Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has launched new guidance to help sporting organisations promote positive behaviour and respond effectively to inappropriate or harmful behaviour between children and young people.
Launched during National Child Protection Week, the Safe Sport Together resources provide practical guidance for coaches, administrators, volunteers and others working with children and young people in sport to support adults in sport to build safe, respectful and child-centred environments.
SIA’s Head of Sport Engagement, Alexis Cooper, said the resources are timely with recent studies showing the need for better guidance on managing behaviours between children and young people in sport.
“Recent research by SIA revealed that the more children and young people are exposed to negative experiences in sport, the more likely they are to accept these situations as being normal, with 27% reported to have witnessed peer bullying in sport,” Ms Cooper said.
“A recent report from eSafety also showed that nearly 1 in 5 children reported experiencing cyberbullying from someone connected to their sport, most commonly peers.
“Children and young people should feel safe, supported and included every time they take part in sport, and this support needs to come from adults.
“Sport plays an important role in children’s development and wellbeing, but everyone involved has a responsibility to set clear expectations about behaviour and respond early when concerns arise.”
Managing inappropriate behaviour between children and young people can be challenging for sports, particularly at grassroots level. Safe Sport Together provides practical guidance to help adults recognise positive behaviour, address inappropriate behaviour early and know when further support may be needed.
“One of the most important things sporting organisations can do is make sure children, young people, parents, coaches and volunteers understand what behaviour is expected and who they can speak to if something doesn’t feel right,” Ms Cooper said.
“This new guidance helps turn conversations about child safety into clear, practical steps for sport.”
The resource encourages sporting organisations to:
- communicate behaviour expectations clearly and often
- celebrate positive behaviour
- work with parents and carers
- respond promptly and consistently to concerns
- ensure safe reporting pathways are in place.
It also reinforces that punishment aimed to harm or humiliate children is never acceptable, and that some behaviours may require formal processes or specialist support.
“This year’s National Child Protection Week theme ‘Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action’ reminds us that conversations about child safety must lead to practical steps that help keep children and young people safe,” Ms Cooper said.
SIA encourages national sporting organisations, national sporting organisations for people with disability, clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and parents to use and share the new Safe Sport Together resources and messaging.
Safe Sport Together guidance and resources are available on the SIA website, including a PDF flyer and participant agreement template.