Safeguarding in sport and physical activity

Definition and Importance

Safeguarding refers to the measures taken to protect individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, from harm or injury in sport and physical activity.
Effectiveness in safeguarding ensures a secure environment that encourages participation, promotes well-being and contributes to individuals’ experiences positively.

Types of Abuse

Understanding and identifying the types of abuse is key in safeguarding.
Physical abuse includes hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or unnecessary physical punishment.
Emotional abuse can involve persistently criticizing, bullying, ignoring or humiliating. It affects the emotional development of a person.
Sexual abuse involves forcing, manipulating or tricking a person into participating in sexual activities. It can be physical contact or non-contact activities like online abuse.
Neglect occurs when a person’s basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or protection from harm are overlooked.

Key Principles of Safeguarding

Welfare of the child or vulnerable person is paramount: This is the most important principle. Actions and decisions made should be in the best interest of the individual.
Recognition of rights: Everyone participating in sport and physical activities has a right to be protected from abuse and harm.
Responsibility: Staff, coaches and volunteers working in sport and physical activity settings have a moral and legal duty to ensure participants’ safety.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Changes in behaviour, appearance or performance could be signs showing that a person is experiencing harm.
Physical signs of abuse like bruises, burns, broken bones or unexplained injuries.
Emotional signs may include social withdrawal, abrupt mood swings, aggression, fear, or overly sexualised behaviour.
Neglect is indicated through inadequate nutrition, inappropriate clothing, poor personal hygiene, lack of supervision or medical attention.

Responding to a Disclosure

If a participant discloses abuse, it is important to listen carefully and show empathy, reassure them they did the right thing, and assure them that the information will only be shared with those who need to know.
Do not promise confidentiality, as the information may need to be shared with others to ensure the victim’s safety.
Record the disclosure promptly and accurately.
Report to the designated safeguarding officer or appropriate authority immediately.

Legislation and Guidelines

Adherence to the Children Act 1989 and 2004 is important, as these laws highlight the welfare of the child as paramount and promote multi-agency cooperation.
Adherence to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 is also vital, especially when dealing with vulnerable adults.
Compliance with the guidelines from sport governing bodies or local authority requirements ensures the best practice is maintained.