Physical contact and young people in sport

There are situations in sports when it’s appropriate and necessary for adults to make physical contact with a child, to keep them safe or to help them develop their skills. Our guidance outlines how to make safe, appropriate contact with children and young people.

Children and young people have the right to say what level of contact they are comfortable with and should always be listened to and respected.

When is physical contact appropriate in sport?

Adults in positions of responsibility and trust shouldn’t make unnecessary physical contact with children and young people. Physical contact should always take place in the interests of, or for the benefit of the child, rather than the adult involved. It should take place only when necessary to:

• treat an injury
• develop sports skills or techniques, for example adjusting a child’s limbs, posture or equipment to aid their sporting technique
• prevent an injury or accident, for example intervening if a child is about to fall off equipment or helping stop play if technique isn’t being executed correctly
• meet the requirements of the sport, for example supporting a gymnast learning a new routine or, demonstrating a wrestling technique
• comfort a distressed child or to celebrate their success – adults to use their discretion to make sure contact does not become unnecessary or unjustified (particularly if repeated with the same individual)

Physical contact best practices

Unless the situation is an emergency, adults working with children in sports should:

• ask the child before making contact
• explain to the child the reason for this physical contact
• encourage the child to raise any concerns or worries that they have – for example, if any physical contact makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened, but also seeking their feedback such as, “am I holding too tight?”, “is this still, okay?”
• to avoid well intentioned gestures, such as putting a hand on the shoulder or arm - these gestures if repeated could lead to questions being raised by others, or make the young person feel uncomfortable

We’d recommend that your organisation develops its own sport-specific guidance to outline your specific physical contact requirements, whilst considering the safeguarding key principles.

Physical contact with young people should not

• involve touching genital areas, buttocks, breasts or any other part of the body that might cause a child distress or embarrassment
• take place out of sight of others or in secret

Sports clubs and activities should

• promote guidance, including sport specific guidance about physical contact with children – to coaches, staff, volunteers, officials, parents, children and young people
• report any concerns about physical contact in accordance with your safeguarding policies and disciplinary procedures

Children who need specific assistance

A young person with an injury, impairment or disability, may require specific support or assistance. You should follow these guidelines:

• discuss assistance with the child and their parents or carers before they take part in the sport and where possible ask children their preferred way of being assisted
• ask parents or delegated care providers to carry out all intimate or personal care tasks for their child – this isn't an appropriate role for coaches and staff 
• treat children with dignity and respect when they are assisted, lifted, or manually supported
• adults who will be assisting should receive appropriate training to minimise the risk of injuries

See our resources on safeguarding d/Deaf and disabled children for more. 

Physical punishment

Any form of physical punishment of children within sport or physical activity is unlawful and would be considered physical abuse.

Sports science and medical roles

Sports science, medicine and some other roles within sport, may require physical contact in order for tasks to be carried out effectively. These roles should only be undertaken by properly trained and qualified practitioners.

This guidance doesn't replace any specific guidance and codes of practice developed for those professionals - always check with the appropriate body for that area of work.