A review of safeguarding cases in sport

Abstract

This study represents the first investigation into incidents of safeguarding concern in sport within the UK. Questionnaires were completed by 41 lead welfare officers from national governing bodies. A total of 652 cases were reported by a range of key stakeholders, covering a variety of different forms of abuse. Physical and sexual abuse were found to be the most frequently alleged forms of abuse. The majority of alleged perpetrators and victims were males. The need for a standardised form for collecting case data as part of normal practice is highlighted along with the necessity for training and support to manage safeguarding cases both internally and externally to sport organisations.