Safeguarding Children and Youth in Sport

Despite of all positive social and personal aspects of participating in sports and physical activity, some minors are affected by negative experiences. Like in any other arena involving a close personal relationship and authority relationship toward children, a sporting environment may also sometimes expose them to particular risks. Various studies show that children and youngsters can be subject to different forms of violence in sport, which can lead to lifelong consequences on their emotional, physical and psychological health and personal development. Sexual harassment, physical violence, verbal abuse, bullying and neglect are just a few examples that can deeply affect minors’ participation in sport activites.