Safeguarding in Sports Clubs

It’s important for parents / carers to check that any sports club or activity that your child attends has your child’s safety as its priority. Even if the club seems professional, there are questions that you should ask to make sure that they have all the necessary safeguarding measures in place.

1. Can I see your safeguarding policy?

A good organisation will have robust and up-to-date policies and procedures in place. They will be able to provide you with information on what to do if your child has any concerns. Established codes of conducts will be in place for coaches, volunteers and young people.

2. Who is your Welfare Officer?

The club will have a designated Welfare Officer, who may also be present to answer any questions you may have. This is the person responsible for putting into place procedures and dealing with any concerns.

3. Do you follow Safer Recruitment procedures?

Every organisation providing sporting activities to young people must ensure they have the correct recruitment processes in place which includes interviews, references and have undertaken the appropriate police checks for their volunteers and staff.

4. How do you promote the welfare of children and young people?

Enquire about how the organisation promotes the welfare of children and young people. This will include: first aid provision; taking registers at beginning and end of sessions; ratios of staff/volunteers to young people; appropriate transport arrangements if required; and how they listen and respond to the views of young people.

5. Do you have guidance on texting/ social media etc?

A good club will have open communication with children & young people and their parents or carers. They should have in place guidelines on the use of text messaging and social media and the appropriate language that all their staff and volunteers should adhere to. Parents and carers should be kept well informed of club activities.

Even though safeguarding principles are the same across all sports; each sport has their own policies and procedures which cover matters such as staffing ratios and physical contact guidelines. These are specific for their clubs and coaches to help them provide a safe environment for their sport. You should seek this specific information from the governing body.

What else should you look out for?

• Activities where parents or carers are discouraged from watching the sessions or becoming involved.
• Behaviour or activities that encourage rough play, sexual innuendo or humiliating punishments.
• Individuals who take charge and operate independently to organisational guidelines.
• Individuals who show favouritism or personally reward specific young people.
• Encouragement of inappropriate physical contact.
• Poor communication and negative responses to questions about safeguards for your child.
• A ‘win at all costs’ attitude towards the sport or activity.
• Children who drop out or stop going for no apparent reason.
• Invitations for children to spend time alone with staff or volunteers (or even visit their home).
• Text messages or internet communication direct to young people and does not include parents or carers.

Don’t be afraid to question

A good and professional organisation will already have procedures in place and will welcome the chance to demonstrate that they are providing a safe environment for your child.