Sports events are a fun and exciting time for all involved, but as a staff member or volunteer, you have a duty of care towards all children and young people at the event, whether they are taking part, watching or visiting, to make sure everyone stays safe.
You should know what your safeguarding roles and responsibilities are, understand and recognise concerns and be clear about how to report them.
Role and responsibilities of event staff in safeguarding
All staff must make sure that any concerns are taken seriously and reported to the event safeguarding lead officer or designated lead as a matter of urgency.
Reporting procedures should be included in the event welfare plan or safeguarding policy. This should be provided by either the event organiser or by the venue itself.
If you haven't been informed of this in your event briefing, don't be afraid to ask whose policy and procedures you are expected to follow.
All event organisers, staff and volunteers should read and understand the policies and procedures prior to the event, so that everyone is fully prepared for any situations that may arise.
Certain roles may also have additional responsibilities for safeguarding children. It is important that each member of staff/volunteer understands their role and responsibilities.
Codes of conduct
Knowing the codes of conduct for your event or venues is the best way for you to be able to identify whether behaviours are or are not appropriate. Remember, there can be a different code of conduct for different roles, such as for athletes, spectators or staff.
Dealing with concerns
It is not just serious concerns that need to be reported, all concerns should be reported. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, you should report it through the appropriate channels. If you are unsure, you should always report.
Recognising a concern
In your role, you're more likely to be alerted to issues that may arise as you will be the first point of call for most people involved in the event. It's imperative that you're familiar with what a concern may look like. Lower-level concerns should be reported - these can include:
- inadvertent or thoughtless behaviour that can raise doubts about the person's motivation or skill to work with young people
- behaviour that might be considered inappropriate depending on the circumstances
- behaviour which breaches the organisation's code of conduct by does not meet the threshold for statutory investigation
How you might find out about a concern
Concerns can be raised in different ways and are unlikely to be described as a safeguarding concern by the person telling you. Ways you can become aware of issues include:
- a child could tell you something directly
- a child goes missing from the vent or venue
- a colleague or partner organisation passes on information
- a report is made about behaviour that gives cause for concern
- direct reporting - this could be in person, or via social media or telephone
- you witness something concerning
Reporting a concern
If you are concerned that a child is in immediate danger, call the emergency services immediately on 999.
If the child is not in immediate danger, report your concern as follows:
- if your organisation is affiliated to a national governing body, refer to their safeguarding procedure about who to report the concerns to
- if your club or activity isn't affiliated to a governing body, you can seek support from the active partnership, or your local children's social care (social services)
- if there's no-one else to help call the police
You can also seek support through the NSPCC's helpline or directly through NSPCC Sport..
Remember the 4 Rs
Recognise a concern, notice a problem or receive a direct disclosure.
Respond by reassuring the individual and tell them what you will need to do. Remember that you must take action, no matter the severity of the concern.
Refer the concern by following your procedures that are outlined in the event's or venue's safeguarding
policy and procedures.
Record the concern are your actions by using a reporting form to record who, what, where and when. Don't forget to include what people have said and what people have said they will do.
Finally, remember it's not your responsibility to investigate any concerns that may be raised. But you do have a responsibility to report the issue to the designated person or safeguarding lead.