalefforttoensurethatsports canbeaforceforgood,providingasafespaceforeveryonetoenjoyandexcelin.
Byprioritizingthesafetyandwell-beingofitsparticipants,WorldAthleticsandUISPare settinganewstandardforwhatitmeanstobeapartoftheglobalsportscommunity.It'sa commendableapproachthathopefullyinspiresotherstofollowsuit,makingtheworldof sportsabeaconofintegrity,inclusivity,andrespect.
ERASMUS+PROJECTSandEUINITIATIVES:focuson children’srights
Thetextoutlinesthepoliticalandstrategicbackgroundpertinenttothemappingreview, highlightingmajorprojectsandinitiativesattheEuropeanlevelaimedattacklingsafeguarding issueswithinsports.ItunderscoresrecentEuropeaninitiativesdedicatedtoaddressingthese concerns.
Thedocumentproceedstosummarizethekeysubjectsexploredthroughtencasestudies conductedbytheEuropeanCommission'sDirectorate-GeneralforEducationandCulture, YouthandSport,undertheEUErasmus+Programme.
1.TimeOutAgainstBullying(Belgium):focusesonimplementingmeasurestosafeguard youngathletesfrombullyinginsportsenvironments.
2.SportandDialogueAgainstViolenceandDiscrimination(Bulgaria):aimstocombatbullying bypromotingsafeguardingpractices.
3.PreventionofViolenceinSportinSchools(Croatia):addressespeer-to-peerviolenceand emphasizestheimportanceoffairplaywithinsportsactivities.
4.YouAreNotAlone(Finland):Tacklesviolence,sexualharassment,abuse,andbullying, ensuringathletesfeelsupportedandsafe.
5.SportIreland’sInitiativestoSafeguardChildreninSport(Ireland):implement comprehensivesafeguardingmeasurestoprotectagainstallformsofviolence.
6.Off-side-SportAgainstViolence(Italy):concentratesonprotectingindividualsfromsexual violenceandabuse,bullying,andhomophobiawithinsportssettings.
7.Sportlycée(Luxembourg):promotesphysicalandemotionalsafeguarding,including measurestopreventovertraining.
8.AlvikBasketballAssociation(Sweden):developsapreventiveframeworktocombatsexual harassmentandabuse,raisingawarenessofthenuancesbetweenacceptableand unacceptablebehaviors.
9.ToolkitforInternationalFederationsandNationalOlympicCommittees(International OlympicCommittee):providesgeneralsafeguardingmeasuresapplicableacrossallformsof violencewithinsportsorganizations.
10.SportBooth(InternationalOlympicCommittee):offersresourcesonsafesportpractices, focusingonharassment,abuseprevention,andeducation.
GUIDELINESFORTHEPREPARATIONOFORGANISATIONAL MODELS
Theseguidelines,formulatedbytheFederazioneItalianaRugby(FIR,ItalianRugby Federation),arepromulgatedfortheexpresspurposeofguidingthedevelopmentof organizationalandcontrolmodelspertinenttosportsactivities,alongsidecodesofconduct. Theseprovisionsarededicatedtosafeguardingminorsandprecludingharassment,genderbasedviolence,andanymanifestationsofdiscrimination:
1.Scopeofapplication:thisarticledelineatestheambitwithinwhichtheseguidelinesareto beapplied,ensuringacomprehensiveanduniformadherence.
2.Offencesofabuse,violence,anddiscrimination:thisclausecategoricallyproscribes behaviorsantitheticaltotheethosofinclusivityandsafety,reaffirmingthecommitmenttoa respectfulandequitablesportingenvironment.
3.Adoptionoforganizationalandcontrolmodels:thisprovisionmandatestheestablishment ofstructuredframeworkstofacilitatetheeffectiveoperationalizationoftheseguidelines.
4.Minimumcontentoforganizationalandcontrolmodels:thisspecifiesthefoundational elementsthatmustbeincorporatedwithintheorganizationalmodelstoalignwiththe stipulatedstandards.
5.Riskpreventionandmanagement:thisfocusesontheidentification,assessment,and mitigationofpotentialrisks,ensuringproactivemeasuresareinplace.
6.Combatingharmfulconductandmanagementofreports:thisarticulatestheprocedures foraddressingallegationsofmisconductandthesystematichandlingofsuchreports.
7.Reportingobligationsandothermeasures:thisoutlinestheimperativeofreportingincidents inaccordancewiththeseguidelinesanddelineatesthesubsequentactionsrequired.
8.Additionalobligations:thisenumeratesanysupplementaryresponsibilitiesnotpreviously specifiedthatareessentialforadherencetotheseguidelines.
9.Adoptionofcodesofconduct:thismandatestheformulationofcodesofconductthat resonatewiththeprinciplesandaimsoftheseguidelines.
10.Minimumcontentofcodesofconduct:thisdefinestheessentialcomponentsthatmust beencapsulatedwithinthecodesofconducttoensurecompliance.
TOOLKIT
Theanalyticalprocessappliedtothesubjectof"toolkit"resultedintheidentificationofseven distinctcategories,whichcanbereferredtoaschildcodes.Thesecategoriesareoutlinedin thetableprovidedbelow.
Thetableisstructuredintothreemaincolumnsforclarityandeaseofunderstanding.Thefirst columnliststhecategories(childcodes)thatwereidentifiedduringthecodingprocess.This servesasaquickreferencetotheidentifiedthemesrelatedtothetoolkittopic.
Inthesecondcolumn,readerswillfindabriefdescriptionofeachcategory.Thisincludes insightsintohowthecategorywasconceptualizedandthesourcethatcontributedtoits emergence.Thissectionaimstoprovidebackgroundinformationonthedevelopmentofeach code,offeringcontextandhighlightingthediversityofsourcesthatinformedthecoding process.
Thethirdandfinalcolumnpresentsaconciseexplanationofthecontentencapsulatedwithin eachcategory(code).Thisexplanationaimstodistilltheessenceoftheinformationcontained withinthecategory,providingaclearandsuccinctsummaryofitssignificanceandthekey insightsitoffersregardingthetoolkittopic.
Thisenhancedstructureanddetailedexplanationaredesignedtofacilitateadeeper understandingofthecodingprocessandtheresultingcategories,offeringvaluableinsights intothethematicexplorationofthe"toolkit"topic.
Codesname Description Source Summary
FIFAToolkitItispartofFIFA’s overall commitmentto safeguard childrenandwill besupplemented withfurther guidance, templates, knowledgesharingand trainingtosupport FIFA.
Astheglobal governingbody forfootball, FIFAis committedto supportingits membersto implementbest practiceto keepchildren
Whoisthistoolkitfor?
Topromoteaccountabilityand responsibilityforkeeping childrensafefromharmwhen involvedinanyfootballactivity; Toself-assessandinformthe developmentoftheir safeguardingpolicies,plansand programmes,includingfor humanresourceandtraining needs;Toassistcoordinators
Codesname Description Source Summary
MAs,together withthe confederations,in developingtheir ownpolicies, proceduresand goodpractices. FIFAconsiders thisaliving documentthatis tobeupdated everytwenty-four monthsbasedon feedbackand practical experiencefrom ourmembers.
safeand ensure involvementin footballisfun forall.While FIFAdoesnot controlthe day-to-day operationsof ourmembers, ortheir affiliated organisations andclubswho are independently organised,this toolkitsets minimum requirements forallmembers onchild safeguarding.
International Olympic Committee Toolkit European CommissionDirectorateGeneralfor Educationand CultureYouth andSport
Monitoring and Evaluating Children's Participation
andtechnicalstaffwithrisk assessmentsandthe developmentofsafeguarding plansandprogrammes;To supportpractitioners,suchas coaches,trainers,medical personnel,staffandvolunteers, whoprovideservices,training andprogrammestochildrento applygoodpracticefor effectiveaction.
TheIOCtoolkitprovidesgeneral guidancetargetingallIFsand NOCsintheirpursuittocreate andimplementedpoliciesand procedurestosafeguard athletesfromharassmentand abuseinsport.
Savethe Children Chartstohelpyoumeasurethe scopeofthepolicyina programme.
Principlesand Supporting Frameworks.
Inter-agency Networkfor Educationin Emergencies (INEE).Adapted fromTheAlliance forChild Protectionin Humanitarian Action(2021).
TheInteragency Networkfor Educationin Emergencies (INEE)andThe Alliancefor Child Protectionin Humanitarian Action(The Alliance)
Themeaningfulparticipationof childrenindecision-making processesthataffecttheirlives isarightenshrinedinthe ConventionontheRightsofthe Child.
The importanceof participation inprotection measures Primary Prevention Frameworkfor ChildProtectionin Humanitarian Action. Community Participation Coordination Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, andLearning (MEAL)
Keeping ChildrenSafe Themeaningfulparticipationof childrenindecision-making processesthataffecttheirlives isarightenshrinedinthe ConventionontheRightsofthe Child.
Codesname
TheSport Protection Toolkit
Whoisthistoolkit for?
HowdoIusethis toolkit?
MethodofScoring
TheCourtThe GamePlan.
Theapproach adoptedinthis toolkitfeatures evidence-based elementsfrom threedifferent sectorstocreate whatwenowrefer toas‘Sportfor Protection’:• Childprotection, whichseeksto strengthenyoung people’s protective environmentsand reducetheirrisk factorsforabuse, neglect, exploitationand violence;
Note:Thistoolkit isawork-inprogress.Inthe comingmonths, thetoolkitwillbe pilotedindifferent contextsand culturalsettings. Userfeedback (e.g.experiences, recommendations
UnitedNations High Commissioner forRefugees (UNHCR), International Olympic Committee (IOC)andTerre deshommes organisation (Tdh).2018.
Toolhas4modules.Each modulehasasetofexercises.
,resources, trainingmaterials andlocal modifications)is highlyencouraged viathee-version ofthistoolkitand accompanying on-line •Youth empowerment, whichidentifies andencourages theuseofyoung people’sassets andpotential; •Sportfor developmentand peace,which providesan efficient,flexible andcost-effective wayofpromoting peaceand development acrosssocieties.
Theyoungpeople referredtointhis toolkit,unless otherwisestated, areforcibly displaced adolescentsand youthwhoare either:•Refugees (thosedisplaced outsidetheir countriesof origin)or•
Codesname Description Source Summary
Internally DisplacedPersons (thosedisplaced withintheirown countries).
Toolsforthe definitionand promotionof aprotection systemin sports organisations
Thetoolkitstems fromthe experiencegained throughthe STePSproject activitiescarried outbySavethe Childrentogether withtrainers, educatorsand techniciansof Sportsand Amateur Associations (A.S.D.)affiliated withtheItalian SportsCentre (CSI)andthe ItalianUnionof SportforAll (UISP)onthe issuesofthe protectionand safeguardingof minorsinsports (child safeguarding).
Savethe Children
Thetoolkitpresentstheoretical insightsandpracticaltoolsto startthinkingaboutchild safeguardingandhowtotake thefirststepstowards developingasafeguarding system,alsoindependently.
Table1.ToolkitCodebook
Methodology
Thisreporthasbeenmeticulouslycraftedfollowingacomprehensivequalitativecontent analysisconductedbytheCRCSportConsortium,aspartofourdedicatedprojectactivities. Theessenceofourfindingshasbeenthoughtfullysummarizedandseamlesslyintegratedinto thedifferentsectionsofthisdocument,highlightingthatthescopeofouranalysisextends beyondtheEuropeanlandscape,encompassingavarietyofglobalperspectives.
Forthepurposeofouranalysis,weemployedNVivo,anadvancedqualitativedataanalysis software.NVivohasprovedinvaluableinourendeavortoorganize,examine,anddiscern patternswithinourextensivecollectionofgoodpractices.Theprocessbeganwiththe importationofmaterials,whichcomprised31documentsgenerouslysharedbyallproject partners.Subsequently,eachdocumentwasmeticulouslyscrutinizedforcoding,duringwhich weidentifiedandclassifiedkeyconcepts.Thisrigorouscodingexerciseresultedinthe identificationof11principalconcepts,or'codes',alongwiththeirrespectivesub-categories, alsoknownas'childcodes'.Thesehavebeenelaboratelydescribedthroughoutthedifferent sectionsofthisdocument,providingreaderswithdeepinsightsintoouranalyticalprocess andfindings.
Tofurtherenrichourreport,wehaveincludedtwoProjectMaps.Thesemaps,generated usingNVivosoftware,serveapivotalrolebyvisuallyrepresentingtheintricatewebof relationshipsamongtheorganizationsandinstitutionsresponsibleforcreatingand disseminatingtheanalyzeddocuments.Additionally,theyprovideacleardepictionofthe variouscategoriesandsub-categoriesthatemergedfromouranalysis.Thesevisualaidsnot onlyenhancethecomprehensibilityofourfindingsbutalsofacilitateadeeperunderstanding ofthecomplexinteractionsanddynamicsatplaywithintherealmofourresearch.
Inessence,thisreportisatestamenttothecollaborativeeffortandanalyticalrigorthathas goneintounderstandingthemultifacetednatureofthedocumentswehavestudied.Through thisdocument,weaimtoprovidestakeholders,practitioners,andpolicymakerswithvaluable insightsthatcaninformfutureinitiativesandcontributetotheongoingdiscourseinthefield.
Figure3.Projectmapobtainedthroughthecodingprocessrepresentingthestructureofthe documentsandthemaincodes(andchildcodes).
Figure4.Projectmapobtainedthroughthecodingprocessrepresentingthestructureofthe documentsandthemaincodes.
Anin-depthqualitativeanalysiswasconductedusingalldocumentssharedbytheproject partnerstoanalysetheGoodpracticessofarimplementedbysportsorganisationstocounter, recogniseandpreventthemostdifferentformsofchildabuse,inordertobuildanupdated tooltobesharedwithstakeholdersthroughtheCRCSportproject.
Table2.Listoftheinstitutesandorganisationsthatdevelopedthedocumentsexamined
Organisationsofthedocumentsreviewed
AustralianSportsCommission
CanadianSportsGovernanceCode
CouncilofEuropeStrategyfortheRightsoftheChild CSI
Erasmus+ProgrammeoftheEU
EuropeanCommission-Directorate-GeneralforEducationandCultureYouthandSport Exampleofasafeguardingpolicystatement FIFA
FIGCFederazioneItalianaGiuocoCalcio FIRFederazioneItalianaRugby InternationalDanceOrganization(IDO)
InternationalSafeguardsforChildreninSport KeepingChildrenSafe NSPCC
OFFICIALJOURNALOFTHEGRANDDUCHYOFLUXEMBOURG SafePlaceSafePlay SavetheChildren
TheInter-agencyNetworkforEducationinEmergencies(INEE)andTheAllianceforChild ProtectioninHumanitarianAction(TheAlliance)
TheInternationalCricketCouncil UISP
UnitedNationsHighCommissionerforRefugees(UNHCR),InternationalOlympic Committee(IOC)andTerredeshommesorganisation(Tdh).2018 WorldAthletics
UniversityofCassinoandSouthernLazio, DepartmentofHumanSciences,SocietyandHealth ScientificCoordinator:Prof.SimoneDigennaro,s.digennaro@unicas.it
Co-fundedbytheEuropeanUnion.Viewsandopinionsexpressedare howeverthoseoftheauthor(s)onlyanddonotnecessarilyreflectthoseof theEuropeanUnionortheEuropeanEducationandCultureExecutive Agency(EACEA).NeithertheEuropeanUnionnorEACEAcanbeheld responsibleforthem.
