International safeguards for children in sport

These safeguards outline the things that should be put in place by any organisation providing sports activities to children and young people.

The International safeguards for children in sport should be viewed as guides, which facilitate an organisation’s journey towards safeguarding children, rather than an end in themselves.

Coordinated by Unicef, the safeguards reflect international declarations, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, relevant legislation, government guidance, existing child protection and safeguarding standards, and good practice.

The 8 safeguards are:

1. Developing your policy
2. Procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns
3. Advice and support
4. Minimising risks to children
5. Guidelines for behaviour
6. Recruiting, training and communicating
7. Working with partners
8. Monitoring and evaluating

Implementing the safeguards

Implementation guides have been developed based on the experiences of over 50 organisations who piloted the International Safeguards. The guides are for anyone who works with children in a sporting context to support them in working towards the Safeguards.

Take the pledge

Whether you're an organisation working with children or you have a governance responsibility in sport, you can take the pledge to show your support for the Safeguards. 

Michelle North, head of CPSU, said:

"All children have the right to participate in sport in a safe and enjoyable environment and I look forward to continuing to support the great work that’s happening to increase the reach of the international safeguarding standards."