Toolkits

The BESST project is dedicated to empowering sports organisations across Europe to establish robust safeguarding frameworks. This page introduces three essential tool types—framework tools, educational tools and awareness tools—designed to support organisations and individuals in implementing effective safeguarding practices within their own structures and among their member organisations. By using these resources, organisations can foster safer environments, educate all involved parties on safeguarding standards, and raise awareness of proactive behaviours to eradicate transgressive behaviour and unsafe practices from sport.

Safeguarding starts with you!

What best matches your objectives?

All BESST resources are entirely free and ready-to-use, designed to make safeguarding accessible for all. Whether you’re looking to educate your team, spark conversation, or lead change, these tools are here to support your efforts in creating safer, more respectful environments in sport!

If you are unsure, just scroll down ↓

To create a culture of safeguarding, awareness is vital. BESST offers a range of awareness tools designed to inform, challenge misconceptions, and promote positive behaviour change across sport environments. Using these tools, sports organisations can communicate critical safeguarding principles in accessible, engaging formats, fostering understanding and commitment to a safe sport culture among athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, parents and within sports organisations.

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11 Myths About Safe Sport and Safeguarding

Formats:

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Safeguarding (in) Sport at a Glance

Formats:

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Social Media Tools – Published via #SafeSportSunday Campaign

Formats:

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Complete Awareness Toolkit

To set a strong foundation and drive a culture of safeguarding within sports organisations, education is paramount. Project BESST provides educational tools designed to inform and engage stakeholders at all levels, ensuring a fundamental understanding of safeguarding practices and principles. In addition to the awareness tools, the following educational resources are available to effectively communicate safeguarding knowledge, engage stakeholders, and further support sports organisations in implementing effective safeguarding measures.

Target audiences for education

By focusing on these key groups, organisations can build a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding and promote a culture of safe sport, free from transgressive behaviour and unsafe practices, throughout their sports community.

1. Athletes – Educating athletes about their rights, the importance of safeguarding, and how to recognize and report inappropriate behaviour empowers them to take an active role in creating a safe environment.
2. Coaches and Staff – Coaches and support staff play a critical role in shaping the culture of a sports organisation. Training them on safeguarding policies, recognizing signs of abuse, and understanding their responsibilities is essential.
3. Officials – Officials play a vital role in maintaining safety and integrity in sport. Training in safeguarding enables them to identify and effectively respond to transgressive behaviour, reinforcing a respectful and safe environment for all participants.
4. Medical and Support Personnel – Individuals involved in the health and well-being of athletes, including medical staff and councillors, should be educated on safeguarding to effectively support athletes and address any issues that arise.
5. Volunteers – Volunteers often interact closely with athletes and can significantly impact the organisation’s culture. Providing them with training on safeguarding practices is crucial.
6. Board Members and Leadership  – Educating organisational leaders about safeguarding principles ensures that policies are prioritized and integrated into the organisation’s overall governance and culture.
7. All Staff in Sports Organisations – Ensuring that all staff members are informed about safeguarding practices is crucial for fostering a culture of safety and respect. This includes training on policies and procedures relevant to their roles, allowing them to contribute effectively to a safe sporting environment on and off the field of play.
8. Parents and Guardians – Involving parents and guardians in safeguarding education helps them understand the importance of safety in sports and equips them to support their children in navigating any concerns.
9. Community Members – Raising awareness among the wider community—including fans and supporters—can foster a collective responsibility for safeguarding and create a more supportive environment for athletes.
10. Media – Educating media personnel about safeguarding issues and responsible reporting can help raise awareness and promote positive narratives around safe sport practices. Well-informed media can play a crucial role in advocating for change and holding organisations accountable.

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Position Paper for Advancing Safety and Safeguarding in Sport

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BESST Key Findings

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BESST Presentation and Webinars

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Video Statements from Stakeholders

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Complete Education Toolkit

To foster a sport environment free of transgressive behaviour, organisations can utilise the diverse BESST materials available that support the development and implementation of Safeguarding in different types of organisations. 

The materials provided were designed to keep everyone involved in sport safe, from all types of organisations (NOC, NF, Clubs, Gyms, Studies, Event Organiser, etc), from all levels of involvement (athletes, entourage, parents, officials, staff, volunteers, etc) and from all stages of development (beginners, intermediate or advance).

The materials are divided into

1. NOCs/NFs
2. Clubs/Studios/Gyms etc.
3. Event Organisers

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For NOCs and NFs

The Legal Framework document is a guide for overarching organisations types such as National Olympic Committees and National Federations to:

• Assess their level of Safeguarding initiative
• Identify gaps that need to be addressed
• Develop tailored initiatives to progress their status of Safeguarding implementation.  

The framework does not intend to adopt binding standards that fit all and has no competence to do so. It is intended to serve as a common source for European National Olympic Committees and National Federations to make informed decisions, developing and implementing standards tailored to their particular needs, resources and context. It complements existing international standards and good practices already established in the field and should be used in conjunction with them.

The framework offers a structured guide into these distinct topics: 

• Codes of Ethics and Conduct
• Safeguarding Policies and Strategies
• Reporting
• Investigation of a concern, suspicion or allegation
• Adjudication 

For each topic, there is a glossary with foundational concepts, key considerations, a self-assessment checklist and good practices to follow, all provided to guide organisations and ensure a thorough understanding.

The framework is designed like a journey. Whether the organisation is just beginning to address safeguarding concerns (beginning), looking to align with international standards (intermediate), or ready to lead with the most advanced approach (advanced). 

In summary, this framework guides organisations to identify where they stand, use it to plot their next steps, and level up their game.

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For Clubs/Studios/Gyms etc.

The Legal Framework document is a guide for organisations responsible for the practice of sport such as Clubs, Gyms, Studios to:

• Assess their level of Safeguarding initiative
• Identify gaps that need to be addressed
• Develop tailored initiatives to progress their status of Safeguarding implementation.

The framework does not intend to adopt binding standards that fit all and has no competence to do so. It is intended to serve as a common source for European Clubs, Gyms, Studios, etc to make informed decisions, developing and implementing standards tailored to their particular needs, resources and context. It complements existing international standards and good practices already established in the field and should be used in conjunction with them.

The framework offers a structured guide into these distinct topics: 

• Safeguarding policy
• Code of conduct
• Risk management
• Safe recruitment
• Privacy and personal data
• In summary, this framework guides organisations to identify where they stand, use it to plot their next steps, and level up their game.

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For Event Organisers

The Operational and Legal Framework document is a guide for event organisers to: 

• Harmonise rules for sports events
• Provide an event specific framework with templates and actionable guidance
• Clarify organisational roles, responsibilities and dedicated resources
• Provide complementarity to existing standards and regulatory frameworks

The document is divided into four parts:

• Part A: Transgressive Behaviour Event Checklist
• Part B. Operational Templates for Events including:
  • a. Template: Roles and Responsibilities
  • b. Template: Safeguarding Contact Form
  • c. Template: Safe Recruitment Form
  • d. Template: Consent Form
  • e. Template: Incident Report Form
  • f. Template: Online/Cyber Protection and Safety Policy
• Part C: Legal Framework for Events
  Including definitions, violations, burden and standard of proof, confidentiality, anonymity, protection of whistleblowers, appeal, sanctions, mutual recognition of sanctions etc.
• Part D: Investigative Guidance and Templates
  • a. Guidance for Interviews
  • b. Template: Cautioning a Suspect in a Fact-Finding Inquiry
  • c. Template: Cautioning a Witness in a Fact-Finding Inquiry
  • d. Template: Written Declaration criteria

In summary, this framework describes the essential elements that all sports events, regardless of their size and nature, are recommended to implement for Safeguarding.