Safeguarding at a sporting event should be planned from the outset with a named safeguarding lead, clear team roles, pre-event communication, defined high-risk moments, and an on-the-day process for recording and escalating concerns.
Sporting events bring together athletes, employees, volunteers, suppliers and the public in concentrated environments. Considered safeguarding planning protects participants, supports staff and reduces operational risk.
Build safeguarding into event planning
Safeguarding considerations should appear in the early planning stages alongside venue, schedule and operations — not as a late add-on. Identify a safeguarding lead for the event and document responsibilities in writing.
Sports strategy services →Define roles for the event team
- ·Event safeguarding lead and on-the-day deputy
- ·Briefed staff and volunteers with clear points of contact
- ·Coordination with coaches, team managers and chaperones
- ·Clear interface with medical, security and venue teams
Communicate before the event
Provide participants, parents and staff with clear pre-event information about expected conduct, communication channels, photography and how to raise a concern.
Manage the high-risk moments
- ·Changing-room and transition-area arrangements
- ·Travel, transport and accommodation oversight
- ·Photography, media and social-media protocols
- ·Interactions between athletes and adults in positions of responsibility
Plan how concerns are handled on the day
Document how a concern is recorded, escalated and supported on the day, including referrals to external authorities where appropriate. Ensure the safeguarding lead is contactable throughout the event.
Review after the event
Include safeguarding in the post-event debrief. Capture what worked, what did not, and how the next edition will be strengthened. Safeguarding maturity grows event by event.