Sport can and does have a very powerful and positive influence on people – especially young people. Not only can it provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement; it can also develop valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. These positive effects can only take place if sport is in the right hands – in the hands of those who place the welfare of all young people first and adopt practices that support, protect and empower them.

The reality is that abuse does take place in sport and in some cases coaches and other trusted adults in sport have been convicted. Every adult has a legal and moral responsibility to protect  young people in sport from abuse.

The Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyles Service is committed to working in partnership with all agencies to ensure that information and training opportunities are available for all its staff and coaches to guide them in best practice when working with all children, young people.  Adopting best practice will help to safeguard young people from potential abuse as well as protecting coaches and other adults in positions of responsibility from potential allegations of abuse.

For copies of our Child Protection and Child Safety Policy, Procedures and Appendices please see 'Downloads'.

The Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyles Service is a member of the Wakefield District Safeguarding Children Board (WDSCB) and these procedures have been approved by the WDSCB.