Research on safeguarding statuses
The Building European Safe Sport Together (BESST) project focused on the assessment of the safeguarding statuses amongst European Sports Organisations, namely National Olympic Committees (NOC), National Federations (NF), Clubs and Event Organisers (2023-2024).
For the assessment of status, the following methodologies were used:
- Desk Research
- Survey questionnaires with NOCs and NFs
- Interviews with NOCs, NFs and Event Organisers
The key findings across all the methodologies and organisations, in no specific order, are:
1. Safeguarding Still in an Infancy Stage
The number of sports organisations and event organisers that have safeguarding in place is still very low. Even those that demonstrate having some actions on the subject are aware that the process is not yet effective in protecting the sport participants. This situation indicates that the European sports organisations are currently in the initial stage of development.
2. Diversity of Legislative Frameworks
The current landscape of safeguarding in sports is marked by a lack of uniformity in legislative frameworks, practices, and sanctions. This diversity hampers the effectiveness of safeguarding measures. Organisations call for the establishment of an overarching governing body. Such a body would set the pace and standardise policies across different jurisdictions and organisations, ensuring a cohesive approach to safeguarding in sports.
3. Terminology Confusion
In addition to the existing frameworks, organisations also use diverging terms to refer to safeguarding in sports. Terminology such as harassment and abuse direct the thought in many cases to the sexual type of behaviours alone and safe sport is often identified with the safety of the sport itself. Other terminologies such as non-incidental violence make it difficult to understand what is exactly being discussed. To add to this confusion, the term safeguarding, in itself, is not easily translatable to other languages.
4. Lack of Understanding of Safeguarding Need
Many sports organisations and event organisers fail to recognize the importance of implementing safeguarding policies and procedures, often believing that transgressive behaviours are not a concern within their organisations or events, that these types of behaviours only happen to others. This lack of understanding of the impact on fundamentals of sport and of the need for preventive measures, places safeguarding initiatives and even discussion low in the priority list of the sports organisations.
5. Lack of Funds
Financial constraints are a major barrier to effective safeguarding in sports. Many organisations lack the necessary funds to implement comprehensive safeguarding measures, provide training, and support investigative processes.Many sport organisations and sport events are run by volunteers who already have too big of a workload and no specific training or expertise..
6. Need for Educational and Training Programs
There is a pressing need for educational and training programs at all levels within sports organisations. Organisations identify the need to raise awareness, educate stakeholders on safeguarding practices, and provide the skills necessary to identify and address safeguarding issues. Comprehensive training is essential for creating a culture of safety and protection in sports.
7. Online Transgressive Behaviour
The digital world has merged with the physical world. Online transgressive behaviour has become a reality not only for high-profile sports events, but for small grassroot clubs as well. With the rapid expansion of internet access, the proliferation of social media platforms, the anonymity they provide, and the rise of online sports betting, online abuse has become the most prevalent form of transgressive behaviour.
8. Limited Data
The availability of hard data on safeguarding initiatives, processes and issues is limited, and information is often perceived differently by various organisationsThe lack of reliable data hinders the evaluation of policy development stages and measures within organisations, limiting the ability to deliver accurate information needed to shape safeguarding practices and effective policymaking.
9. Lack of Formal Structure
Safeguarding efforts are often led by volunteers or added to the responsibilities of already overloaded staff. This lack of formal structure undermines the effectiveness of safeguarding measures. Very few organisations have a dedicated department fo rthe topic, many add safeguarding to existing structures or roles.
10. Focus on Athletes and Entourage
Current regulations tend to focus primarily on athletes and their entourage, leaving other groups, such as staff and volunteers, vulnerable.
11. Ineffective Safeguarding Processes
While reporting mechanisms for safeguarding issues exist, the follow-through in terms of investigation and adjudication is mostly inadequate. The diversity and ineffectiveness of these processes result in a lack of accountability and justice. Where policies are in place, these go on without review or adjustments, becoming a simple check on an ever-growing list of items. Finally, subjective and cultural aspects add complexity, making it challenging to establish an effective and universally compliant safeguarding process.
12. Presence of Safeguarding/ Welfare Officer at Events
An increasing number of sports events are mandating the presence of a designated Safeguarding or Welfare Officer. However, the clarity of the role, the procedures to follow and the adequate training/ preparation of the person are still not at the necessary level.
13. Partnerships and Capacity Building
Partnerships with law enforcement, security services, and non-profit entities (e.g., legal aid, child protection, psychological support) assist event organisers to handle cases, if necessary, as their professionals are trained in trauma-informed practices, including interviewing vulnerable groups such as children, ensuring safe spaces, and understanding national legal procedures.
14. Need for Independence
To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of safeguarding measures, organisations identify the crucial need to ensure the independence of safeguarding bodies. This independence is necessary to avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise the protection of all stakeholders. Safeguarding bodies must operate without undue influence from organisations that may have vested interests.
15. Accountability of Non-Members
Holding non-members accountable poses a significant challenge in the absence of recognized contractual agreements. For example, athletes typically sign a registration agreement when becoming a member of a club or elite athletes have contractual obligations with their clubs, but volunteer coaches in minor leagues often do not. This disparity highlights the lack of standardised processes that encompass all individuals involved in sports, to ensure everyone is held to the same safeguarding standards.
Key Findings From Research
Building European Safe Sport Together: Safeguarding amongst European Sports Organisations
Link to document
Benchmark Report European Sports Organisations
Assessment of Safeguarding Policies and Procedures Implemented in European Sport Organisations
Link to document
Benchmark Report European Sports Events Organisers
Assessment of Safeguarding Policies and Procedures Implemented by European Sport Event Organisers
Link to document
NOC Survey Report
Assessment of Safeguarding Status Amongst European National Olympic Committees
Link to document
NF Survey Report
Assessment of Safeguarding Status Amongst European National Federations
Link to document