Safeguarding: protecting minors in sport by preventing harassment, gender-based violence and every other form of discrimination

What is safeguarding?

The term “safeguarding” means a set of measures and procedures aimed at protecting minors from every form of abuse, violence and discrimination, particularly within settings such as Amateur Sports Associations (ASDs). It is a matter of fundamental importance, involving everyone who works in youth sport, from coaches to managers, as well as parents.

Why is safeguarding important in ASDs?

ASDs are places where minors spend a lot of time, learning, playing and socialising. It is essential to guarantee a safe and protected environment for everyone, in which children and teenagers can grow up peacefully and without fear. Safeguarding aims to:

• Prevent: identify and manage risk factors in order to prevent abuse and violence.
• Protect: put in place concrete measures to protect minors and guarantee their safety.
• Educate: raise awareness among everyone involved (coaches, managers, parents) of the importance of safeguarding, and give them the tools they need to recognise and report any situations at risk.

What are the main forms of abuse in sport?

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: beatings, injuries, excessive physical pressure.
• Sexual abuse: acts of a sexual nature, harassment, grooming.
• Psychological abuse: insults, humiliation, discrimination, excessive psychological pressure.
• Neglect: lack of adequate care, exposure to unnecessary risks.

What must ASDs do?

ASDs have a duty to adopt effective safeguarding measures, such as:

• Appointing a safeguarding officer: a point of reference within the association who deals with preventing and managing any cases of abuse.
• Staff training: organising training courses for coaches, managers and volunteers, in order to raise their awareness of the subject and give them the tools they need to act in case of suspected abuse.
• Code of ethics: adopting a code of ethics that defines appropriate and unacceptable behaviour within the association.
• Reporting procedures: establishing clear procedures for reporting any cases of abuse, guaranteeing maximum confidentiality and protection of victims.