Introduction to Safeguarding in Sport

Safeguarding refers to the set of actions, principles, and attitudes aimed at protecting people from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and at ensuring that every individual can participate in activities safely and with dignity (CPSU, 2020).

In the context of sport and mentoring, safeguarding goes beyond the existence of policies or rules. It is a daily practice that should guide every interaction between mentors and mentees. Creating a safe environment means not only preventing physical harm, but also protecting participants’ emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Sporting and mentoring environments often involve power dynamics—mentors or coaches are perceived as figures of trust and authority. For this reason, safeguarding also implies using that position responsibly, fostering respect, empowerment, and equality.

Safeguarding is therefore not limited to avoiding risks; it also involves actively promoting a culture of care, empathy, and inclusion, where everyone feels valued and respected.

In simple terms: safeguarding means ensuring that every person is safe, respected, and supported, both physically and emotionally.

Everyday actions—such as choosing an appropriate meeting place, respecting personal boundaries, or asking for consent before sharing personal information—are practical ways of putting safeguarding into practice.

The concept of safeguarding is grounded in three essential principles that mentors can easily apply in their work:

Safety

• Choosing public and accessible spaces for meetings.
• Using professional and secure communication channels.
• Knowing the reporting procedures and acting immediately in case of concern.

Safety also includes protecting digital privacy—avoiding sharing personal data or photos without explicit consent (Plan International, 2022).

Dignity

• Treating all participants with respect and fairness.
• Avoiding language that reinforces stereotypes or portrays women as victims.
• Giving mentees the choice over how their stories or images are shared.

As UN Women (2020) notes, dignity is central to gender-responsive safeguarding practices. It recognizes that each person has the right to be seen and treated as capable and autonomous.

Wellbeing

• Listen actively and without judgment.
• Create spaces where participants feel safe to express themselves.
• Encourage self-confidence and celebrate achievements.

According to the World Health Organization (2022), wellbeing in sport arises when people feel supported, valued, and respected in their individuality.

Safeguarding is not only about preventing harm—it is about creating conditions for people to thrive.

When mentoring women with migrant background or other vulnerable groups, safeguarding requires special sensitivity and an intersectional approach. This means understanding how multiple factors—gender, migration status, disability, age, and cultural background—can combine to increase vulnerability (IASC, 2018).

• Limited language skills that make it harder to express discomfort or seek help.
• Previous experiences of violence, discrimination, or forced displacement.
• Cultural norms that discourage speaking openly about personal issues.
• Digital risks, such as the unauthorized use of photos or personal stories online.

For this reason, mentors should:

• Use clear and simple language when discussing sensitive issues.
• Always seek informed consent before collecting or sharing personal information.
• Show cultural sensitivity, while ensuring that safety and autonomy are never compromised.
• Be aware of their own power and influence within the mentoring relationship.

As UNHCR (2022) highlights, effective safeguarding empowers women to make informed decisions about their participation, rather than restricting them. Empowerment and protection must always go hand in hand.

Safeguarding is not about control—it is about enabling trust, confidence, and agency.

Safeguarding becomes meaningful when translated into everyday actions. Mentors can follow these practical recommendations:

Do’s

• Meet in safe, public, and comfortable spaces.
• Keep communication professional and transparent.
• Use inclusive and respectful language.
• Seek informed consent before sharing any personal story, image, or information.
• Know the organisation’s reporting pathway and who to contact in case of risk.

Don’ts

• Never promise secrecy if someone discloses a risk or form of abuse.
• Don’t share personal data, photos, or videos without explicit permission.
• Don’t assume what a mentee feels or needs—always ask.

Mentors can also use short checklists or pocket cards as quick reminders before each session. These tools reinforce positive habits and make safeguarding a natural part of mentoring practice.