Have a safeguarding policy

A safeguarding policy establishes an organisation’s commitment to protecting young players from harm. It lays out proper protocols and definitions for everyone involved – staff, coaches, athletes, volunteers, and partners (2).

Know what to do if you have concerns

Step-by-step guidance for safeguarding concerns ensures an organisation can respond quickly, properly, and transparently. Procedures include designating a safeguarding focal point and outlining how concerns are documented and monitored (2).

Provide advice and support to staff and young players

Those involved need to know their roles in regards to safeguarding and where to find guidance, both within and outside their organisation. It's crucial that all staff and volunteers are aware that vulnerable young people need additional support (2).

Understand and address risks

Understanding and identifying potential risks is the first step in prevention. Ongoing risk assessments for activities, transport, accommodation, sports spaces, and staff training help reduce harm and inform decisions to abandon activities if needed.

Agree what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour

Sport should be carried out in a safe and encouraging environment. Creating and sharing codes of conduct for adults and young players sets a safeguarding standard, encourages mutual respect, and promotes best practice among all involved (2).

Safely recruit and train staff

Everyone in the organisation has a role in safeguarding young players. A safe recruitment and staff development strategy ensures the organisation screens and recruits staff and volunteers who can learn and maintain necessary safeguarding practices (2).

Share safeguarding standards with the organisation’s partners

Ensuring that partners sign and share the values of the safeguarding policies adds extra protection for young players. Setting clear expectations creates strong partnerships, while supporting partners in strengthening their own safeguarding approach further enhances protection (2).

Monitor, evaluate and learn

Safeguarding isn’t a one-off process. It's important to build in time for reassessment, allowing the organisation and individuals to understand what has been effective and what needs improvement.