Safeguarding When Working and Volunteering in Sports
Working or volunteering in sports can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, allowing you to make a positive impact on the lives of participants, especially young athletes. However, when engaging with children or vulnerable adults, safeguarding should always be a top priority. Whether you’re a coach, team assistant, or volunteer helping with events, it’s essential to create a safe and secure environment for all involved.
We explore why safeguarding is critical when working or volunteering in sports, and the role of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check in ensuring that a safe environment is maintained.
Why is Safeguarding Important in Sports?
Safeguarding in sports is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. Sports allow children to develop physically, emotionally, and socially, but these benefits can only be achieved in a secure, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere.
Those who work or volunteer with young people in sports spend significant time with them and often build close relationships. This makes it vital that coaches, mentors, and volunteers are aware of their responsibility to spot signs of abuse or neglect and take appropriate actions.
Proactive safeguarding helps prevent incidents of harm and abuse, creating an environment of trust and safety where participants can thrive.
Key Areas of Safeguarding When Working and Volunteering in Sports
- Recognising signs of abuse or neglect – It’s essential that those working or volunteering in sports are trained to identify the signs of neglect or abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual. Changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, aggression, or unexplained injuries, can indicate that something is wrong. Safeguarding training provides volunteers and staff with the knowledge to spot these signs and take necessary action.
- Promoting positive behaviour and respect – Safeguarding also involves creating a positive and respectful environment. Volunteers and staff should promote good behaviour, teamwork, and discipline, ensuring that all athletes feel valued and supported. By maintaining clear communication and setting the right example, coaches and volunteers play a crucial role in preventing negative situations from arising.
- Setting boundaries and guidelines – Having clear boundaries is key to maintaining a safe environment. Volunteers and workers should understand the importance of appropriate interactions with participants, ensuring that one-on-one situations are managed in line with safeguarding policies. It’s also vital to understand how to report any concerns regarding behaviour or safety following the organisation’s established protocols.
- Safe travel and transport arrangements – Many sports programmes involve taking children or vulnerable adults to and from events or training sessions. Safeguarding policies must include protocols for safe transportation, such as having more than one adult present when travelling with children, or conducting background checks for drivers.
The Role of a DBS Check in Safeguarding
One of the key ways to safeguard children and vulnerable adults in sports is through a DBS Check. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check helps identify whether someone is suitable to work or volunteer in a role where they may come into contact with vulnerable individuals.
Why is a DBS Check Important?
- Prevention of harm: A DBS Check helps ensure that those working or volunteering in roles with children or vulnerable adults do not have a history of harmful behaviour. This reduces the risk of harm and helps keep children safe from individuals who may exploit their position of trust.
- Legal requirement: For many roles in sports, especially those involving regular contact with children or vulnerable individuals, a DBS Check is a legal requirement. Whether you’re a coach, referee, or event volunteer, these checks help organisations ensure that they are complying with child protection laws.
- Building trust and confidence: A DBS Check also reassures parents, guardians, and participants that the organisation is taking all necessary steps to ensure their safety. This builds trust between volunteers, parents, and young athletes, showing that safeguarding is taken seriously.
- Supporting safeguarding policies: Organisations that require DBS Checks typically also implement comprehensive safeguarding policies. These policies, combined with background checks, create a well-rounded approach to child protection, ensuring that volunteers and staff understand their roles and responsibilities.
What Happens During a DBS Check?
A DBS Check involves reviewing an individual’s criminal record, including any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. There are different levels of DBS Checks:
- Basic DBS Check: This shows any unspent convictions or cautions.
- Standard DBS Check: This includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings.
- Enhanced DBS Check: This includes the same information as the standard check, plus additional relevant details from local police forces, particularly for roles that involve close contact with children or vulnerable adults.
For many roles in sports, especially those that involve working with children or vulnerable adults, an Enhanced DBS Check is often required to ensure thorough vetting.
Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility when working or volunteering in sports. Whether you’re a coach, team assistant, or helping in any other capacity, prioritising the safety and well-being of participants is crucial. DBS Checks and safeguarding training are vital tools in creating a secure environment for everyone involved.
If you’re working or volunteering in sports and require a DBS Check, contact us today to find out how we can help.