Abstract des Autors

‘Safeguarding’ is a new term, which has developed from child protection issues that resulted in UK legislation. It refers to an all-encompassing proactive approach to keeping children and vulnerable adults safe from harm or abuse. High-profile cases have raised public awareness of the importance of safeguarding and the need to report concerns. Similarly, incidents of racism on the sports field and in social media have highlighted the need to promote equality and prevent discrimination. Sport is an important agent for societal change in both cases. Sport leaders have both the opportunity and influence that may facilitate abuse. Therefore, all sports require robust safeguarding and safer recruitment policies and practices including the use of Criminal Record checks. Governing bodies are encouraging personalities to appreciate their positions as role models. As such, sport is a powerful means of engaging the public in conversations about diversity and appropriate behaviour.