Ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people in sport is paramount. That’s why Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has launched a new series of educational videos designed to highlight best practices in safeguarding. These resources are aimed at coaches, volunteers, and community clubs across Australia, helping them create safe and supportive environments for young athletes.

A Practical Guide to Safeguarding

The new video series is based on SIA’s Children and Young People Safe Practices Do’s and Don’ts handbook. This practical guide outlines 13 key safeguarding practices that help protect children and young people participating in sport. Each video addresses specific behaviours within these practices, offering clear examples of what should and should not be done to ensure safety and integrity.

Director of Safeguarding at Sport Integrity Australia, Lisa Purves, emphasised the importance of these resources for community clubs and their volunteers, who are critical to the development of young athletes.

“Our community clubs and the volunteers who run them are vital in providing spaces where children can develop life skills and social connections,” Ms. Purves said. “By making these resources easily accessible, we aim to support those facilitating sport for young people and ensure they have the tools to maintain a safe environment.”

Safety Through Vigilance

One of the key messages of the video series is that not all inappropriate behaviours are intentional. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in all interactions with children and young people in sport. The videos provide practical tips on how to spot potential issues and take corrective actions, reinforcing that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

The 13 safeguarding practices covered in the videos are part of the broader National Integrity Framework, which serves as a blueprint for integrity and safeguarding across all levels of Australian sport.

Accessing the Videos

The full suite of safeguarding videos is now available on the Safeguarding Hub on the Sport Integrity Australia website. New videos will be rolled out weekly across SIA’s social media channels, ensuring that these vital resources reach a wide audience.

By using these tools, community clubs, volunteers, and coaches can strengthen their safeguarding practices and continue to provide safe and supportive spaces for children and young people in sport.

Courtesy: New Safeguarding Video Resources Launched | Sport Integrity