Strengthening Safeguarding for Adults in Sport

The International Safeguards for Adults in Sport provide a global framework to address abuse, harassment and exploitation, supporting organisations to create safer, more accountable environments for adults across all levels of sport.

International Safeguards for Adults in Sport

The need to safeguard individuals in sport is not exclusive to children but should be afforded to all that participate. Launched by Safe Sport International in September 2023, the International Safeguards for Adults in Sport can support transitions into safer, more inclusive sporting environments for all.

Each Safeguard comes with a description, an explanation of why it is important for safeguarding, and a list of criteria for success. A summary of each Safeguard follows, and you can download the full description of all 8 Safeguards and the success criteria in different languages below.

The 8 International Safeguards for Adults: Summary

1 – An implemented safeguarding policy

Any organisation providing or with responsibility for sports activities for adults, over the age of 18, should have a safeguarding adults policy.

This is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard adults involved in sport from harm, and provides the framework within which procedures are developed.

2 – Systems and procedures to respond to safeguarding concerns

Procedures describe the operational processes required to implement organisational policy and provide clear step-by-step guidance on what to do in different circumstances. They clarify roles and responsibilities, and lines of communication. Effective systems and structures are required which help to process any reports of misconduct or abuse or concerns and support all stakeholders within the organisation.

3 – Advice and support for safeguarding yourself and others

Arrangements are made to provide essential information and support to those responsible for safeguarding adults. Adults are advised on where to access help and support.

You have a duty to ensure advice and support is in place to help people to play their part in safeguarding adults such that they know who they can turn to for help

4 – Risk management to reduce the possibility of harm

Some people, who work or seek to work in sport in a paid or voluntary capacity, pose a risk to adults. Adults are also at risk when placed in unsuitable places or asked to participate in unsuitable activities, including over-training and through unrealistic expectations being placed on them.

It is possible to minimise these risks by putting safeguards in place.

5 – A code of conduct with guidelines on behaviour

Codes of conduct describe what an acceptable standard of behaviour is and promote current best practice.

Adult sport should be carried out in a safe, positive, and encouraging atmosphere. Standards of behaviour set a benchmark of what is acceptable for all.

6 – Safer recruitment practices and ongoing training

Everyone in contact with adults has a role to play in their safety and well-being. Organisations providing sporting activities for adults have a responsibility to provide training and development opportunities for staff and volunteers. Organisations also have the responsibility to recruit individuals who will treat others with respect and dignity and not engage in any form of behaviour that exploits, abuses, harasses, or neglects an individual.

7 – Partnerships that support implementation of safeguards

Several sports organisations have both a strategic and a delivery role in relation to children and young people. Where organisational partnership, membership, funding or commissioning relationships exist or develop with other organisations, the organisation should use its influence to promote the implementation of safeguarding measures. The organisation should provide or signpost support and resources in relation to implementing adequate safeguarding measures. The organisation should actively promote the adoption of the International Safeguards for All in Sport (i.e. both the child and adult versions).