Q: What is the definition of a child?
This varies with
legislation. Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, a child is generally defined as a person under 16 years. The United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003 define a child as a person under
18 years.
To ensure compliance with legislation, and moral obligations towards the welfare of young people, it is recommended
that for the purposes of a child protection policy and procedures, a child should be regarded as being a person under 18
years of age.
Q: Why child protection in sport?
Children have so much to gain from participation in sport, particularly children whose lives may be affected by the adverse
circumstances in which they live. Although the majority of children who take part in sport every year have a positive and
empowering experience, there is evidence to show that some people use sport to access children in order to harm them. All
children have a right to be safe and secure whilst taking part in sport. Consequently, it is necessary for sports organisations
to put in place appropriate safeguards to protect children. The vast number of volunteers and staff delivering sport to children
and young people in Scotland are well placed to take appropriate action to protect a child who may need help.
Q: Is child abuse a real risk in sport?
Although there
is a need for more research into the prevalence of child abuse in sport, there is no evidence to show that it is a widespread
or growing problem in sport. Evidence shows that abuse can occur in any setting where people have access to children.
We
know that child abuse in sport does happen through some high profile cases and a growing number of adults and young people
who are beginning to talk openly about their experiences of abuse that occurred whilst they were involved in sport. As well
as child abuse, there are reported cases of other forms of harmful behaviours including bullying (in various sports), over-rigorous
training and a lack of attention to the developmental needs of children and young people.
Q: Are the risks of abuse greater in some sports than others?
There is
no evidence to suggest that children are at greater risk of abuse in particular sports, neither is there evidence to suggest
that girls are at any greater risk than boys. Any sports club or organisation will be vulnerable if it doesn't take the
precautions needed to safeguard the welfare of the children in its care.
Some studies have shown that the risk of abuse
to young people may be increased in elite level sport. Elite athletes are often involved in intensive training regimes and
competitions that take them away from home for long periods of time, and they are often highly dependent on a single adult
for physical and psychological support. Elite athletes might also be considered to be in a situation where it is very difficult
to speak out about what is happening to them for fear of losing the opportunity to succeed in their sport.
Q: How can my organisation sign up to the 2006 Accord?
The
2006 Accord for the Protection of Children in Scottish Sport is intended to help make sport a safe and enjoyable experience
by addressing the moral and legal responsibilities of clubs to protect children from abuse, harm and exploitation.
To
sign up the Accord, organisations should have agreement from their management board/executive/committee, then complete page
11 “Turning words into action” of the Accord and send a copy of this to the Child Protection in Sport service.
The document can be downloaded from our website by clicking here or you can request a hard copy from the service.
If you are a club or small organisation affiliated to a local
or national body, please contact that organisation in the first instance to find out if they have signed up, as they represent
all their member/affiliate clubs. If you are not affiliated to a larger organisation please contact us directly.
By signing up to the Accord, you agree to develop, formally adopt and make public an action plan within the
next 12 months which sets out key tasks with realistic timescales and clear responsibilities. For some organisations, this
may already form part of their annual business planning or long-term planning cycle, or can be added to existing strategic
plans without the need for a separate document.
Advice and ongoing support is available from the Child Protection in
Sport service throughout this whole process. Please contact us if you have any questions about signing up to the 2006 Accord and what this would mean for your organisation.
