Safeguarding for parents and carers

Your role

As a parent or carer you play an important role in helping your child stay safe in sport.

• Encourage your child in a positive and respectful way.
• Focus on their enjoyment, learning and participation – not just winning.
• Avoid yelling or making negative comments – especially at your child or referees.
• Respect the decisions of referees and officials – many are volunteers or young people.
• Trust the coaches’ decisions – they’re doing what’s best for the team.
• Speak up or report bad behaviour from other spectators or parents.
• Make sure your child is on time and prepared with the right gear (clothing, shoes, water, sunscreen).
• Volunteer when you can – it helps the club and shows your support.
• Share your ideas and suggest improvements to make the club better for everyone.

Commitment to child safety

Ask your club these questions to make sure the club is committed to child safety.

• Does the club have a Child Safeguarding Policy that’s easy to find? How does the club put that policy into action?
• Are there other safety policies – for example, complaints, photography, social media, codes of conduct?
• Is there a Child Safe Officer or Member Protection Officer?
• Are background checks done on staff and volunteers?
• Does the club ask for written consent for things like participation, photos or videos, and travel?

Club processes and communication

Ask these questions about club processes and communication:

• What are the club’s first aid procedures?
• Is there a clear way to report concerns or complaints?
• How does the club communicate with parents and carers?
• How does the club supervise children during activities?
• Does the club ask for feedback from families and members?
• Is the club’s communication child-friendly and easy to understand?

Learning and awareness

Check how the club supports learning and awareness:

• Do they teach children about their right to feel safe?
• Do staff and volunteers get ongoing training on child safety?
• Does the club listen to children and young people and involve them in decisions?