Let's talk about keeping children safe in sport

Today kicks off National Parents in Sport Week.

This year’s theme is ‘Let’s talk about keeping children safe in sport’.

This year, the campaign is trying to reach as many parents as possible with information and advice, with the hope that it can open up a dialogue with coaches, clubs, and children about how everyone can contribute to safeguarding in sport.

The Guernsey Sports Commission is working hard to ensure that all sports clubs are a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages. Safeguarding and Governance is one of the 8 Key Workstreams in our Action Plan.

To help celebrate Parents in Sport Week we are going to share some of our experiences.

Jeremy Frith – Performance Director and Isla’s Dad

‘Being Isla's Dad is the best job I've ever had and watching her grow up is such a privilege.

‘Sport has given me many things in life, and I want Isla to have a lifelong engagement with sport and enjoy all the benefits that it can bring. Having played, coached, and administered sport for many years, parenting in sport is another job that I am still very much learning.

‘Over the years I have become acutely aware of the important role that safeguarding plays in the operation of successful sports clubs. As sports people we often want to just get on with the sport, however we need to ensure sport is well run.

‘Whatever activities Isla is involved in, I've always tried to ensure I know who the safeguarding lead is for that sport and aimed to read their safeguarding policy.

‘This week through the Child Protection in Sport Unit and Parents in Sport Week, I'd like to encourage all parents to make The Sports Parent Promise. There are two aims; firstly to ensure that by the end of the week you know who the safeguarding lead is for their sport and that you have read the safeguarding policy of the clubs your child/ children are involved in. Secondly to commit to supporting your children to enjoy sport in a positive way.

‘By fulfilling The Sports Parents Promise we'll be doing everything we can to ensure our children can develop and enjoy a lifelong enjoyment of sport.’

Find out more about National Parents in Sport Week here