Child Protection in Sport
'Child protection' or 'safeguarding' is concerned with keeping young people under the age of legal responsibility safe from abuse, discrimination, and harassment. It also involves protecting young people from those who are deemed unsuitable to be working with children, and from harmful practices.
Key messages
Sporting organisations have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that children are protected from physical and/or psychological harm while participating or attending their events and activities.
Sporting organisations are obliged to comply with the respective child protection legislation that exists in each Australian state and territory.
Australian Government recognised sporting organisations are required to have approved national integrity policies, including member protection and child safeguarding, in practice to receive recognition and/or funding.
Background
Abuse is often considered a generic term, which encompasses a range of different forms of misconduct.
The literature identifies six common types of misconduct in a sports’ setting: (1) bullying; (2) harassment; (3) hazing; (4) emotional misconduct; (5) physical misconduct; and (6) sexual misconduct (including sexual abuse). All forms of misconduct are intolerable and in direct conflict with the ideals of sport.
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, United Nations, (1989). While the Convention does not directly refer to sport, Article 19 sets forth children’s rights to protection from maltreatment, violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. In addition, Article 31 confirms the right of all children to play.
- IOC Consensus Statement: harassment and abuse (non-accidental violence) in sport, Mountjoy M, Brackenridge C, Arrington M, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, (2016). This Consensus Statement extends the 2007 IOC Consensus Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport,. It presents evidence of types of harassment and abuse including—psychological, physical and neglect. And also highlights that all ages and types of athletes are susceptible to these problems but elite, child, LGBT+ and those with disability are at highest risk. Psychological abuse is at the core of all other forms and athletes can also be perpetrators.
Protecting children and young people engaged in sport from abuse, exploitation, and physical or psychological harm is a core issue for those who administer and deliver sports programs. Like other institutions having a duty of care to children, sporting organisations are not immune to failures of policy, procedures, or systems.
How extensive is the problem?
The 2015 Safeguarding Children in Sport report highlighted that there was very limited research into children’s experiences of harm in relation to their participation in sport. Data that is available may use different methodologies and come up with significantly different prevalence rates. Without this data it is difficult to determine the scope of the problem, or develop effective approaches to protect children.
A 2015 Australian study including 107 survey responses and 10 follow-up interviews with young adults found that although young people overwhelmingly reported the lasting benefits of participation in organised sport as children, more than 50% also reported negative experiences, including emotional and physical harm and sexual harassment.
In 2022 a Victoria University survey of 886 respondents across 68 different sports, revealed that 82% reported experiencing some form of violence in community sport as a child. Most people had experienced psychological (76%) and physical violence (66%) while more than one third experienced sexual violence (38%).
Peers were the most frequent perpetrators of any form of violence, with 73% of respondents indicating they had experienced some form of violence. Violence perpetrated by a coach (60%) and by a parent (35%) were also commonly reported.
A key three-year study conducted in the United Kingdom also investigated the types of abuse found in a sports setting and the extent of that abuse. It found that the most common form of abuse was emotional harm, experienced (to some extent) by approximately 75% of respondents. This may take many forms –from abusive language to exclusion and victimisation. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents had experienced some sexually harassing behaviour, and 25% had experienced physically threatening treatment. Only 3% reported experience of sexually harmful behaviour. Differences by gender were minimal except in the case of sexual harassment, which was much more commonly reported by women.
Athletes who identify as same sex attracted or gender diverse (SSAGD) may be particularly vulnerable to abuse. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) athletes are more likely to report harassment and psychological abuse. Research in Australia has identified sport as a significant site of homophobic harassment. Many people have reported discrimination and exclusion in sport because of their sexuality and gender identity, and this failure by sport to provide an open and welcoming culture creates some unique challenges; not only for LGBTI individuals, but also for the culture within a sport.
Access to resources
Where possible, direct links to full-text and online resources are provided. However, where links are not available, you may be able to access documents directly by searching our licenced full-text databases (note: user access restrictions apply). Alternatively, you can ask your institutional, university, or local library for assistance—or purchase documents directly from the publisher. You may also find the information you’re seeking by searching Google Scholar.
- New national study on violence against children in community sport, Victoria University, (August 2022). 'Experiences of Violence Against Children in Australian Community Sport' is the largest study to date to capture the experiences of violence against children in community sport. It is also one of the first studies representing the experiences of gender diverse individuals. The study, published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, led by VU researchers Dr Mary Woessner and Dr Aurélie Pankowiak, acknowledges that the social and health benefits of community sport participation can only be achieved if sport environments are physically and emotionally safe. The study, which surveyed 886 respondents across 68 different sports, revealed that:
- 82% reported experiencing some form of violence in community sport as a child. Most people had experienced psychological (76%) and physical violence (66%) while more than one third experienced sexual violence (38%).
- Peers were the most frequent perpetrators of any form of violence, with 73% of respondents indicating they had experienced some form of violence. Violence perpetrated by a coach (60%) and by a parent (35%) were also commonly reported.
- Gender diverse individuals reported some of the highest rates of violence, particularly when looking at perpetrator specific data: Coach psychological violence against gender diverse individuals was 81% compared to 55% and 50% for women and men, respectively. Peer physical violence (53%) and sexual harassment (59%) were also significantly higher than rates reported for women (23% and 32%) and men (29% and 29%).
- Violence experienced during childhood community sport participation in Australia [infographic], Victoria University, (August 2022). Participating in sport can bring many health and social benefits, but for these to be actualized, the sport environment must be emotionally and physically safe. This is one of the first studies to examine rates of violence experienced during childhood sport participation in Australia. We surveyed 886 Australian adults about their childhood experiences (below 18 years) participating in organised community sport.
- More than 80% of people we asked said they’ve experienced violence in junior sport – and women and gender-diverse people cop it most, Mary Woessner, Aurélie Pankowiak, Victoria University, The Conversation, (11 August 2022). Our team at Victoria University completed the largest study to date in Australia exploring how often children experience violence in community sport. We surveyed 886 Australian adults who had played organised community sport when they were younger than 18, asking them about their experiences of violence in sport. Specifically, they were asked about unsanctioned violence, that is, violence occurring outside the specified rules of the game. This could have occurred in diverse environments such as on the field, in the locker rooms, or during travel for sport. It’s important to note that because the study didn’t use a nationally representative sample, the data can’t be extrapolated out to represent the whole of community sport in Australia.
- Safeguarding Children in Sport: Summarising the results of the research phase of a project seeking to build the capacity of sport to protect children and young people from abuse, harm and exploitation, Joe Tucci and Janise Mitchell, Australian Childhood Foundation, (March 2015). The aim of this summary report is to present the preliminary findings from the project. Specifically, it defines the scope of issues which a child protection in sport strategy should address in its development and implementation. It provides the outcomes of the literature review and the final key messages from the project.
- The impact of homophobic bullying during sport and physical education participation on same-sex-attracted and gender-diverse young Australians’ depression and anxiety levels, Symons C, O’Sullivan G, Borkoles E, et.al., Institute for Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, (2014). The aim of this study was to investigate whether homophobic bullying and abuse occurring in sport and physical education (PE) settings were associated with the mental health and wellbeing of young SSAGD Australians. The study not only explored the welfare of these young people in these spaces, but also examined whether barriers exist for SSAGD young people participating in, or continuing to participate in, sport and PE. Key insights include:
- SSAGD youth reported significantly higher mental health and wellbeing concerns than heterosexual youth.
- Verbal homophobic abuse in these settings was strongly associated with poor mental health and wellbeing of SSAGD youth. Unconditional self-acceptance was found to be a strong protective factor against such abuse and interventions targeting self-acceptance may strengthen resilience.
- Despite many SSAGD youth thriving in sport and PE settings, homophobia and transphobia communicates to them that ‘they are not welcome here’, which can prevent them from enjoying the many physical, mental and social health benefits of participation and maintaining lifelong participation.
- PE class was a particular concern for SSAGD youth, where verbal and physical abuse was reported more often than in other sport settings.
- The gendered nature of sport and PE provides challenges for gender diverse young people, and more focus should be placed on understanding their needs and on ways to encourage safer and more welcoming participation for this group.
- The experiences of children participating in organised sport in the UK, Alexander K, Stafford A and Lewis R, University of Edinburgh Child Protection Research Centre, (2011). This report summarises a three year study of children and young people’s experiences of participating in sport in the United Kingdom. A large sample of young people, aged 18–22 years, were asked to describe their experiences of sport as children; interviews and online methods were used to gather the data. Evidence suggests that a significant minority of children participating in sport face negative and harmful experiences, ranging from minor misuse of power and bullying to sustained and systematic physical and sexual abuse. The types of behaviour (by adults or peers) toward children considered to be inappropriate included, but were not limited to: (1) authoritarian, abusive, aggressive, and threatening behaviour from adults and (in some cases) peers; (2) disrespectful treatment that included victimisation; (3) deliberate over-training or excessive physical demands; (4) ill treatment by over-zealous parents as a consequence of sport participation; (5) bullying; (6) physical abuse; (7) emotional abuse; (8) grooming by paedophiles; and (9) sexual assault and abuse. This study found that the most common form of abuse was emotional harm, experienced (to some extent) by approximately 75% of respondents. This may take many forms –from abusive language to exclusion and victimisation. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents had experienced some sexually harassing behaviour, and 25% had experienced physically threatening treatment. Only 3% reported experience of sexually harmful behaviour. Differences by gender were minimal except in the case of sexual harassment, which was much more commonly reported by women.
- Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Violence Against Children in Australian Community Sport: Frequency, Perpetrator, and Victim Characteristics, Aurélie Pankowiak, Mary Woessner, Sylvie Parent, et al., Journal of Interpersonal Violence, (August 2022). Childhood sport participation is associated with physical, social, and mental health benefits, which are more likely to be realized if the sport environment is safe. However, our understanding of children’s experience of psychological, physical, and sexual violence in community sport in Australia is limited. The aims of this study were to provide preliminary evidence on the extent of experiences of violence during childhood participation in Australian community sport and to identify common perpetrators of and risk factors for violence. The Violence Towards Athletes Questionnaire (VTAQ) was administered online to a convenience sample of Australian adults (>18 years), retrospectively reporting experiences of violence during childhood community sport. Frequencies of experience of violence were calculated and Chi-square tests were conducted to determine differences between genders. In total, there were 886 respondents included in the analysis. Most survey respondents were women (63%) and about a third were men (35%). About 82% of respondents experienced violence in sport as a child. Psychological violence was most prevalent (76%), followed by physical (66%) and sexual (38%) violence. Peers perpetrated the highest rates of psychological violence (69%), and the rates of physical and psychological violence by coaches (both >50%) were also high. Age, sexual orientation, disability, and hours of weekly sport participation as a child were all associated with childhood experience of violence in sport. The rates of interpersonal violence against children in sport were high. This novel data on perpetrators of the violence and the risk factors for experiencing violence provides further context to inform safeguarding strategies in sport. A national prevalence study is recommended to advance our understanding of the childhood experiences of violence in Australian sport.
- Children’s experience of sport in Australia. Lynne McPherson, Maureen Long, Matthew Nicholson, Nadine Cameron, Prue Atkins, Meg E Morris, International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 52(5), pp.551-569, (2015). This paper reports on a study designed to explore children’s experiences of organised sport, as recounted by young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years. A mixed methods study design was implemented, which resulted in 107 survey responses and 10 follow-up interviews with young adults. Although overwhelmingly, young people reported the lasting developmental benefits of participation in organised sport as children, more than 50% also reported negative experiences, including emotional and physical harm and sexual harassment. The reasons for these apparently contradictory findings are explored. The role of coaches, peers, parents and the wider sporting association ethos are investigated and suggestions made for future research.
- Including LGBT young people in sport, a guide, LGBT Youth North West and Pride Sports, England, (2014). This guide provides some pointers for National Governing Bodies and other sport providers on how to make their sport more accessible to LGBT youth. It also deals with making sport a safe and inclusive environment.
Complexity of child protection issues
Evidence suggests that sexual abuse is relatively rare compared to other forms of harm children may experience in organised sport. This challenges the common perception that paedophilia in sport is rife; although the serious and criminal nature of child sexual abuse makes it the highest priority in child protection strategies.
The use of ‘punishment’, particularly in children's sport, may have abuse implications. The deliberate use of abusive language, or the assignment of physical tasks may be used, or perceived, as punishment and this, in turn, may be interpreted as abuse or harassment. While no one would sanction a coach striking an athlete, there is some uncertainty about what constitutes physical punishment; and the interpretation of psychological ‘punishment’ may be even harder to define.
A 2013 position statement by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport implies that ‘forced physical exertion’ which is emotionally and psychologically harmful to a child or youth, can be interpreted as punishment. When the coach assigns extra push-ups, running, or verbally abuses or degrades an athlete, this is ‘punishment’. The authority position of the coach can also make ‘punishment’ a form of sexual abuse. To determine whether an action is punishment or legitimate physical exertion as part of a training program, two tests are generally applied to any specific situation: intent and consent.
- The use of physical punishment of children and youth in sport and recreation, Position Statement, Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), (2013). The CCES defines physical punishment of children and youth in sport as any activity or behaviour required as a consequence of poor sport performance or some other undesirable behaviour that causes an athlete physical pain, discomfort, or humiliation and is: (1) disconnected from, or not logically related to, the sport performance or behaviour it is intended to change; or (2) disconnected from, or not logically related to, improving performance in the sport; and (3) not consented to by the athlete (and/or their parent or guardian).
Within a sporting environment behaviour or attitudes that produce prejudice, exclusion, or harassment not only tarnish the reputation of individuals, but clubs and sport as a whole. These actions can be very hurtful and offensive to those who are targeted, causing depression, anxiety, and isolation.
National framework for protecting Australia's children
Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2031 sets out a national 10-year framework to improve the lives of children, young people and families experiencing disadvantage or who are vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The Framework is the second national framework and was developed by the Commonwealth, and state and territory government in partnership with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children(link is external) and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group.
- An overview of previous Action Plans, as well as copies of the annual reports are available from the Department of Social Services website.
- Measuring progress. Indicator reporting related to Safe and Supported is currently being developed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and is planned for release in 2022.
The Framework is closely linked to findings and recommendations highlighted through the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse
On Friday 11 January 2013 a six member Royal Commission was appointed to investigate Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Australia.
The Royal Commission investigated how institutions such as schools, churches, sporting bodies, and government organisations have responded to allegations and instances of child abuse.
A public hearing into sporting clubs and institutions was held in April 2016.
The scope and purpose of the public hearing was to inquire into:
1. The experiences of men and women who were sexually abused as children in sporting clubs.
2. The response of Tennis Australia, Tennis NSW, and the NSW Institute of Sport to allegations of child sexual abuse by a coach.
3. The response of Football NSW to allegations of child sexual abuse by a coach.
4. The systems, policies, practices, and procedures in relation to child protection and for receiving, investigating, and responding to allegations of child sexual abuse promoted and implemented by:
- Australian Olympic Committee
- Australian Paralympic Committee
- Australian Sports Commission
- NSW Institute of Sport
- Netball Australia
- Little Athletics Australia
- Surf Life Saving Australia
- Football Federation Australia
- Football NSW
- Tennis Australia
- Tennis NSW
- Cricket Australia
- Queensland Cricket
- A local Queensland cricket club
5. Other related matters.
The role of the Royal Commission was to uncover where systems had failed to protect children and make recommendations on how to improve laws, policies, and practices.
No results were found
Policies, programs, and supporting structures
As is the case with many social issues impacting the sports domain, preventing abuse is a serious and complex issue that affects everyone.
Everyone in the community who has a supervisory role over young people has an obligation to ensure and provide a safe environment. An extensive range of policies, programs, and supporting structures have been put in place to assist sporting organisations to plan and manage for these challenging issues.
Australian government
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is an independent statutory organisation, established by an act of Federal Parliament. Among other roles the AHRC investigates and conciliates discrimination and human rights complaints, promotes and raises awareness of human rights through research, developing guidelines and resources, and education and training opportunities.
Child Safe Organisations project, (accessed 12 May 2021). As part of the Child Safe Organisations project, the Australian Government commissioned the National Children’s Commissioner to lead the development of National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. The National Principles were developed under the guidance of Community Services Ministers across Commonwealth, state and territory governments under the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020. The Principles respond to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
- National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, Australian Human Rights Commission, (2018). As of February 2019, the National Principles have been endorsed by members of the Council of Australian Governments, including the Prime Minister and state and territory First Ministers.
- Practical tools and training resources are available to help organisations implement the National Principles, and to help parents and carers learn about child safe organisations.
Keeping kids safe and well: your voices, Australian Human Rights Commission, (2021). This report conveys the views of children, young people and families collected by the National Children’s Commissioner in face-to-face and online consultations and surveys between May and July 2021. The report presents key issues, identifies priorities, and makes recommendations for action, to inform the government’s five-year actions plans under the Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021–2031 (the National Framework). Children, young people and families also told us how important it is that governments and service providers listen to them when making decisions that affect them. Safe and accessible sport, sporting clubs, and sport facilities were highlighted as important services and community spaces which could help to improve young peoples' lives and help them feel like they belong.
A Guide for Children and Young People to the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse (2021-2030) and its Action Plans, Australian Human Rights Commission, (2021). This guide will help children and young people understand child sexual abuse, how and where to get help, and how the National Strategy is improving Australia’s response to child sexual abuse. When this guide refers to a child, it refers to anyone under the age of 18 years. This guide is recommended for children aged 9 years and up.
Independent Review of Gymnastics in Australia (2021)
Gymnastics Australia engaged the AHRC in August 2020 to conduct an independent review of culture and practice at all levels of the sport of gymnastics in Australia following the release of the documentary ‘Athlete A’. The documentary sparked a global sharing of experiences of abuse in the sport, via social media, with several former athletes and parents of former athletes coming forward in Australia. The final report and recommendations were released in May 2021.
Change the Routine: Report on the Independent Review into Gymnastics Australia (2021), Australian Human Rights Commission, (May 2021). The Commission has made five overarching key findings and 12 recommendations.
- Gymnastics Australia statement Gymnastics Australia, (3 May 2021). The Australian Human Rights Commission has today [Monday] published their report following their independent review of the culture and practices of gymnastics in Australia. Gymnastics Australia commissioned the independent review in August 2020 in response to reports from the gymnastics community of unacceptable personal experiences.
- A message from Gymnastics Australia CEO Kitty Chiller AM [video; 4min4s] Gymnastics Australia, (3 May 2021). A message from Gymnastics Australia CEO Kitty Chiller AM following the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission report into gymnastics in Australia. (Gymnastics Australia)
- WAIS welcomes release of Australian Human Rights Commission report into gymnastics in Australia Western Australian Institute of Sport, (3 May 2021). The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) welcomes the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) report following its Independent Review of gymnastics in Australia.
- Sport Integrity Australia welcomes AHRC Gymnastics report Sport Integrity Australia, (3 May 2021). Sport Integrity Australia welcomes the Australian Human Rights Commission’s independent report into the sport of gymnastics. Noting the global surge in abuse claims from athletes, CEO David Sharpe says the release of the report marks an opportunity for meaningful reform across sport. (Sport Integrity Australia)
- WAIS Response to the Australian Human Rights Commission Report into Gymnastics Western Australian Institute of Sport (4 May 2021). The following is a statement from the board of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) in response to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) report commissioned by Gymnastics Australia into allegations of systemic mistreatment of athletes in the sport of gymnastics. The report’s findings were made public on Monday May 3rd. (Western Australian Institute of Sport)
- Independent review of Gymnastics in Australia, Australian Human Rights Commission, (August 2020). In a commitment to athlete safety and wellbeing, Gymnastics Australia engaged the Australian Human Rights Commission to conduct an independent review of the sport of gymnastics in Australia. The review built an understanding of the sport’s culture, athlete experience and barriers to reporting misconduct and abuse. The Commission consulted with former and current athletes and their families, coaches, officials, administrators, and former and current staff at all levels of the sport. The final report was released on 3 May 2021.
- Australian gymnastics abuse review to focus on culture and not individual cases, Australian Associated Press, The Guardian, (13 August 2020).
Sport Integrity Australia works to develop national policies, resources and education to build the capacity of sporting organisations and individuals to provide safe sporting environments. Focus areas include: child safeguarding; member protection; and complaint and dispute management.
National Integrity Framework
The National Integrity Framework takes a proactive approach to mitigate integrity threats to sports and provide a safe, fair and healthy environment for participants at all levels of sport. The Framework is a streamlined suite of policies that sets out the broad expectations for the conduct of all participants in sport. These expectations relate to safeguarding children, member protection, competition manipulation and sports wagering, and the misuse of drugs and medicines. Child safeguarding resources are available for members of sport and for sporting organisations.
- Resources for members of sport, (accessed 15 August 2022). This page contains resources to help you understand the National Integrity Framework and its policies, including: child safeguarding policy explained; facts for kids and teens in sport about their rights and how their sport looks after them.
- Resources for sporting organisations, (accessed 15 August 2022). This page contains resources to help sports understand, implement and educate members on the National Integrity Framework and its policies, including: child safe practices; child safeguarding policy interpretation and application.
- Nationa Integrity Framework Policies: Child safeguarding policy, (accessed 15 August 2022). This policy protects children in sport by putting in place rules and processes to ensure sporting environments are inclusive, positive and safe for all children, all the time.
- Make an integrity complaint or report, (accessed 15 August 2022). You can use this form to provide information about matters that threaten the integrity of Australian sport, teams or individuals. This includes issues such as doping, sports wagering, competition manipulation, illegal drug use, abuse, harassment, bullying, intimidation or discrimination.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is the Australian Government agency responsible for supporting and investing in sport. As part of this role the ASC recognises eligible National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs). Recognised NSO/NSODs are organisations that the ASC supports to achieve the Australian Government’s sporting objectives.
National Sporting Organisation recognition
To be eligible for recognition by the ASC as a NSO/D an organisation must meet all the recognition criteria and provide all requested evidence to demonstrate satisfaction of the recognition criteria. This includes adopting, implementing and enforcing national integrity policies, approved by Sport Integrity Australia, which address:
- member protection
- child safety
- improper use of drugs and medicine
- competition manipulation and sports wagering
- complaints management
Child safe sport
As part of their commitment to child safety, the ASC has adopted the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework. The first Child Safe Annual Statement of Compliance report was published on 29 October 2021.
In 2014 the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) engaged the services of the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) to complete a blueprint report which looked at the capacity of sport to protect children and young people from abuse, harm, and exploitation.
In December 2017 a 'Child Safe Sport Toolkit' was released along with a process to tailor the Toolkit to suit individual sport needs. While responsibility for child safeguarding moved to Sport Integrity Australia when they commenced on 1 July 2020, the material is still available. View the material as it appeared on the ASC website.
Child safe commitment and policy (January 2021-)
Under the ASC's Child Safe Policy (effective 1 January 2021) all children have the right to feel and be safe and protected from all forms of child abuse and Neglect. Children have the right to take part in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment. The ASC aims to create and maintain an inclusive, child-safe environment that is understood, endorsed, put into action and adhered to by everyone, as set out in the ASC’s Child Safe Commitment Statement. This includes within their own organisation and facilities where children come to practice, play, learn and excel.
- ASC Board Child Safe Commitment Statement, Australian Sports Commission, (December 2017). Appendix 1, page 14 in the Child Safe Policy.
- Parents can take comfort from moves to protect kids in sport from abuse. Paul Kennedy, ABC News Breakfast, (7 September 2017). Article includes a video interview with Merrilee Barnes, ASC Director of leadership and culture.
- Safeguarding children in sport [audio], Australian Sports Commission, SoundCloud, (7 September 2017). Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) CEO Joe Tucci talks about the strategic work ACF is doing in the child safeguarding space.
- Summary blueprint report of safeguarding children in sport, Joe Tucci and Janise Mitchell, Australian Childhood Foundation, (March 2015).
Australian Sports Commission apology (May 2021)
The following statement is from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board: The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board offers our apology and ongoing support to former Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) athletes treated inappropriately in the past.
As part of the apology, the ASC also established the AIS Be Heard program.
AIS Be Heard (May 2021-)
AIS Be Heard is available to current and former athletes, coaches and staff across the Australian high performance sports system. This includes the Australian Institute of Sport and the National Institute Network, comprising state and territory Institutes and Academies of Sport. The program welcome everyone who has been part of Australian high performance sport, to share their experiences and seek the appropriate support services.
Restorative Program (July 2022-)
In July 2022 the ASC launched the ASC Restorative Program to recognise and respond to former Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scholarship athletes who experienced harm from inappropriate practices or abuse as a result of their time at the AIS. The Program is confidential and will be managed within the ASC, but independently of the AIS.. The program is available to AIS scholarship athletes from 1981 to 2013 who experienced harm from inappropriate practices or abuse as a result of their time at the AIS. The Program consists of three core elements:
- access to counselling and wellbeing services via the Mental Health Referral Network, and/or
- participation in restorative engagement, such as a meeting with a senior ASC representative, and/or
- a one-off financial payment (for applicants eligible for a payment).
Play by the Rules is a unique collaboration between Sport Integrity Australia, Australian Sports Commission, Australian Human Rights Commission, all state and territory departments of sport and recreation, all state and territory anti-discrimination and human rights agencies, the Office of the Children's Guardian, and the Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW. These partners promote Play by the Rules through their networks, along with their own child safety, anti-discrimination, and inclusion programs.
- Community Child Safe Sport. Play by the Rules, (accessed 4 August 2022). Provides an overview of the available resources and information to help sport and recreation organisations keep kids safe.
Australian Institute of Family Studies. Child Family Community Australia (CFCA) provides evidence-based resources and interactive assistance for professionals working to protect children, support families, and strengthen communities across Australian jurisdictions. CFCA produces a range of publications which are available on the website. Some resources relevant to sporting organisations include:
- Australian child protection legislation, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Resource Sheet, (August 2022). This resource sheet provides a brief overview of child protection legislation across state and territory jurisdictions in Australia.
- Reporting child abuse and neglect: Information for service providers, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Resource Sheet, (October 2021). This resource sheet provides information to service providers and practitioners working in the child, family and community welfare sector on how to report suspected child abuse and neglect. It defines child abuse and neglect, and provides contact details for the reporting authority in each state and territory.
- Pre-employment screening: Working With Children Checks and Police Checks, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Resource Sheet, (June 2021). This resource is intended for employers, current and prospective employees and volunteers engaging in child-related work in Australia. It provides answers to common questions relating to pre-employment screening checks and provides state and territory requirements for working with children, including contact information for state/territory screening services.
- Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Resource Sheet, (June 2020). This resource sheet provides members of the community with information on mandatory reporting laws, which require specified people to report suspected abuse and neglect to government child protection services in Australia.1 It provides answers to common questions asked about mandatory reporting, outlines the challenges and benefits of mandatory reporting and covers the various mandatory reporting legislation across all Australian jurisdictions.
- Understanding safeguarding practices for children with disability when engaging with organisations, Sarah Wayland and Gabrielle Hindmarsh, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Practitioner Resource, (October 2017). This resource explores how an understanding of abuse and neglect relating to children with disability can assist in establishing child-safe organisations.
- Responding to children and young peoples disclosure of abuse, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Practitioner Resource, (March 2015). This paper is a guide to responding to children and young people's disclosures of abuse. It outlines what we know about how, why, and when children and young people are likely to disclose and suggests actions to take at the time of disclosure and in the longer term.
The National Office for Child Safety was established on 1 July 2018 in response to the 'Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse' (the Royal Commission). The National Office leads the development and implementation of several national priorities recommended by the Royal Commission, including: the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations; the Australian Government’s child safety policy, known as the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework, (Commonwealth Child Safe Framework); the National Strategy to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse; and, improvements to information sharing arrangements to strengthen child safety and wellbeing. Key non-government institutions that were involved in the Royal Commission also report to the National Office annually on their progress in implementing Royal Commission recommendations.
- National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (the National Principles) provide a national approach to cultivating organisational cultures and practices that foster child safety and wellbeing across all sectors in Australia. They give effect to the Royal Commission’s recommended child safe standards while including broader child safety and wellbeing.
- National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse. The National Office for Child Safety is responsible for implementing a National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse. The National Strategy was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission and considers child abuse in all settings including institutional and non-institutional settings.
- Child Safe Sectors Leadership Group. The Child Safe Sectors Leadership Group gives advice and shares information about what governments and organisations can do to keep children and young people safe and well.
- Commonwealth Child Safe Framework. In response to the Royal Commission’s findings about creating environments that are safe for children, the Australian Government has introduced the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework, a whole-of-government policy that sets minimum standards for creating and embedding a child safe culture and practice in Commonwealth entities.
- Reporting. The Royal Commission recommended that the Australian, state and territory government, along with non-government organisations and peak bodies that work with children, report on how they are implementing the recommendations made in the Royal Commission’s Final Report. The first round of annual reporting commenced in 2018, with the 11 organisations that were subject to the Royal Commission’s review hearings providing public reports. The National Office for Child Safety has grown the reporting process each year, in recognition of the importance of transparency and accountability for organisations. The reporting process also promotes sharing of best practice and new approaches to enhancing child safety in organisations. In 2021 over 25 sporting organisations submitted reports.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety. They are the world’s first government agency dedicated to keeping people safer online. eSafety started operations in 2015 and have remained at the forefront of the fight against online abuse and harm ever since. Resources are available relating to various online issues including: cyberbullying, online gaming, unwanted contact and grooming, use of social media, protecting your information, and more.
- Sporting organisations, clubs and community groups, eSafety Commissioner (accessed 4 August 2022). eSafety offers a range of resources to help sporting organisations, clubs and community groups review and improve their online safety policies and practices.
State and territory governments
The aspects of child protection legislation most relevant to sport are reporting and screening processes. Some states also require risk management or other strategies to provide a child safe environment.
- Australian child protection legislation, Child Family Community Australia, (last updated August 2022). This resource sheet provides an overview of child protection legislation across state and territory jurisdictions in Australia.
State and territory governments in Australia are responsible for receiving and responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. These reports can be from anyone, including members of the public. It is strongly recommended that anyone who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child or young person is at risk of being abused and/or neglected reports it to the relevant authorities.
- Australian legal definitions: When is a child in need of protection? Child Family Community Australia, (last updated August 2021). This resource sheet provides information for practitioners and researchers on legal definitions of when a child is in need of protection for each Australian jurisdiction.
- Reporting child abuse and neglect, Child Family Community Australia, (last updated October 2021). Provides information to service providers and practitioners working in the child, family and community welfare sector on how to report suspected child abuse and neglect. It defines child abuse and neglect, and provides contact details for the reporting authority in each state and territory.
Mandatory reporting legislation generally contains lists of particular occupations that are mandated to report cases of suspected child abuse and neglect. The groups of people mandated to report range from persons in a limited number of occupations (QLD) to a more extensive list (VIC and WA), to a very extensive list (ACT, NSW, SA and TAS), through to every adult (NT).
- Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect, Child Family Community Australia, (last updated June 2020). Provides answers to common questions asked about mandatory reporting, outlines the challenges and benefits of mandatory reporting and covers the various mandatory reporting legislation across all Australian jurisdictions.
State and Territory Governments have developed programs and resources to assist in the management of child protection in a sporting environment. All jurisdictions have a 'working with children' or 'police record check' screening protocol to determine if a person is suitable to work with children. In recent years some state/territory jurisdictions have broadened screening protocols to include persons working with vulnerable people; meaning the elderly and persons with disability, as well as children.
- Pre-employment screening: Working With Children Checks and Police Checks, Child Family Community Australia, (last updated June 2021). This resource sheet provides an overview of the types of Working with Children Checks (WWCC) and Police Checks in Australia, their requirements and state/territory contact information. This resource is intended for employers, current and prospective employees and volunteers engaging in child-related work in Australia.
Agencies and resources
- ACT Government, Child and Youth Protection Services
- Keeping Children and Young People Safe: A guide to reporting child abuse and neglect in the ACT, (September 2019).
- Reportable Conduct Scheme (accessed 4 August 2022). Under the scheme, employers and organisations considered ‘designated entities’ are required to report allegations, offences or convictions relating to child abuse or child-related misconduct by an employee to the ACT Ombudsman.
- Working with vulnerable people (WWVP) registration, Access Canberra, (accessed 4 August 2022).
Agencies and resources
- Child safety law in NSW, NSW Office of Sport, (accessed 4 August 2022). When it comes to child safety, it’s important to understand there are legal requirements for sporting organisations, staff and volunteers in NSW.
- Child Safe Sport, NSW Office of Sport, (accessed 4 August 2022). The Office of Sport is committed to safeguarding children and young people in sport and recreation. We work with the sector, NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, Play by the Rules and other leading child safe agencies to help create child safe sport in NSW.
- Office of the Children's Guardian. The Office of the Children’s Guardian is an independent statutory authority in NSW Government. They promote and regulate the quality of child safe organisations, services and people.
Agencies and resources
- Working with children clearance: before you apply, NT Government, (accessed 4 August 2022).
- SAFE NT conducts Working with Children Clearance checks (WWC) and recommends on 'clearance notices' (Territory Ochre Card) to persons working with children (under the Care and Protection of Children Act (CPCA).
Agencies and resources
- Keeping sport and recreation safe, Queensland Government, (accessed 4 August 2022). In Queensland, the sport and recreation industry have obligations to protect children and adults from harm through the provision of safe environments.
- Blue Card Services. We help keep Queensland children safe by assisting organisations to be child-safe and screening people who work with children.
- Queensland Family and Child Commission. We're here for Queensland children, young people and families. Every Queensland child is loved, respected and has their rights upheld.
- Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs. Child Safety is dedicated to protecting children and young people who have been harmed, or are at risk of harm.
Agencies and resources
- Child safeguarding, Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing, (accessed 4 August 2022). A child safe organisation protects children from harm in an environment where children feel respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. A child safe and child friendly environment minimises the risk to children from physical, sexual, emotional and psychological harm and from neglect. SA legislation requires that organisations that provide services for children create and maintain a child safe environment.
- Screening Unit, Department of Human Services, (accessed 4 August 2022). The Department of Human Services (DHS) Screening Unit provides checks of workers and volunteers to organisations, contributing to creating safe environments for children and other vulnerable people.
- The South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People is an independent position, established under the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act 2016. The purpose of the legislation was to create a statutory officer that has powers and functions to promote and advocate for the rights, interests and wellbeing of all children and young people living in South Australia and to help bring about improvements to the systems that negatively impact on them most.
- More than a game: what do children and young people think about sport? Project report No.31, South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People, (June 2022). The aim of this report is to bring children and young people’s voices to the fore in a way that will support change being made to the cultural conditions and infrastructure that currently surround sport and physical activity in South Australia. Doing so will encourage greater and ongoing participation from children and young people because they will have had input into what services and infrastructure needs to be delivered and where.
- Government of South Australia’s response to the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission report: The life they deserve, Government of South Australia, (November 2016). Children and young people have a fundamental right to grow up happy and cared for, to be kept safe from harm and to be supported to fulfil their potential. The government's response, 'A Fresh Start,' aims to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, their families and the broader South Australian community by proposing extensive improvements to our state’s child protection system. It responds to each of the recommendations from the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission, but also goes further to develop a broader child development system. This system begins before birth and seeks to avoid children ever needing statutory child protection.
- Child Protection Systems Royal Commission: SA commits $432 million to changes, Nick Harsen, ABC news, (29 November 2016). South Australia will spend $432 million on changes to its child welfare systems, in the wake of scathing findings by the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission.
Agencies and resources
- Child Safety Service, Department of Communities Tasmania, (accessed 8 July 2022).
- Child Safety and Sport, Sport and Recreation Tasmania, (accessed 8 July 2022). Protecting children and young people from harm and abuse in sport and recreation is a moral and legal obligation. It is also critical to making sure children and young people enjoy sport and become lifelong participants.
- Registration to work with vulnerable people, Consumer, Building and Occupational Services, (accessed 12 May 2021).
- Strong protections in place to protect Tasmanian children, Tasmanian Government, (4 February 2021). The Tasmanian Government’s priority is to protect the safety of our most vulnerable, including children involved in sporting organisations that rely on volunteers.
Agencies and resources
- Child safe standards, Commission for Children and Young People, (accessed 12 August 2022). Victoria has introduced compulsory minimum standards that apply to organisations that provide services for children to help ensure the safety of children. The child safe standards form part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry.
- Child Safe Sport, Vicsport, (accessed 12 August 2022) Victorian Child Safe Standards have come into effect to better protect children and young people from abuse. From 1 July 2022, the Victorian Government brought in eleven new Standards that replaced Victoria’s original seven standards and principles.
- Working With Children in Victoria? You might need the Check, Working with Children Check Victoria, (accessed 12 August 2022).
Agencies and resources
- Child safeguarding, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, (last reviewed 23 June 2022). Every child has the right to feel safe when participating in arts, cultural, community, sporting and recreation activities.
- The Law and sport - Junior sport policy, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (last reviewed 16 March 2022). Sport and the law is a complex area for clubs and associations. This guideline focuses on the legislation that exists to ensure the safety, health and welfare of young people who participate in junior sport, including child protection.
- Safer WA For Children and Young People, Government of Western Australia, (accessed 12 August 2022). Developed as part of the Western Australian Government's implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The website serves as an all-purpose child safety hub, bringing together relevant safety tips and key information about keeping children and young people safe to make them accessible and easy to locate.
- Child Safeguarding, Sport West, (accessed 12 August 2022). SportWest is in the process of establishing a Child Safeguarding in Sport Advisory Group and planning for a possible WA child safeguarding in sport initiative.
- Working with Children Check and related resources.
Child Safe Sporting Organisations
A child-safe organisation has a commitment to protect children from physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological harm and from neglect. This is more than simply minimising the risk or danger to children. It is about building an environment that is both child-safe and child-friendly; an environment where children can feel respected, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
This commitment is a part of the organisation's culture, reinforced by policies and procedures, and is communicated and supported by all members.
The Australian Child Safe Organisations project highlights that child safe organisations consciously and systematically:
- Create an environment where children’s safety and wellbeing is at the centre of thought, values and actions.
- Place emphasis on genuine engagement with and valuing of children and young people.
- Create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and young people.
- Create conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying any harm.
- Respond to any concerns, disclosures, allegations or suspicions of harm.
Sport Integrity Australia states that "it is essential everyone involved with delivering sport in Australia understands the important legal and governance responsibilities they have in relation to child safety. This includes boards, committees, administrators, volunteers, coaches, parents and participants."
To be eligible for recognition by the ASC as a National Sporting Organisations and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSO/D) an organisation must adopt, implement and enforce national integrity policies, approved by Sport Integrity Australia, including the Child safeguarding policy.
A list of NSO/Ds that have adopted the National Integrity Framework is available on the Sport Integrity Australia website.
Child Safe Sport policies and commitments
- Child Safe Sport Framework, Artistic Swimming Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). The Artistic Swimming Child Safe Sport Framework is a comprehensive policy and procedures document that details our shared responsibilities for protecting children and members' welfare. The ASAI Safe Sport Framework has been broken down into the following different components and provides a suite of policy documents and guidance to protect children and young people in our sport:
- Child Safe Sport Commitment Statement;
- Code of conduct;
- Recruitment policy;
- Induction and training policy; and
- Reporting policy.
- National Integrity Framework, Athletics Australia, (1 July 2022). All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of our athletes. We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the federal agency established to prevent and deal with integrity threats in sport.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- Safeguarding Children and Young People policies, Australian Football League, (accessed 15 August 2022).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Commitment Statement (December 2019).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy (December 2019).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct (December 2019).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Reporting Procedure (December 2019).
- National Integrity Framework, Baseball Australia, (1 July 2022). All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of people who participate. We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the national agency established to protect sport against integrity threats.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- National Integrity Framework, Bowls Australia, (15 June 2022). All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of our athletes. We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the federal agency established to prevent and deal with integrity threats in sport. Bowls has opted-in to the independent complaints handling process for integrity-related issues run by Sport Integrity Australia. From June 14, 2022 concerns or complaints about alleged breaches of our National Integrity Framework can be reported directly to Sport Integrity Australia.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- National Integrity Framework, Paddle Australia, (1 July 2022). The National Integrity Framework is one of Paddle Australia’s responses to the threats to the integrity of paddling and sets out the broad expectations for the conduct of all Participants in paddling, including procedures for managing, reporting, investigating and determining potential breaches of its Integrity Policies.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
Policies
- Safeguarding children and young people, Cricket Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). Australian Cricket is committed to ensuring that every cricket participant, including children and young people, participates in our sport free of abuse, harassment, bullying or any other form of inappropriate conduct. Australian Cricket’s Looking After Our Kids details cricket’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people and other resources in the safeguarding of children and young people in our sport including the following policies and codes:
- Australian Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children and Young People
- Australian Cricket’s Looking After Our Kids Code of Behaviour for Affiliated Associations and Clubs
- Australian Cricket’s Looking After Our Kids Code of Behaviour for Australian Cricket Personnel
- Commitment Statement for Safeguarding Children and Young People
Resources
- Looking After Our Kids Action Plan, (August 2021). This resource assists committee members within affiliated associations and clubs to adopt Australian Cricket’s Policy for Safeguarding Children and Young People and deliver a child safe sport.
- Child Safety Officer Toolkit, (accessed 15 August 2022). The Australian Cricket Child Safety Officer (CSO) Toolkit is a collection of resources designed to assist CSOs to promote a culture of child safety within their club, association or indoor centre. It includes: Templates to help you promote child safety; Templates to help you talk about child safety; Resources assisting you to empower children and young people.
- Child Safe Sport Policy and Code of Behaviour, AusCycling, (24 November 2020). Developed to protect children and young people engaged in all disciplines of cycling, these guidelines have been formally approved and endorsed by our Board of Directors. As part of our commitment to observing these codes of behaviour Board, staff, officials, volunteers and AusCycling accredited coaches, instructors and presenters will be required to sign the appropriate declaration.
- Child Safe Sport Commitment, AusCycling, (2 September 2020). AusCycling is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who are involved in our sport.
- Child Safe Framework, Diving Australia (December 2019). The Diving Australia (DA) Child Safe Framework forms part of DA's proactive approach and commitment to the safety and wellbeing all Children who access our activities, programs, services or facilities. This includes providing everyone involved in our sport including, children and young people, with a positive and enriching sporting environment that promotes their participation and development in the sport. It is important to acknowledge that DA’s athlete membership base is young – with a significantly high percentage that are under 18. Young children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and extremely reliant on the adults around them to provide a safe environment.
- Safeguarding Children and Adults Policy, Dodgeball Federation Australia, (2018). The purpose of this policy is to outline the duty and responsibility of staff, volunteers and Members working on behalf of or as Members of Dodgeball Federation Australia (DFA), in relation to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.
- National Integrity Framework, Equestrian Australia, (17 December 2021). All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of people who participate. We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the national agency established to protect sport against integrity threats.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- National Integrity Framework, (1 July 2022). AFDA has adopted the National Integrity Framework (NIF) which will come into effect on 1 July 2022. The NIF policies apply to all levels of flying disc sports across Australia, including AFDA, its State Member Organisations, affiliated organisations such as Australian Disc Golf and leagues and clubs.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy South Australian Addendum
- Safeguarding, Football Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). Football Australia and its affiliated Football Entities aims to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all Members participating in football. Everyone involved in our sport should be treated with respect and dignity and be free to participate without being discriminated against, harassed, bullied or abused. Resources include:
- Member protection framework: safeguarding policy (December 2020).
- State member protection information officers
- Child protection and procedures for handling child abuse allegations
- Working with children checks
- Make a report
- National Integrity Framework, Golf Australia, (1 July 2022). Golf Australia has adopted the National Integrity Framework, and these policies and procedures have been approved by Sport Integrity Australia. The Framework is a streamlined suite of policies that sets out the broad expectations for the conduct of those within our sport. These expectations relate to safeguarding children, member protection, competition manipulation and sports wagering, and the misuse of drugs and medicines.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- National Integrity Framework, Gymnastics Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). If you are a Gymnastics Australia Affiliated Club or Technical Member, or a parent/guardian of a child participating in our sport, you can find more information by clicking on the relevant links below:
- Child Safeguarding Policy, Gymnastics Australia, (4 April 2022).
- Codes of Behaviour, Gymnastics Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). GA requires certain standards of behaviour by all persons involved in our organisation and in our sport. These codes of behaviour are outlined in full in the Member Protection Policy and Child Safe Policy. We have also developed more accessible versions of the Child Safe Codes of Behaviour as a series of Videos, a Guide and a Poster.
- Gymnastics Australia announces plans to implement a Restorative Engagement Scheme, (17 December 2021). Following the release of the Change the Routine Report in May 2021, Gymnastics Australia made a formal acknowledgement and unreserved apology to all athletes and family members who had experienced any form of abuse while participating in the sport. But for many people, Gymnastics Australia acknowledges that this is not enough. Drawing on best practice experience for restorative engagement, the Scheme will provide a forum where individuals can be heard, acknowledged, and provided with a personal apology.
- Child Safe Commitment Statement: Gymnastics in Australia, Executive Directors, Gymnastics Australia, (29 April 2021).
- Commitment Statement: Gymnastics in Australia Child Safety, Gymnastics Australia, (2 October 2020). The President of Gymnastics Australia, alongside the Presidents of all our member State and Territory Associations, herby sign this Child Protection Commitment Statement on the 2nd October 2020.
- Safe Hockey Hub, Hockey Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). Hockey Australia and all State and Territory Member Associations are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who are involved in our sport. Safe Hockey is our comprehensive and accessible resource hub designed to give all members of the hockey community the information they need to help us fulfil this commitment.
- Safe Hockey Statement of Commitment.
- Safe Hockey Policies and Procedures are our rules, expectations and obligations around safeguarding children and young people. They sit within the National Integrity Framework and are divided into 5 chapters to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for: Safe Leadership; Safe People; Safe Behaviours; Safe Environments: Safe Responses.
- Safe Hockey Community Guidelines are the one stop shop for community hockey. Here you will find information, fact sheets, resources and more to help guide you towards safer environments for our young athletes. Whatever your role, there is information for you here including: Young athletes; Adult athletes; Families; Umpires and officials; Coaches and managers; Clubs and associations.
- Safe Hockey Resources. A range of resources, including ready to use posters and social media tiles, as well as editable assets, are available for use. To view and download resources related to Safe Hockey, including resources for Young Adults, Families and more.
- Child Safe Policy, Ice Hockey Australia, (August 2020). Ice Hockey Australia is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people accessing our service. Ice Hockey Australia supports the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child safe environment is always maintained. We also support the rights and wellbeing of staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all participants.
- Child safeguarding policy, Lacrosse Australia, (11 July 2022). Lacrosse is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Children that are involved in our sport. Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to child safety and to establish child safe culture and practices.
- Lacrosse Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- National Integrity Framework, Motorcycling Australia, (1 June 2022). With the clear purpose of fortifying our Sport’s culture, MA has adopted and implemented a updated National Integrity Framework (NIF). This framework has been driven by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and Sport Australia as part of a range of reforms. The National Integrity Framework applies to everyone who is involved in our Sport
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- National Integrity Framework, Pony Club Australia, (1 July 2022). The National Integrity Framework applies to all activities organised or authorised by Pony Club Australia or a Member Organisation and will be adopted in full by each Pony Club® Organisation.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- National Integrity Framework, Rowing Australia, (1 July 2022). Rowing Australia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children in Rowing by providing a safe and inclusive environment and by ensuring that everyone involved in Rowing is educated and informed of their responsibilities to protect and look after Children.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- Child Protection and Safeguarding Children, National Rugby League, (accessed 15 August 2022). The NRL are committed to promoting a safe environment for all Children and Young People and to assisting staff, officials, players, coaches, members and volunteers to recognise child protection issues and safeguarding procedures. As a sport, we must always place the safety and welfare of Children and Young People above all other considerations.
- Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, (23 March 2022).
- Child Safe Code of Behaviour, (23 March 2022).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People: Complaints and Reporting Procedure, (23 March 2022).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People: Induction and Training Requirements, (23 March 2022).
- Safeguarding Children and Young People: Recruitment and Screening Requirements, (23 March 2022).
- Child safety, Rugby Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). Rugby Australia is committed to ensuring that rugby is a safe environment for children and young people. Includes:
- Child Safe Commitment statement
- Child Safe Framework and Guidelines
- Resources
- Reporting
- Working with children checks
- National Integrity Framework, Australian Sailing, (1 March 2022). Australian Sailing has adopted the NIF in its entirety, which means that Sport Integrity Australia will now independently manage the assessment and referral of complaints, as outlined in the Complaints, Disputes and Discipline Policy, where previously this was administered by Australian Sailing. This will reduce the burden on administrators and volunteers and provide athletes and participants with a consistent, fair, and independent dispute resolution process. The Child Safeguarding Policy is part of Australian Sailing’s proactive and preventative approach to upholding its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all children who access Sailing.
- Child Safeguarding Policy (31 March 2022)
- State specific requirements
- Child abuse reporting contacts
- National Integrity Framework, Ski and Snowboard Australia, (1 June 2022). The National Integrity Framework is one of Snow Australia's responses to the threats to the integrity of Snowsorts and sets out the broad expectations for the conduct of all Participants in Snowsports, including procedures for managing, reporting, investigating and determining potential breaches of its Integrity Policies. The Child Safeguarding and Member Protection highlight the important legal and governance responsibilities in relation to child safety and member protection.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- Statement of Commitment. Snow Australia is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making.
- National Integrity Framework, Sport Climbing Australia, (21 June 2022). Sport Climbing Australia (SCA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children in Sport Climbing by providing a safe and inclusive environment and by ensuring that everyone involved in Sport Climbing is educated and informed of their responsibilities to protect and look after Children.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- Child Safe, Surf Life Saving Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). The Child Safe Program assists Surf Life Saving (SLS) in our commitment to the protection of Children and Young People (CYP) from abuse, harm and exploitation. The program builds the capacity of SLS to protect our CYP by providing resources and education to support clubs to provide a safe environment for all members. The following resources are available:
- Child Safe Policy (May 2022)
- Child Safe Commitment (July 2022)
- Child Safe Guidelines: Handbook for clubs (July 2022)
- Child Safe Course
- Member Protection and Inclusion
- Reporting
- National Integrity Framework, Swimming Australia, (15 June 2022). Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Framework applies to all Activities organised or authorised by Swimming Australia or a Member Organisation.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- National Redress Scheme Statement (accessed 15 August 2022). Swimming Australia has commenced the onboarding process for the National Redress Scheme with the Department of Social Services (DSS) and communicated our intent to join the scheme.
- National Integrity Framework, Australian Taekwondo, (13 September 2021). Australian Taekwondo has adopted Sports Integrity Australia's National Integrity Framework to protect the integrity of Taekwondo in Australia and ensure a safe, fair and healthy environment for participants at all levels. The National Integrity Framework sets the standard of behaviour accepted within our sport at all levels and applies to clubs, athletes, members, coaches, referees, volunteers, parents, and employees.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Safeguarding Children Resources. Tennis Australia, (accessed 15 August 2022). Resources include Tennis Australia's Commitment Statement, Reporting and assistance contacts, and additional resources for Clubs and associations; Coaches; and parents/guardians.
- Safeguarding Children Code of Conduct, (effective 6 October 2021). The Tennis Australia Safeguarding Children Code of Conduct has been developed specifically to protect the health, safety and well-being of all children participating in Australian tennis programs, activities, events or services, and to outline the clear behaviour standards required of personnel when dealing with children participating in Australian tennis.
- Member Protection Policy, (effective 6 October 2021). Tennis Australia recently commenced a national review which aimed to strengthen TAs approach to safeguarding children and young people who participate in tennis. As a result of this review, Tennis Australia has made significant changes to the Tennis Australia Member Protection Policy. These changes are aimed at implementing best practice and standards to protect children and young people in their care.
- National Integrity Framework, Tenpin Bowling Australia, (June 2022). Tenpin Bowling Australia takes integrity seriously. All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of our athletes. We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the federal agency established to prevent and deal with integrity threats in sport.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- National Integrity Framework, Australian Curling Federation, (30 June 2022). The Australian Curling Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children in Curling by providing a safe and inclusive environment and by ensuring that everyone involved in Curling is educated and informed of their responsibilities to protect and look after Children.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- Child Safe Child Friendly Policy, Disabled Wintersport Australia, (12 June 2019). The aim of this Policy is to protect the safety of children in our care and prevent abuse occurring, and in the event that allegations are raised in relation to child abuse, to ensure that the allegations are properly addressed. All complaints will be treated seriously and fully investigated and handled with maximum confidentiality and discretion.
- National Integrity Framework, Wrestling Australia, (25 February 2022). All our members and participants have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as the health and wellbeing of our athletes. We work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the national agency established to protect sport against integrity threats.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Member Protection Policy
- Child Safe Sport Commitment statement, Deaf Sports Australia, (November 2018). The DSA Board of Directors on behalf of its members approves and endorses this statement and commitment to keeping children and young people from abuse and neglect.
- Child Safe Sport Commitment, Disability Sports Australia, (April 2019). The Disability Sports Australia Board of Directors approves and endorses Disability Sports Australia and divisions and entities’ commitment to keeping children and young people from abuse and neglect.
- National Integrity Framework, Special Olympics Australia, (1 July 2022). Participation in sport should be safe for all. We are committed to ensuring that people in sport, including children, are treated with respect, dignity, and are protected from bullying, discrimination, harassment, or abuse. The Child Safeguarding and Member Protection highlight the important legal and governance responsibilities in relation to child safety and member protection.
- Child Safeguarding Policy
- Child Safeguarding Policy - South Australia Addendum
- Member Protection Policy
Resources for organisations and parents
Acquiring and displaying images of children
In Australia there is no federal law restricting photography of people in public spaces as long as the images are not: indecent, used for inappropriate purposes, in violation of a court order, defamatory, or used for commercial purposes (this may require consent). However, photographing children involved in sport and recreation activities can put children at risk, particularly if the images are used inappropriately, posted on websites, or distributed in publications. Mobile phone technology has added a new dimension to unsolicited photography and has introduced privacy issues. At this time, technology is still well-ahead of legislation.
The following resources address the issue of acquiring and displaying images of children:
- Images of children and young people online, Australian Institute of Family Studies: Child Family Community Australia, (April 2015). There are a range of reasons why people or organisations might wish to publish images of people online, including for recording, documenting and advertising or for promoting an organisation's activities and experiences.
- Photos, videos, and social media. Office of the eSafety Commissioner, Australian Government. Provides advice relating to taking photos and videos and sharing them online.
- Taking images or video of children at sporting events, Play By The Rules, (accessed 14 May 2021). There are important considerations for sports clubs when acquiring and displaying images of children and young people on social media, websites, online, in publications or other mediums.
- Unauthorised photographs on the internet and ancillary privacy issues, Queensland Government, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, (July 2016).
Handling complaints
Sporting organisations are encouraged to have specific and legally appropriate policies and procedures in place for handling complaints. Any complaint must be taken seriously and addressed; victims treated with sensitivity; and the adult subject of the allegation treated with due fairness, within the policies and procedures of the organisation.
- Sport Governance Principles: Principle 8, Sport Australia, (2020).
- Section 8.2: The organisation has a defined process for reporting integrity issues (e.g. bullying, corruption, harassment, doping) throughout the organisation and escalation to the board and Sport Integrity Australia where appropriate.
- Section 8.3 - The organisation has clearly defined processes for resolving sports related disputes that include both internal means of handling complaints, and external dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Best practice for handling child abuse investigations in sport, Spaffort R, Pepper C and Ryan C, Law In Sport, (6 January 2017). Some of the UK’s most iconic and well-known institutions have faced allegations of historical sex abuse of young people. Particular attention is now focussed upon the world of football, which is currently facing a tidal wave of sex abuse allegations made by former players. This article examines: (1) why this is happening in sport; (2) recognition that sex abuse in the UK must be addressed; (3) what to do if an allegation is made; and (4) investigation protocols.
Member Protection
Member Protection Policies are considered a key part of a sport's integrity framework, one of several steps to address issues of harassment, discrimination, and child protection within organisations.
Australian Government funded sports are required to have a compliant Member Protection Policy to receive government funding.
- Sport Governance Principles: Principle 8, Sport Australia, (2020). An organisation should have measures and protocols to ensure integrity of the sport and safeguard its participants.
- Section 8.4: The organisation’s Member Protection Policy and Child Safeguarding Policy are compliant with Sport Australia and Sport Integrity Australia requirements and,
- Section 8.5: The organisation has established mechanisms to create a culture that promotes inclusion, safety and good behaviour through codes of behaviour and education to support their Member Protection Policy and Child Safeguarding Policy.
In May 2016 the Australian Olympic Committee also amended the Olympic Team Nomination and Selection By-Law to state that:
"Only those National Federations that have adopted and implemented a Member Protection Policy with which they conform and comply may nominate athletes for selection to, or membership or continued membership of, any (Olympic) Team".
Coates introduces tighter controls to prevent child abuse, AOC Media Release, 7 May 2016
In effect this means that athletes from any National Federation without a compliant Member Protection Policy will not be allowed to compete at the Olympic Games.
Parents
Your club is responsible for creating a safe place for your child to have fun, develop skills, learn valuable lessons, and build character. As a parent there are a number of things you can do to maximise your child’s enjoyment and minimise potential risks to their well-being including knowing the right questions to ask your club administrators.
You can ask to see if the club has a junior sport policy; has a member protection policy; regularly screens its coaches and administrators; and/or regularly promotes guidelines for creating a safe, fair, and inclusive environment for participants.
- Parent/guardian resource kit. Tennis Australia, (2017). The resource kit is intended to provide you with information regarding child-safety initiatives in Australian tennis. The resources have been developed in association with the ACF and are based on nationally recognised standards for the ACF Safeguarding Children program. This kit is part of a broader campaign, additional resources are available from Tennis Australia's website.
- Helping keep your child safe in sport, Child protection leaflet for parents, UK Child Protection in Sport Unit, Sport England, (2015)
- Keeping Children Safe in Recreation and Sport, Government of South Australia, Office of Recreation and Sport, (June 2019).
- Managing Risks - Parents Play By The Rules.
- The Underwear Rule: Simple conversations to keep your child safe from abuse. UK National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Teach your child the Underwear Rule and help protect them from abuse. It's a simple way that parents can help keep children safe from sexual abuse – without using scary words or even mentioning sex. Our simple guides (available in multiple languages) will help you talk PANTS with your child.
Further information
International practice
- Safe Sport Training, Coaching Association of Canada, (accessed 17 May 2021). Creating a culture where everyone can thrive is a shared responsibility. The Safe Sport Training module developed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) will help anyone involved in sport identify and prevent situations of maltreatment.
- Minister Duncan Announces Stronger Measures to Eliminate Harassment, Abuse and Discrimination in Sport, Canadian government media release , (19 June 2018). Effective immediately: Federally funded sport organizations must take all necessary measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse or discrimination of any kind; They must immediately disclose any incident of harassment, abuse or discrimination that could compromise the project or programming to the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities; They must make provisions—within their governance framework—for access to an independent third party to address harassment and abuse cases; They must provide mandatory training on harassment and abuse to their members by April 1, 2020 and are challenged to make this a priority and put mandatory training in place as soon as possible.
- Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM), Coaching Association of Canada, (June 2016). Responsible coaching allows you to support your participants’ right to a safe, positive environment. RCM is a multi-phase system-wide movement, coordinated by the Coaching Association of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport that has the potential to affect all sport organizations and coaches.
- Child Safeguarding in Sport (CSiS) is a European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (COE) joint project (1 March 2020-31 October 2021). Its main aims are to guide and accompany European countries in the setting up of positions of Child Safeguarding Officers in sport. The CSiS project builds upon the results and lessons learnt from two previous EU-COE joint projects Pro Safe Sport for young athletes 2014-2015, and Pro Safe Sport+ (2017).
- Pro Safe Sport,Council of Europe, European Union, (accessed 17 May 2021). The project entitled “Pro Safe Sport +: Put an end to sexual harassment and abuse against children in sport” (PSS+) was a nine-month project that commenced in April 2017, aimed at promoting a safe and healthy environment for young athletes. Sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation of children are widespread violations of the rights of the child, compromising the children’s social development and often having devastating mental and physical health consequences. Sport is an environment that encourages close relationships and trust between peers, coaches, team and support staff. Combating and preventing all forms of gender-based violence in the field of sport, and in particular sexual violence against children, is a priority for both the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe (CoE). Progress has been made to implement policy standards that can help to effectively protect children; and prevent and respond to sexual and other forms of gender-based violence in sport. Despite the calls for reform and efforts to create standards that apply to sporting environments, progress is still slow and fragmented. A number of EU member states and sport organisations still have not prepared and adopted a national policy against sexual violence in sport.
- Start to Talk, (accessed 17 May 2021) A Council of Europe call for action to public authorities and the sport movement to stop child sexual abuse launched in 2017. It is a follow-up to the two successful Pro Safe Sport projects (in 2014 and 2017). So far, Start to talk has been launched in seven countries (Croatia, Finland, France, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Spain).
- Safeguarding Children in Sport: A mapping study, European Commission, (September 2019). The key aims of this small-scale research study were to undertake a rapid review of empirical evidence on violence against children in sport across the EU and to analyse how safeguarding issues are dealt with at national and/or international level through legal instruments and policy initiatives. This would serve to provide the European Commission with adequate knowledge of existing initiatives in order to identify where best to focus its efforts and those of the Member States.
- European Sports Charter, Council of Europe, (2001). Provides guidance for the Council of Europe’s member states to perfect existing legislations or other policies and to develop a comprehensive framework for sport. The Code of Sports Ethics acts as a complement to the Charter.
- Code of Sports Ethics, Council of Europe, (2010). The Code of Sport Ethics recommends when working with young people to ensure that safeguards are in place within the context of an overall framework of support and protection for children, young people and women, both to protect the above groups from sexual harassment and abuse and to prevent the exploitation of children, particularly those who demonstrate precocious ability.
- Safeguarding Athletes from Harassment and Abuse, Athlete 365 International Olympic Committee, (accessed 17 May 2021). Join Dr Margo Mountjoy and former ice hockey player Sheldon Kennedy in strengthening your knowledge on safeguarding athletes. Margo and Sheldon, who was abused for years by his junior coach as a teenager, offer vital education on harassment and abuse in sport. This course offers the education and tools to effectively safeguard athletes and take responsibility in offering support and protection. A key take away will be in building your awareness of when harassment and abuse could be occurring around you and how to step in.
- Safeguarding children in European football, sportanddev.org, (9 December 2020). UEFA and Terre des hommes have launched a website dedicated to child safeguarding in football, including four online courses for different audiences. UEFA and Terre des hommes, after extensive and thorough consultation with UEFA’s 55 member associations, have developed a child safeguarding framework aimed at supporting UEFA and its members in reviewing or implementing a range of measures to protect and safeguard children from abuse and/or harm and deal effectively with any concerns that may arise.
- UEFA – Terre des hommes partnership: Ensuring that football is a safe and positive experience for children, UEFA Safeguarding EU, (accessed 17 May 2021). Our vision for European football is to be a safe, positive and enjoyable environment for everyone, irrespective of their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and social background, religion, level of ability and level of involvement in the game. And this is all the more important when it comes to children, as they are so vulnerable. UEFA has an unwavering commitment to strengthen the protection of children in sport, particularly in football. We reaffirm our commitment to the safe participation of young people, at all levels of the game. Terre des hommes (Tdh) is the leading Swiss organisation for children’s aid. Through its health, protection and emergency relief programmes, Tdh helps over four million children and their families in more than 40 countries each year.
- IOC Consensus Statement: harassment and abuse (non-accidental violence) in sport, Mountjoy M, Brackenridge C, Arrington M, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, (2016). This Consensus Statement extends the 2007 IOC Consensus Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport, presenting additional evidence of several other types of harassment and abuse—psychological, physical and neglect. All ages and types of athletes are susceptible to these problems but science confirms that elite, disabled, child and lesbian/gay/bisexual/trans-sexual (LGBT) athletes are at highest risk, that psychological abuse is at the core of all other forms and that athletes can also be perpetrators.
- International Safeguards for Children in Sport, International Safeguarding for Children in Sport Working Group, (2016). These Safeguards aim to outline the things that should be put in place by any organisation providing sports activities to children and young people. The Safeguards should be viewed as guides, which facilitate an organisation’s journey towards safeguarding children rather than an end in themselves. They reflect international declarations, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, relevant legislation, government guidance, existing child protection/safeguarding standards and good practice. They have been informed by research conducted by Brunel University with a diverse range of perspectives from different countries and stakeholder groups during an extensive piloting phase. These Safeguards represent collective good practice at a point in time and will be subject to periodic review to ensure they reflect developments within safeguarding practice.
- Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Women Win (2012). Women Win (WW) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence on gender and sport. This policy is developed to ensure the highest standards of professional and personal practice by persons associated with Women Win, both inside and outside the work environment. This includes but is not limited to: staff, volunteers, interns, the leadership and beneficiaries of program partners (defined in this document as: local organisations working with children in sports related programs), consultants, suppliers, investors, strategic partners, researchers, Board members, Advisory Council members. Specifically this Child Protection Policy aims to protect children by prohibiting:
- hitting, physically assaulting or physically abusing children;
- any relationships with children which are exploitative, abusive or put children at risk of abuse;
- employing children in contravention of ILO Convention 138 and 182;
- putting children in harmful or potentially harmful situations.
- Safeguarding Guidance for Children and Young People in Sport, Sport Ireland, (accessed 17 May 2021). The aim of this guidance document is to help sporting bodies to create a culture of safety that promotes the welfare of children and young people engaged in sporting activities. This guidance document supports National Governing Bodies to meet their child safeguarding and child protection responsibilities which are cognisant of, and in line with, requirements under policy/legislation and with best practice.
- Safeguarding Training. Sport Ireland offers three workshop in the area of Safeguarding and child protection.
- Staying Safe Online. The Sport Ireland Staying Safe Online resource is web based information and guidance tool on internet safety predominately aimed at parents/guardians/coaches. The resource provides detailed content on all aspects of online safety.
- Garda Vetting. The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016 provides a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. The Act also creates offences and penalties for persons who fail to comply with its provisions.
- National Children Officers. Each Governing Body of Sport should appoint a National Children's Officer. The National Children's Officer should be a member of the Executive Committee, or have access to the committee and its accompanying documents, to ensure that children's interests are kept on, and influence the decisions of, the agenda of the Governing Body.
- Gymnastics New Zealand Whole of Sport Review, Gymnastics New Zealand (accessed 17 May 2021). In July 2020, Gymnastics New Zealand was made aware of a number of distressing and concerning allegations of abuse within the sport. Following these—alongside with Sport NZ Interim Complaints Mechanism and Gymnastics NZ Safe Sport mechanism—a wider review into the sport of gymnastics in New Zealand was instigated.
- Independent Review of Gymnastics New Zealand, David Howman, Lesley Nicol, Rachel Vickery, (February 2021). The objective of the review was to allow the reviewer to develop a holistic view of GNZ’s sporting culture and its influence/impact on its past and present members.
- Gymnastics New Zealand releases report following Independent Whole of Sport Review, Gymnastics New Zealand, (10 February 2021). Gymnastics New Zealand (Gymnastics NZ) has released the report documenting the findings of the independent review which was commissioned following serious and distressing allegations of abuse within the sport.
- 'We're sorry' - Gymnastics New Zealand apologises for abusive practices, Zoe George, Stuff NZ, (10 February 2021). Gymnastics New Zealand has formally apologised to those in the community who have experienced abuse, following the release of the “confronting, sobering” independent review into the sport.
- Safe Sport for Children, Sport New Zealand (2017). Children want to be in an environment that is safe and supportive, where they are encouraged to be the best they can be and gain maximum enjoyment from what they are doing. Safe sport for children is about balancing what children want to get from their sports experience while ensuring they are not subject to harm caused by an adverse social/or physical environment. Children can be harmed through their experiences of sport and recreation. This harm can take many forms including: physical harm from engaging in a physical activity, emotional abuse, bullying, put-downs, inappropriate cultural practices, physical and sexual abuse, and other harmful practices. Harmful practices have no place in children’s sport.
- Good Practice Principles for the Provision of Sport and Recreation for Young People, Sport New Zealand, (June 2014). Early experiences shape life-long attitudes. It's critical that young people enjoy their formative sport and recreation experiences in order to develop and retain a love of sport for the rest of their lives.
- Joint UK Sport and Sport England statement on the publication of the Whyte Review interim report, UK Sport, (published 9 March 2021). The interim report has concluded that there are no amendments currently required to the terms of reference and so Sport England and UK Sport will now wait for the full Review to be completed before making further comment.
- Child Protection in Sport Unit (accessed 17 May 2021). The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is part of the NSPCC and is funded by Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland and Sport Wales and UK Sport. The Unit maintains a website which contains information including Resources, News and Events, Help and Advice.
- Standards for safeguarding and protecting children in sport, (updated 7 September 2018). These Standards provide a framework for all those involved in sport to help them create a safe sporting environment for children and young people and protect them from harm.
- The Framework for maintaining and embedding safeguarding for children in and through sport, (updated 27 February 2019). The Framework was developed in conjunction with partner agencies to support this 'maintaining and embedding’ safeguarding work.
- Safe Sport Events Management Tool, (updated 25 August 2016).
- Safe use of changing facilities, (updated 23 July 2020). This briefing on the safe use of changing facilities (PDF) provides guidance on how to safeguard children and young people when they are using sports changing facilities. It includes recommended levels of adult supervision and examples of changing-room policies.
- Sample online safety and social media policy, (updated 23 November 2017). Provides an example of the procedures that should support the use of social media and other online services within your club or organisation.
- Standards for safeguarding and protecting children in sport, (updated 7 September 2018). These Standards provide a framework for all those involved in sport to help them create a safe sporting environment for children and young people and protect them from harm.
- Safeguarding, Sport England, (accessed 17 May 2021). We all have a role to play in keeping others safe and people should know what to do if they have any concerns. That’s why we're working to support parents, carers, organisations, associations, clubs, activity providers, instructors/teachers/coaches and leaders to safeguard children and adults at risk.
- The Whyte Review, (2020). In July 2020 a significant number of gymnasts, and parents of gymnasts, made allegations about mistreatment within the sport of gymnastics. A number of the concerns alleged that British Gymnastics had failed to deal appropriately with complaints it had received. In response to these issues being raised, UK Sport and Sport England ('the Commissioning Organisations') have appointed Anne Whyte QC ('the Reviewer') to undertake an independent review ('The Whyte Review') into the issues that have been raised.
- Truth Project Thematic Report: Child sexual abuse in sports, Dr Andrea Darling, Laura Pope, Dr Jamie-Lee Mooney, et.al., IICSA Research Team, Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse, (June 2020). This report describes the experiences of Truth Project participants sexually abused in sports contexts between the 1950s and 2010s, with the most recent cases in our sample beginning in the early 2010s. The research findings included in this report are only indicative of the specific experiences of those who chose to share their experiences with the Truth Project. Of the 3,939 people who shared their experience, 2% described child sexual abuse that took place in a sports context. Of these participants 91% reported being sexually abused by a sports coach or volunteer in a sports organisation and sports clubs were most frequently reported as the location of the abuse (61%).
- Duty of Care in sport review, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Independent Report to Government, (April 2017). In December 2015, as part of the Sporting Future strategy, the Minister for Sport asked Baroness Grey-Thompson to conduct an independent review into the Duty of Care sport has towards its participants. This report sets out the findings of that review.
- Duty of care in sport, NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, (2020). This briefing on Duty of Care (PDF) clarifies what that duty entails for sports organisations, and provides some guidance as to what steps can be taken in order to demonstrate that this duty is being met.
- Standards for child wellbeing and protection in sport, sportscotland, (2017). The Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport and accompanying self-evaluation tool have been developed by the Safeguarding in Sport service for sportscotland, to enable sports organisations to put measures in place that help them on a journey to achieve these goals and beyond.
- U.S. Center for SafeSport, The Center opened its doors in Denver, Colorado, in March 2017. Under the 'Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017' it develops resources and policies to safeguard athletes from bullying, harassment, hazing, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual misconduct. The law entrusts the Center as the exclusive authority to respond to reports of allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct within the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and their recognized National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
- SafeSport Code, U.S. Center for SafeSport, (effective 1 April 2020).
- Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), (23 January 2019). The U.S. Olympic Committee and national governing bodies (collectively, “Covered Organizations”) are required to follow these Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies. At a minimum, these policies are also strongly recommended for National Member Organizations and Local Affiliated Organizations, and, at a maximum, the NGBs may require said organizations to follow them. Covered Organizations are responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with these policies.
- U.S. Center for SafeSport: Preventing Abuse in Sports, Nicole Johnson, Katie Hanna, Julie Novak, et.al., Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, Volume 28(1), pp.66-71, (2020). This paper seeks to combine the current research on abuse in the sport environment with the work of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The inclusion of risk factors unique to sport and evidence-informed practices provides framing for the scope and response to sexual abuse in sport organizations in the United States. The paper then explores the creation and mission of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, including the role of education in prevention and of policy, procedures, audit, and compliance as important aspects of a comprehensive safeguarding strategy. This paper provides preliminary data on the reach of the Center, established in 2017. This data captures the scope of education and training and the increase in reports to the Center from within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
- Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, Public Law No: 115-126, U.S. Government Publishing Office, (February 2018). Partially in response to the Larry Nassar case this Federal law was passed requiring sports governing bodies to promptly report allegations of abuse to law enforcement agencies.
- United States Olympic Committee –Recognizing, reducing and responding to misconduct in sport: Creating your strategy, USOC Safe Sport Handbook (2012). There are many reasons to play sport with many potential benefits to participants. Unfortunately, sport can also be a high-risk environment for misconduct, including child physical and sexual abuse. This handbook offers strategies to deal with misconduct, they include: training and education; screening of staff, volunteers and contractors; establishing boundaries; managing training and competition; responding to abuse, misconduct and policy breaches, and; monitoring.
Case studies
In one of the most high profile sex abuse scandals in years doctor Larry Nassar, former doctor for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, was sentenced in early 2018 to more than 360 years in prison. Over 250 women, including several Olympic champions, accused Nassar of sexual abuse, with incidents occurring over decades under the guise of ‘medical treatment’. The scandal led the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to demand the resignation of the entire USA Gymnastics board. USOC also committed to launching an independent investigation into whether anyone in USA Gymnastics knew of the abuse and the systematic failures that led to the abuse being unchecked for so long. These, and some other stipulations, were required to be met or the organisation would be decertified. Additionally, a number of high profile sponsors withdrew support from USA Gymnastics.
- How Larry Nassar Got Away With It, Rebecca Schuman, Slate, (29 November 2017).
- USOC gives USA Gymnastics board six days to resign or federation will be decertified, Nancy Armour and Rachel Axon, USA Today , (25 January 2018).
- Sponsors Flee Scandal-Ridden USA Gymnastics, Post & Courier/Athletic Business, (January 2018).
- Report of the Independent Investigation: the constellation of factors underlying Larry Nassar's abuse of athletes, Joan McPhee, James P. Dowden, Ropes and Gray, (10 December 2018). Ropes and Gray conducted an independent investigation into the abuse of hundreds of elite and Olympic gymnasts and other children by Larry Nassar. The scope of our investigation extended not only to “who knew what when” and what was and was not done in response, but also to any systemic deficiencies, failures of oversight, cultural conditions or other factors contributing to Nassar’s serial sexual abuse of young athletes over an extended period of time. The independent investigation also looked across elite athletics and Olympic sports to identify any relevant facts and circumstances or patterns across the National Governing Bodies for Olympic sports to more broadly inform our assessment of contributing factors and conditions.
- 100s of USA swimmers were sexually abused for decades and the people in charge knew and ignored it, investigation finds, Scott M. Reid, Orange County Register, (16 February 2018).
- USA Swimming leaders Susan Woessner and Pat Hogan forced out following reporting on sexual abuse, Scott M. Reid, Orange County Register , (22 February 2018).
- Everett Uchiyama whistle blowers go public for first time, say USA Swimming failed to protect athletes, Scott M. Reid, Orange County Register, (23 February 2018).
- Top USA Swimming officials under fire for alleged culture of abuse, Scott McLean and Sara Weisfeldt, CNN, (26 February 2018).
Resources and reading
Access to resources
Where possible, direct links to full-text and online resources are provided. However, where links are not available, you may be able to access documents directly by searching our licenced full-text databases (note: user access restrictions apply). Alternatively, you can ask your institutional, university, or local library for assistance—or purchase documents directly from the publisher. You may also find the information you’re seeking by searching Google Scholar.
- The basics of safeguarding, UK Child Protection in Sport Unit, (22 October 2019). We discuss the basics of safeguarding for sports organisations and provide useful guidance to help sports clubs and organisations put these safeguards in place.
- Safeguarding children in sport, Australian Sports Commission, SoundCloud, (7 September 2017). Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) CEO Joe Tucci talks about the strategic work ACF’s doing in the child safeguarding space.
- Play By The Rules: Keeping kids safe in sport - a NSW perspective, Australian Sports Commission, SoundCloud, (August 2017). Play By The Rules’ Peter Downs talks to Kerryn Bolan (now former) Children’s Guardian in NSW
- Safeguarding, Child Protection and Abuse in Sport: International Perspectives in Research, Policy and Practice, 1st ed., M. Lang, M. Hartill (Eds.). Routledge Research in Sport, Culture and Society, (March 2016). Provides insight into the broader understanding of, and growing interest in, child athlete health and welfare, rights, and integrity in sport.
- Body Safety Australia, (accessed 17 May 2021). Promoting childhoods free from violence where children enjoy equitable and respectful relationships. Body Safety Australia is a not-for-profit organisation providing collaborative community solutions to foster robust, respectful relationships with children and young people. Our evidence-based strategies and programs empower and educate children and young people, their families, and professionals in the home and school environments, offline and online. Body Safety Australia provides a suite of programs including: Body Safety Superstars!; Naked Truths; Unique You; Gender Glorious; Speaker Program.
- Bravehearts Bravehearts Foundation, (accessed 17 may 2021). Bravehearts mission is to stop sexual assault in the community and it does this through a range of activities including educating kids with strategies and skills to stay safe in a range of situations from bullying to sexual assault. They have been working with Little Athletics among others to train up staff about the issue.
- In May 2018 Gymnastics Australia announced an initiative with Bravehearts to deliver specialised education, training services, risk management and cultural reform outcomes to the management, staff, parents and children of Gymnastics Australia. Affiliated clubs will be provided with resources while Bravehearts’ specialised training will be a mandatory requirement for all coaches and officials.
- Safeguarding Children Accreditation Program. Australian Childhood Foundation, (accessed 17 May 2021). A unique voluntary accreditation scheme managed by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) for organisations (such as sporting organisations/clubs) who have a duty of care to children and young people whilst delivering a service or activity to them and/or their families. The Safeguarding Children Program provides the resources to support organisations meet evidence based standards that ultimately reduce the risk of abuse of children and young people by employees and volunteers. Sport Australia (formerly the Australian Sports Commission), Surf Life Saving Australia, Swimming Australia, Tennis Australia, and the Australian Football League (AFL) are partner organisations.
- Helping athletes affected by sexual violence: my challenge to the sports and exercise medicine community, British Journal of Sports Medicine (2021) 55:177-178. Trust is a central component to any clinician–patient relationship, and the ability to trust is also a major hurdle for those affected by sexual violence. The author suggests when and how clinicians should ask about sexual violence, how to respond to a disclosure of sexual violence and how to provide ongoing support.
- Adaptive Sports: Understanding the signs of abuse and changing how society responds to the people who report it are keys to prevention, Sports ’n Spokes Magazine (March 2020) vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 16–20. Throughout an adaptive athlete's career, there are many individuals who can impact that person's path, from parents, friends and caregivers to coaches, volunteers and fellow athletes. Often, that influence extends beyond the field of play.
- What is child abuse and neglect? Child Family Community Australia, (September 2018).The purpose of this resource sheet is to provide practitioners, policy makers and researchers with a working definition of child abuse and neglect. It provides a general definition of child abuse and neglect and definitions of the five commonly regarded subtypes.
- Creating a Safer Sport Environment with the Rule of Two, Michel Hachey, Coaching Association of Canada/SIRC, (13 June 2018). This three-part blog series will provide tools and resources to strengthen safety and ethical values in sport by introducing the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM). Subsequent blogs: Background Screening (July 2018) and Respect and Ethics (August 2018).
- Jelena Dokic’s story of abuse shows links between elite sport and child labour, Michael Burke, Researcher and Senior Lecturer, Victoria University, The Conversation, (20 November 2017). It’s easy to blame controlling sport parents like Dokic’s father, but by doing this we’re ignoring a much larger problem. Child and adolescent sport at an elite level can mirror child labour, so the sport itself should be treated with same degree of scrutiny.
- Best Practice For Handling Child Abuse Investigations In Sport, Law In Sport, (6 January 2017). Over the last few years, we have seen some of the UK’s most iconic and well-known institutions and individuals being faced with allegations of historical sex abuse of young people. Particular attention is now focussed upon the world of football, which is currently facing a tidal wave of sex abuse allegations made by former football players.[1] Numerous police forces are reported to have begun investigations as a result of hundreds of people coming forward to report sex abuse in connection with football in the UK.
- Top 10 Tips For Safeguarding Children And Vulnerable Adults In Sports, Alice Cave, Law in Sport, (6 December 2016). Disclosures by a number of former professional football players in recent weeks that they were victims of sexual abuse as children have highlighted the challenges which sports organisations face in trying to keep young participants safe. This demonstrates that real damage can be done if sports organisations are unable to prevent abusers from coming into contact with children through sport. This problem seems unlikely to be confined to football, and other sports may well become the focus of media attention over the coming weeks and months.
- Protecting Children from Violence in Sport, UNICEF, (2010). UNICEF has long recognized that there is great value in children’s sport and play, and has been a consistent proponent of these activities in its international development and child protection work.
- Reports of child protection and safeguarding concerns in sport and leisure settings: an analysis of English local authority data between 2010 and 2015, Mike Hartill and Melanie Lang, Leisure Studies, Volume 37(5), pp.479-499, (2018). The abuse of children in sport has received considerable attention in recent years not least in the UK, where high-profile disclosures of abuse by former sports professionals have led to several independent inquiries and reviews. Subsequent public and media interest has focused on the potential scale of child abuse in sport. This scrutiny has highlighted how little data there are in this area, in a sector that thrives on statistics. This paper analyses official reports of child abuse in sport and leisure settings received by local authorities (LAs) in England during a five-year period (2010–2015) across a range of factors. Findings show that English LAs have varying capacity to provide data on sport/leisure contexts; receive substantively different volumes of reports of child abuse in sport/leisure; and record reports of sexual abuse in sport at higher levels than other forms of abuse. These data suggest that abuse in English sport is significantly underreported but that reports per annum increased over the period.
- Kicking ‘No Touch’ Discourses into Touch: Athletes’ Parents’ Constructions of Appropriate Adult (Coach)-Child (Athlete) Physical Contact. Gleaves, Thomas and Lang, Melanie, Journal of Sport and Social Issues , Volume 4(3), pp.191-211, (2017). This paper reports on a study that investigates athletes’ parents’ perspectives of appropriate coach-child athlete physical contact within youth swimming. Parents constructed physical contact as necessary and legitimate in three specific contexts and drew on children’s rights principles to rationalize this. This paper discusses the significance of this and explores the benefits of adopting child-centred coaching practices.
- A green flag for the Flag System? Towards a child protection policy in Flemish sport, Vertommen, Tine; Toftegaard-Stoeckel, Jan; Vandevivere, Lore et.al., International Journal of Sport Policy, Volume 8(1), pp.15-31, (March 2016). Despite a growing body of literature and research about sexual harassment and abuse in sport, there is hardly any evidence-based policy and prevention research to guide the policy implementation process. By using the Flemish sport system as its empirical focus, this article investigates the feasibility of the so-called Flag System to translate policy into practice. The Flag System is a didactic tool created to assist sport stakeholders in the assessment of sexual behaviour involving children. It is in the process of being implemented in Flanders, and preliminary findings suggest a high level of feasibility at all levels of organized sports. Demonstrating that a number of inhibiting forces have effectively been reduced in Flanders, the current analysis of the process of planned change suggests that the Flag System has potential in bridging the gap between policy and practice and may also be suitable for implementation in other Western countries.
- Interpersonal violence against children in sport in the Netherlands and Belgium, Tine Vertommen, Nicolette Schipper-van Veldhoven, Kristien Wouters, et.al., Child Abuse and Neglect, Volume 51, pp.223-236, (January 2016). Using a dedicated online questionnaire, over 4,000 adults who had participated in organized sport before the age of 18 were surveyed with respect to their experiences with childhood psychological, physical, and sexual violence while playing sports. The survey showed that 38% of all respondents reported experiences with psychological violence, 11% with physical violence, and 14% with sexual violence. Ethnic minority, lesbian/gay/bisexual (LGB) and disabled athletes, and those competing at the international level report significantly more experiences of interpersonal violence in sport. The results are consistent with rates obtained outside sport, underscoring the need for more research on interventions and systematic follow-ups, to minimize these negative experiences in youth sport.
- Children’s experience of sport in Australia. Lynne McPherson, Maureen Long, Matthew Nicholson, et.al., International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 52(5), pp.551-569, (2015). This paper reports on a study designed to explore children’s experiences of organised sport, as recounted by young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Overwhelmingly, young people reported the lasting developmental benefits of participation in organised sport as children. More than 50% also reported negative experiences, including emotional and physical harm and sexual harassment. The reasons for these apparently contradictory findings are explored. The role of coaches, peers, parents and the wider sporting association ethos are investigated and suggestions made for future research.
- Safeguarding in sport. Anthony Hedges, Sport in Society, Volume 18(5), pp.614-625, (2015). ‘Safeguarding’ is a new term, which has developed from child protection issues that resulted in UK legislation. It refers to an all-encompassing proactive approach to keeping children and vulnerable adults safe from harm or abuse. Sport leaders have both the opportunity and influence that may facilitate abuse. Therefore, all sports require robust safeguarding and safer recruitment policies and practices including the use of Criminal Record checks.
- Safeguarding the child athlete in sport: a review, a framework and recommendations for the IOC youth athlete development model. Mountjoy M, Rhind DJA, Tiivas A, et. al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 49(13), pp.883-886, (2015). This safeguarding model is designed to assist sport organisations in the creation of a safe sporting environment to ensure that the child athlete can flourish and reach their athletic potential through an enjoyable experience. The aim of this narrative review is to (1) present a summary of the scientific literature on the threats to children in sport; (2) introduce a framework to categorise these threats; (3) identify research gaps in the field and (4) provide safeguarding recommendations for sport organisations.
- Child Protection in Sport: Reflections on Thirty Years of Science and Activism, Celia H. Brackenridge and Daniel Rhind, Social Sciences, Volume 3(3), pp.326-340, (2014). This paper examines the responses of state and third sector agencies to the emergence of child abuse in sport since the mid-1980s. As with other social institutions such as the church, health and education, sport has both initiated its own child protection interventions and also responded to wider social and political influences. Sport has exemplified many of the changes identified in the brief for this special issue, such as the widening of definitional focus, increasing geographic scope and broadening of concerns to encompass health and welfare.
- The Australian situation: not so touchy? Catherine Scott, Sport, Education and Society, Volume 18(5), pp.599-614, (2013). Fear of unmediated touch between adults and children has become a feature of life in Anglophone countries, including Australia. Previous research has shown that this fear has had an impact on interactions between adults and children, particularly in education and early years care contexts. To assess the extent to which these fears have influenced Australians' willing to participate or allow their children to participate in junior sport 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with sports administrators, parents, junior sports officials and young sportspeople. Results suggest that Australians are aware of the prevailing discourses of risk but see these as irrelevant to their own contexts. As a result, junior sport in Australia continues to thrive.
- Understanding the Use of Emotionally Abusive Coaching Practices. Ashley Stirling, International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, Volume 8(4), (2013). The purpose of this study was to explore coaches' reflections on their previous use of emotionally abusive practices in the coach-athlete relationship. Findings are interpreted to suggest two distinct origins of emotional abuse. Additionally, based on the coaches' reflections on perceived reasons for why they no longer use emotionally abusive practices, determinants of change in coach behaviour are proposed. Applied and theoretical recommendations are discussed.
- The Balance of Benefit and Burden? The Impact of Child Protection Legislation on Volunteers in Scottish Sports Clubs, Nichols, Geoff; Taylor, Peter, European Sport Management Quarterly, Volume 10(1), pp.31-47, (February 2010). This paper explores the benefits and burdens experienced by volunteers in sports clubs in Scotland arising from child protection (CP) legislation. The paper concludes that the difficulties of producing accurate evidence in this sensitive area restrict the extent to which legislation can be informed by estimates of reduced risk, weighed against the increased burden on volunteers. However, if society values the voluntary sector in sport and what it provides, it will have to give this sector additional support to cope positively with the legislation and incorporate it into ‘good practice’ working with children.
- Protecting children from violence in sport: a review with a focus on industrialized countries, unicef, (2010). UNICEF has long recognized that there is great value in children’s sport and play, and has been a consistent proponent of these activities in its international development and child protection work. Health, educational achievement and social benefits are just some of the many desirable outcomes associated with organized physical activity. During recent years, however, it has become evident that sport is not always a safe space for children and that the same types of violence and abuse sometimes found in families and communities can also occur in sport and play programmes. The research presented in this publication shows a lack of data collection and knowledge about violence to children in sport, a need to develop the structures and systems for eliminating and preventing this form of violence, and that ethical guidelines and codes of conduct must be established and promoted as part of the prevention system. By addressing these gaps, significant improvements will be realized for the promotion and protection of the rights of children in sport.
- Protection of children in competitive sport: some critical questions for London 2012, Weber, Romana, International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Volume 44(1), pp.55-69, (March 2009). This article explores how children engaged in elite sport may suffer from health problems, lack of education and limited or no free time. Furthermore, it considers the ways through which they may be exploited by their training and competing environments and how their right to freedom of association is often limited. Adopting a human rights approach, this contribution seeks to examine national as well as international measures to protect child athletes. An analysis of existing regulation identifies shortcomings and is followed by suggestions on how to improve child protection in elite sport.
- Child Safe Sport, Play by the Rules, (accessed 14 May 2021). Provides an overview of the available resources and information to help sport and recreation organisations keep kids safe.
- Child protection and safeguarding in sport. sportanddev.org, (accessed 14 May 2021). This section is designed to provide more information on child safeguarding and - by linking with our Toolkit section - the necessary tools to develop and implement a culture that includes practices, procedures and policies. These practices, procedures and policies are to ensure that all who participate in sport remain safe, have fun and learn.
- Child Protection in Sport Resource Library, UK Child Protection in Sport Unit, (accessed 14 May 2021).
- Child Protection Resources. Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), (26 May 2020). Resources include an Athlete Wellbeing Framework; Child Protection Policy and Procedure; QAS Code of Conduct for interacting with children and young people; and a Question and answers for athletes factsheet.
- Understanding safeguarding practices for children with disability when engaging with organisations, Sarah Wayland and Gabrielle Hindmarsh, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Practitioner Resource, (October 2017). This resource explores how an understanding of abuse and neglect relating to children with disability can assist in establishing child-safe organisations.
- 'Child Safe Sport Toolkit', Sport Australia, (2017). Although responsibility for child safeguarding moved to Sport Integrity Australia when they commenced on 1 July 2020, the material is still available. View the material as it appeared on the Sport Australia website.
- Create a child safe environment. Resources from the Government of South Australia, Office for Recreation and Sport, (July 2016).
- Responding to children and young peoples disclosure of abuse, Child Family Community Australia, CFCA Practitioner Resource, (March 2015). This paper is a guide to responding to children and young people's disclosures of abuse. It outlines what we know about how, why, and when children and young people are likely to disclose and suggests actions to take at the time of disclosure and in the longer term.
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- Safeguarding Sport, Janise Mitchell, Australian Childhood Foundation, Our Sporting Future 2015, Gold Coast, Australia (22 October 2015)
- Creating Child Safe Environments Workshop, Our Sporting Future 2013, Melbourne, Australia (10 April 2013)
- Child Protection case study, Michael Haynes, Basketball Australia, Play By The Rules Forum for National Sports Organisations (18 April 2012)
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Christine May, Senior Research Consultant, Clearinghouse for Sport
Reviewed by: Australasian Sport Information Network
Last updated: 12 August 2022
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