UK Coaching Position of Trust Statement

UK Coaching welcomes the  announcement that safeguarding legislation will be updated to include coaching as a ‘Position of Trust’. These measures are vital to ensure we are doing all we can to protect children and young people from potential harm.

However, what must be remembered is that the duty of care of a coach goes much wider than just this age group. Those who are coaching have a responsibility for their participants. It is of the utmost importance to create a safe environment for those taking part in sport and physical activity and for all people involved to be treated with respect.

We work in partnership with the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) to promote and advocate the highest of standards of safeguarding.

It is important that anyone can recognise any form of abuse and that they take the necessary steps to report it. This should be with a sport’s governing body or a club’s welfare officer. For any activity not affiliated to a governing body, these reports should be made to a county sports partnership or local children’s social care. If there is no one else to report an instance to, or if a child is in immediate danger, contact the police.

The vast majority of coaches provide great coaching and support to millions of people across the UK to reach their own goals and motivations. There are many wider holistic benefits that coaching offers, not only in sport but in society in general.

Making coaching sessions as safe as possible is essential to a lifetime habit of participation in, and enjoyment of, sport and physical activity.