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.
