Introduction

All sporting organisations which make provision for children and young people must ensure that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• All staff (paid/unpaid) working in sport have a responsibility to report concerns to the appropriate officer  

Staff/volunteers are not trained to deal with situations of abuse or to decide if abuse has occurred.  However, they should be aware of their responsibility to report concerns if they arise