Note: In this module, we have included videos in which we talk with Cheryl Higgins, mum to Ben, the GB 400m runner mentioned in our safeguarding experience.

Speaking out about safeguarding and welfare issues involving young athletes can be challenging, and various scenarios can put both athletes and parents in a difficult position. Weighing up what’s at stake by raising a concern should not, in an ideal world, be part of the equation. However, this isn’t an ideal world, and some factors DO cause athletes and parents to think twice about speaking out.

Not knowing whether your concern is a legitimate safeguarding or welfare issue that should be reported, or at least questioned, can be, in our opinion, the most problematic. How do parents (and athletes) find out this information? Who should they talk to about their concerns? 

Why Speaking Out Can Be Hard

There are many reasons why concerns remain unreported. Here are just a few:

Risk of losing friends:
If the athlete is otherwise happy in their training group, you may feel you’ll risk them losing those friendships and that set-up.

Feeling indebted:
If a coach is an unpaid volunteer, you may feel indebted to them, making it difficult to raise concerns.

Lost opportunities:
If the training group is a high-level one, you may feel you’ll risk your athlete losing out on important opportunities.

Fear of retaliation:
Those who speak out may fear reprisals, such as negative consequences from coaches, organisations, or peers. They may worry about being ostracised or facing retaliation that could impact their athletic career or personal relationships.

Lack of awareness or understanding:
Knowing whether behaviours or situations constitute a safeguarding concern can cause doubt. Parents of young athletes especially should educate themselves about the signs of abuse, grooming tactics, or their athlete’s rights. If in doubt, question it.

Power dynamics and influence:
Coaches, trainers, or officials often hold positions of authority and influence over young athletes. This power dynamic can create a sense of dependency, making it challenging for athletes to come forward and report concerns about those in positions of authority

Stigma and shame:
Victims of abuse or harassment may experience feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame. The stigma associated with being a survivor of abuse can deter individuals from speaking out, fearing judgment or disbelief from others.

Limited support systems:
Young athletes can feel there are no individuals they trust to disclose safeguarding concerns. They might not have access to appropriate reporting channels or be unaware of the procedures to address such issues.

Cultural or societal norms:
Cultural or societal beliefs and norms can influence attitudes towards reporting safeguarding concerns. In some cases, there may be a reluctance to acknowledge or address these issues openly, leading to silence and continued abuse.

Reporting Concerns

When reporting an issue (or an initial concern), the first point of contact will typically be your club’s Welfare Officer. Every club has one, and their contact details should be available on your club’s website.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to bypass the club, there will be, again hopefully, an Online Safeguarding Concern Form available on your Governing body’s website, which the Safeguarding Team will process.

Our Views...

This information shouldn't have to be searched for but should be prominently displayed in a highly visible position. e.g., club rooms, training areas, changing rooms, etc. These guidelines should:

• Clearly explain what behaviours are and are not acceptable, removing the ‘grey areas’ that result in uncertainty and a reluctance to report concerns.
  
  

• Provide a signpost for further information, e.g., the club or National Governing Body's safeguarding and welfare website page.
  
  
• State clearly how and where concerns should be reported and where questions can be asked, e.g., the club's welfare officer's contact details. 

Crucially, this would allow everyone to know where they stand, whether they are an athlete, parents, coaches, support staff, or simply members of the general public.

Take Home Points

• Don’t ever be too scared to raise concerns and question anything that doesn’t look/feel right. These athletes are your children.
  
  

• Be brave enough to question and/or confront. Don’t ever feel you can’t speak out.
  
  

• Look out for the warning signs that suggest things aren’t right.
  
  

• Always listen to your athlete and take their concerns seriously.
  
  

• Beware of the trust trap... and grooming.
  
  

• Follow your gut feeling. Trust your instinct. A parent’s instinct is usually right.

Note: We have used the word ‘coach’ as a relatable example to represent anyone who performs/attempts abusive behaviours within a sporting context.

The vast majority of coaches and support staff are genuine, lovely people who often give their time and expertise free of charge… and only want the very best for young athletes. Without them, there would be no sport, and we are truly indebted to them :)

Go to our Resources page for links to helpful information.

If you've found this information helpful, we've created The Athlete Place, our athlete-specific platform designed to inform, motivate and inspire your athlete...