All athletes have a right to engage in safe sport, defined as an athletic environment that is respectful, equitable and free from all forms of abuse. Nevertheless for some athletes, sport brings disturbing experiences of psychological, physical and sexual abuse.
This study provides an overview of the legal and policy frameworks, describes initiatives promoted by sport and civil society organisations, identifies best practice in combatting gender-based violence in sport and makes recommendations for future action.
UNICEF has long recognized that there is great value in children’s sport and play, and has been a consistent proponent of these activities in its international development and child protection work. Health, educational achievement and social benefits are just some of the many desirable outcomes associated with organized physical activity.
Discover how sports coaches can engage, communicate and understand the positive contributions that parents can play in sport. From how best work with parents to, how to involve parents and recognise their involve is a positive factor in their child’s participation in sport, resulting in a positive experience for all involved.
Dr Camilla Knight describes the critical roles that parents play in supporting their children through their sporting journey. This includes the emotional support parents offer as children learn about winning and losing and ensuring they are a positive role model through their behaviour at competitions and when playing sport themselves.
Abuse and harm can occur anywhere, both within and outside the family and club/organisation. Children may be harmed or abused by
professionals, volunteers, carers, family members and other children.
Most children benefit greatly from their involvement in games. Nevertheless, in football, as in any other sport, children may be abused or harmed, irrespective of their age, gender, race, culture, religion, ability or sexual orientation.
Although football child abuse scandals reported in the press have focused on sexual abuse, it is important to understand that this is not the only form of abuse that children may experience.
Sexual abuse happens in sport too. It is hard for children to talk. Video clip to call public authorities and the sport movement to give children a voice and stop child sexual abuse in sport. Produced by the Council of Europe with the support of the European Union in the framework of ProSafeSport . starttotalk.org