As children return to school in September, thousands will also return to training, competitions and activity clubs, while others will join a sports club for the first time. Our tips for strengthening safeguarding this September cover common concerns and practical steps for governing bodies, active partnerships and clubs.
Why September matters
September is a period of significant change for many children and young people. They may be:
- starting a new school, college or moving into a different year group
- joining a new team or activity
- returning after a difficult summer
- returning after an illness, injury or time out
Whether it’s good or bad, change can be stressful. The way organisations support children and young people during these transitions can have a lasting impact on how safe, and included they feel.
Common safeguarding concerns in sport in September
Common worries or concerns to watch out for during this period can be:
- struggles with change - changes in behaviour, confidence or engagement can sometimes show that a child is struggling with wider challenges in their life.
- bullying - new members and changes in friendship groups can sometimes lead to bullying that can appear through team chats, training, changing rooms, or social activities.
- mental and emotional wellbeing - many children may return to activities while dealing with pressure from home or school. Children who suddenly stop attending or appear distressed may need more support.
- online safety - as training restarts, so do team WhatsApp groups, social media activity, and digital communication. Problems can arise when people don’t understand the rules, boundaries or ways to report concerns.
- inclusion barriers - safeguarding and inclusion are closely connected. Children who feel left out or treated unfairly may be less likely to speak up if something worries them.
- new volunteers and coaches – new staff or volunteers create opportunities for clubs, but also introduce risk if induction processes are inconsistent or safeguarding expectations are unclear.
- darker evenings - earlier sunsets, poor weather and changing schedules can affect supervision and increase risk around getting to and from sessions.
What national governing bodies can do
National governing bodies can set clear expectations across their sports. They can:
- share safeguarding messages from senior leaders. Clear communication helps set up expectations at the start or end of the season.
- re-promote codes of conduct for coaches, volunteers, parents and young people.
- make reporting routes and welfare contacts visible so any concerns can be raised quickly and confidently.
- run safeguarding workshops or briefings to remind clubs what to look out for and how to support their children and young people.
- equip clubs with practical safeguarding resources they can implement straight away, especially in times of stress.
- highlight and celebrate good safeguarding practice from across the sport.
- create opportunities for children and young people to influence decisions that affect their experience.
A clear and consistent message from the top can help clubs, coaches and volunteers understand their responsibilities and contribute to a stronger safeguarding culture.
What active partnerships can do
Active partnerships are uniquely placed to connect schools, clubs, local authorities, governing bodies and community organisations. This September, active partnerships can:
- bring local partners together to talk about shared safeguarding priorities and key themes they’re seeing across the local area.
- promote safeguarding training and learning opportunities, both local and national.
- support organisations working with children who face the most barriers to participation.
- share examples of effective safeguarding and inclusion practice across local networks.
- build stronger links with local authorities, safeguarding officers and children’s services. Help local organisations know who to contact when they need to refer a concern.
Collaboration helps create more consistent experiences for children, regardless of where they take part.
What clubs can do
Safeguarding is a team effort, and everyone involved in sport has a role in keeping children and young people safe, not just welfare officers and designated safeguarding leads.
Clubs should:
- review safeguarding policies and procedures, and think about how they work to support children and young people experiencing change and transitions.
- make sure welfare officer details are easy to find on websites, noticeboards and registration materials.
- add signposting to support services such as Childline.
- introduce safeguarding information during registration and induction.
- remind parents and carers how concerns or worries should be reported.
- check that coaches and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
- ask children what helps them feel safe, welcome and included.
- make sure children know who they can talk to if they have any worries.
- use language and communications that children can easily understand.
Looking beyond participation numbers
As the new school year begins, help every child feel safe and welcomed, so they can focus on enjoying their sport.
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