A sports safeguarding policy sets out an organisation's commitment to creating safer environments for athletes, participants and the people who support them. It should be clear, accessible and tailored to the organisation, sport and jurisdiction.
This overview is intended as general guidance. Safeguarding arrangements should always be adapted to the relevant governing body, sport, age group and local legal framework, and developed with qualified expertise.
Scope and definitions
The policy should clearly state who it applies to (athletes, employees, coaches, volunteers, contractors, parents and visitors), in which contexts (training, competition, travel, online communication) and define the key terms used.
Roles and responsibilities
- ·The role of leadership in setting and maintaining safeguarding standards
- ·Designated safeguarding lead and deputy roles
- ·Responsibilities of coaches, employees and volunteers
- ·Expectations of athletes, parents and visitors
Reporting and escalation pathways
Set out clearly how concerns are raised, who they go to, how they are recorded and how they are escalated — including to external authorities where required. Pathways should be accessible to athletes, parents and staff.
Codes of conduct
Role-specific codes of conduct help translate the policy into day-to-day behaviour for coaches, athletes, parents, officials and event staff.
Education and awareness
A policy is only effective when the people it covers understand it. Include a commitment to regular education and awareness activity for leadership, employees, coaches, volunteers, athletes and parents.
Review and continuous improvement
Set a defined review cycle. Safeguarding is not a single document; it is an ongoing organisational practice that should evolve as the organisation, sport and external environment change.
When to seek specialist support
Specialist support is recommended when developing or substantially reviewing a safeguarding framework, when entering new sporting domains, and when responding to material organisational change. Immediate safety concerns should be directed to the appropriate local authority or emergency service.