As the government begins the gradual task of loosening restrictions, sports are understandably keen to start returning to face-to-face activities.
The CPSU have been considering how this will impact safeguarding children, and we have been discussing the implications for safeguarding adults in sport.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent lockdown had put a stop to active participation in sport for several months in the UK.
As things resume, however, a raft of government restrictions, rules and practical guidance still govern these activities and must be accommodated by individuals, clubs and organisations seeking to bring more people together for sports activities of any kind.
Government guidance for sport
DCMS has released guidance for England on the re-introduction of some elements of sports activity (initially in outdoor settings) at both elite and community level. Sports organisations and clubs should familiarise themselves and comply with this guidance.
There is similar guidance for Northern Ireland and Wales, where the easing of lockdown restrictions differ from those in England.
Addressing the ongoing coronavirus risk will require an approach that will no doubt further stretch resources at delivery level.
There are practical measures to put in place to limit the potential transmission of the virus such as:
- Cleaning equipment
- Not sharing equipment
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Social distancing
- Restricting group sizes
These measures will put additional strain on those organising and delivering the activity, potentially with a reduced workforce due to people still needing to self-isolate.
Maintaining safeguarding standards and practice
It is absolutely vital that, in their enthusiasm to restart some face-to-face activities for adults, organisers do not ignore, abandon or otherwise dilute established practices, rules and regulations designed to safeguard adults at risk of harm and neglect and provide the safest environment possible.
For example, in ‘normal’ times, most sports would carry out an effective assessment of the suitability of those working with adults at risk. In safeguarding terms, it is difficult to understand or justify why in the current circumstances, this protection would or should be reduced. For example, subjecting supervising individuals to much less, or even no screening arrangements simply in order to meet established supervision ratios.
What sports organisations need to do
Whilst following the government guidance on re-starting sport during coronavirus, organisations should:
- Not compromise on safeguarding practice to meet coronavirus measures
- Postpone any planned activity until it can be provided safely, both in terms of coronavirus measures and safeguarding
- Continue to risk assess safeguarding practice in your activity as before
- Make sure all those working with participants in sports clubs are assessed for their suitability
- Make sure all staff and volunteers maintain some level of safeguarding training and continue to refresh their safeguarding knowledge
It’s important for sports organisations not to compromise safeguarding and wellbeing in the rush to restart activities.
Where can you learn more?
- Sport England have issued guidance on safely restarting sport and activity
- Book your place on the Ann Craft Trust’s free online seminar, ‘Listen and Act’ on Wednesday 22 July. The seminar will discuss the findings from the recent research with sport and activity organisations about the challenges and successes of safeguarding sport participants during the pandemic.
- Book a place on the Ann Craft Trust ‘Safeguarding Adults in Sport & Activity Training: Level 3’ running in August.
- Read the guide produced by Ann Craft Trust and Club Matters about safeguarding in sport during the pandemic.
- Download the Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Activity Resource Pack.