Safeguarding in Sports for Officials, Coaches, and Sports Staff

Safeguarding in Sports for Officials, Coaches, and Sports Staff

This course is essential for anyone working in a sporting environment who has contact with athletes, particularly young people, or who holds positions of trust and authority within sports organisations. It’s particularly valuable for those who need to understand the unique dynamics of sporting relationships, recognise signs of abuse specific to sports contexts, and create safe environments where athletes can perform and develop without fear of harm or exploitation.

Included with Team Solutions

This course is available via an organisation subscription.

View Team Solutions
Presentation
Online
Duration
3 Hours
Access
Lifetime
Language
English
From £45.00 Ex VAT

This course is perfect for

  • Coaches and Assistant Coaches

    Working with athletes of all ages across all sports and levels

  • Team Managers and Support Staff

    Coordinating athlete care and team logistics

  • Club Officials and Committee Members

    Involved in running sports clubs and organisations

  • Academy Directors and Performance Managers

    Overseeing elite athlete development programs

  • Sports Therapists and Medical Staff

    Providing healthcare support to athletes

  • Sports Officials and Referees

    Overseeing competitions, matches, and sporting events

What you’ll learn

  • What safeguarding means in sporting environments and why it matters for athletes.

  • How power, trust, and authority can affect relationships in sport.

  • How to help create safe, inclusive spaces where athletes can train and compete confidently.

  • How to recognise signs of abuse, harm, or exploitation specific to sport settings.

  • Greater awareness of risks linked to travel, competitions, and one-to-one coaching.

  • How to spot when an athlete may be vulnerable, at risk, or in distress.

  • The basics of trauma-informed practice and how it shapes safer responses.

  • How to communicate with athletes in ways that are calm, respectful, and supportive.

  • How to respond appropriately when someone shares a concern or disclosure.

  • How to support digital safety in sport, including social media and online contact.

  • How to recognise and respond to mental health concerns in athletes.

  • Greater understanding of violence against women and girls, sexual harassment, and abuse in sport.

  • How to handle concerns using the Four R’s: Recognise, Respond, Report, Record.

  • Why clear reporting pathways and good documentation are essential in sport organisations.

  • How culture, language, and background can affect an athlete’s ability to speak up.

  • Practical steps to help prevent safeguarding incidents before they happen.

  • How to adapt safeguarding approaches for different sports, venues, and event types.

  • How to maintain professional boundaries between staff, volunteers, and athletes.

  • How to look after your own wellbeing and personal safety while working in sport.

  • How every role — from coaches to event staff — contributes to a culture of safety and respect.

  • The confidence to act when something feels wrong and know how to escalate concerns properly.

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