Children and young people should be able to participate in sport and recreational activities that are fun, safe, welcoming and inclusive. The adults in sport have a responsibility to create a culture where children and young people can have input in decisions that affect them and feel safe to raise their concerns knowing they'll be listened to and believed.
Why is this an issue?
Sport is a positive experience for many people. However, sometimes the experience can expose children and young people to harm and abuse. In recent times there’s more awareness of how children and young people in sport can be at risk of harm or abuse, and what we can do prevent it.
No one wants to think harm or abuse could happen in their sport, but using child safe frameworks, guidance and resources will help you understand how your club or association can embed child safe practices. It also helps you to be better prepared for if something did happen.
The benefits of being proactive
The modern sport club volunteer has a lot on their mind – filling committee roles, recruiting members and finding sponsors might be just some of the priorities. Safeguarding children and young people however, should be a number one priority. There are many reasons why:
- Preventing harm and abuse: harm and abuse happens more than you think. A survey of people’s time in junior sport in Australia found that 76% of people had experienced some form of psychological abuse, 66% experienced physical abuse and 38% sexual abuse. Parents, coaches and other children were the perpetrators.
- Sustainability: a safe, inclusive environment encourages children and young people, parents, carers and volunteers to continue participating in your sport.
- Stronger communities: what benefits do you want to provide to your community? Junior clubs bring people together – children, parents, family, friends. People’s lives can change for the better when your club provides a safe, fun, happy experience.
- It’s the law: every Australian State and Territory has child protection laws that apply to clubs. In multiple states these laws include ‘standards’ your club or association needs to comply with to keep children safe.
It’s likely that your club or association already has great steps in place to keep children and young people safe. The steps and resources below will help you identify additional ways to remove risks of harm.
