![Sample our Sports and Leisure journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5949/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Sports-Leisure.jpg"})
Abstract
‘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. High-profile cases have raised public awareness of the importance of safeguarding and the need to report concerns. Similarly, incidents of racism on the sports field and in social media have highlighted the need to promote equality and prevent discrimination. Sport is an important agent for societal change in both cases. 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. Governing bodies are encouraging personalities to appreciate their positions as role models. As such, sport is a powerful means of engaging the public in conversations about diversity and appropriate behaviour.
Notes
1. HM Government. Citation2013. Working Together to Safeguard Children.http:/www.safenetwork.org.uk/getting_started/pages/Why_does_safeguarding_matter.aspx.
2. Safeguarding Children – A Joint Chief Inspectors' Report on Arrangements to Safeguard Children Citation2002 Department of Health, HM Government.
3. The Victoria Climbié Inquiry Report – House of Commons Health Committee Citation2003.
4. The Inquiry into the Matters Arising from the Death of Stephen Lawrence Citation1999.
5. The Bichard Report Citation2004 Home Office.
6. NSPCC is the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
7. Working Together to Safeguard Children March 2013 HM Government.
8. Rules of the Premier League Citation2013–2014 Season – The Football Association Premier League Ltd.
9. Child Protection in Sport Unit – Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport ‘Play Sport Stay Safe’.
The views and opinions of the author expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Football Association, Premier League or Norwich City Football Club.