Global Standards to Protect Everyone in Sport
The International Safeguards provide a globally recognised framework to help organisations prevent harm, uphold rights, and create safer sporting environments through strong systems, policies, and codes.
International Safeguards for All in Sport
In traditional sport and esports, from grassroots to elite, children, young people and adults can experience harassment and abuse (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional, domestic abuse, exploitation, bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment, or neglect).
Strong safeguarding reduces harm, builds trust, improves participation and performance, and supports organisations to fulfil their ethical responsibilities and comply with legal obligations.
The International Safeguards in Sport are a group of practical measures that organisations should have in place to prevent, reduce and respond to abuse in sport. They include the International Safeguards for Children in Sport (2016), the International Safeguards for Adults in Sport (2023) and the International Safeguards for Children in eSports (2025).
Together, they provide a practical framework to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of safeguarding practice in organisations.
The 8 International Safeguards in Sport: Summary
1 – Put a safeguarding policy in place that is endorsed by leadership and governed by the organisation.
2 – Establish clear systems, procedures and staff to recognise, respond and escalate safeguarding concerns.
3 – Make advice and support easy to find, understand and use to keep yourself and others safe.
4 – Identify needs, assess risks and put plans in place to safeguard everyone in every setting.
5 – Set and enforce clear behaviour guidelines that take into account role and power differences.
6 – Recruit safely and provide initial training and ongoing learning for staff, coaches, and volunteers.
7 – Work with partners to share learning and promote the implementation of safeguards.
