International Safeguards for Children in Sport: Developing and Embedding a Safeguarding Culture

Safeguarding should be a central concern for any sports organisation working with children or young people. This significant new study examines the development, implementation and impact of the International Safeguards for Children in Sport; a set of guidelines drawn up by a working group of international organisations committed to child protection which lays out the measures that need to be taken to ensure children are kept safe from harm.

Including critical perspectives and in-depth real-life case studies, this book looks beyond perpetrator, victim and abuse to focus on the development of a systematic safeguarding culture. The first study to adopt a global perspective on safeguarding in sport, it draws on the insights of researchers and practitioners to discuss best practise for child welfare, organisational reform, policy implementation and directions for future research.

International Safeguards for Children in Sport: Developing and Embedding a Safeguarding Culture is important reading for all those working directly with children through the provision of sport in schools and communities, as well as for students and researchers of the sociology of sport.

Daniel Rhind is a Chartered Psychologist and a Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology at Brunel University, UK. Daniel’s research focuses on understanding the development and maintenance of (un)healthy and (in)effective relationships in sport. He was the Principle Investigator for the research project reported in this book. He makes regular contributions to national and international media on issues related to safeguarding in sport. Daniel’s research has been funded by a range of organisations including the Oak Foundation, International Inspiration, the Daiwa Foundation, the Change Foundation, the Football Association, The Rugby Football Union, the International Tennis Federation, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the European Commission

Frank Owusu-Sekyere is a research assistant and doctoral student in Sport and Exercise Sciences at Brunel University, UK. Having been awarded a First Class Honours degree at Brunel, he went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Psychology at Middlesex University where he was awarded a Distinction. In 2012 Frank returned to Brunel as a Masters student of Sports and Exercise Psychology completing the course with a Distinction. Frank’s area of interest is Safeguarding and Child Athlete Welfare. To date his research has focused specifically on Emotional Abuse in Youth Sport and Safety culture. Frank also has extensive experience of working as a Football Coach, Youth mentor and Community Development Officer