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Clearinghouse for Sport
The information and knowledge sharing platform for Australian sport

International Practice

International organisations and programs to support and encourage safeguarding in sport.

The Centre for Sport and Human Rights

The Centre for Sport and Human Rights, opens in a new tab is a human rights organisation for the world of sport, they aim to advance a world of sport that fully respects and promotes human rights by generating awareness, building capacity and delivering impact.

International Safeguarding for Children in Sport

Safe in Sport, opens in a new tab, International Safeguarding for Children in Sport, (accessed 26 February 2026). A global network of organisations committed to making sport safe for children.

  • Safe Sport Day, opens in a new tab [8 August annually]. Organisations use the day to announce their latest safeguarding initiatives, or the work they have been doing over the last year to make sport safer.
  • 8 Safeguards, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Each Safeguard comes with a description, an explanation of why it is important for safeguarding, and a list of criteria for success. Information on the eight Safeguards and the success criteria are available in a range of languages.
  • Online courses, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Three, free online courses on safeguarding essentials, safeguarding practice, and effective safeguarding, available in English, French, and Spanish.
  • Self-Audit, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Use this tool to assess how your organisation is doing with regards to each of the eight Safeguards. Available for download in multiple languages, and as an online version in English, French, German, and Spanish.
  • International Safeguards for Children in Esports, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Aim to outline the things that should be put in place by any organisation providing esports activities to children and young people.
  • International Training and Development Framework for Safeguarding Leads in Sport, opens in a new tab, (May 2022). Designed to provide a clear training and development pathway to support those involved in safeguarding in sport at local, regional, national, or international level. The Framework recognises that whilst the role of the Safeguarding Lead will vary across organisations, the overall aim of safeguarding training is the same; to make sport safer for children and adults by supporting safeguarding professionals, trainers, and organisations to carry out their roles to the best of their ability.

Safe Sport International

Safe Sport International, opens in a new tab is an independent global body dedicated to advancing safe sport through evidence, accountability, and collaboration. They work to translate research and lived experience into practical solutions that improve safeguarding standards, strengthen accountability, and ensure safety is a lived reality for everyone in sport.

Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA)

The Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA), opens in a new tab was established in 2015, bringing together a global coalition of leading rights organisations using the power of sport to advance human rights and to promote the rights and well-being of those affected by sport and help ensure sport is an authentic force for good.

  • The Athletes Network for Safer Sports, opens in a new tab is a key action of the SRA, creating an international network of people and organizations connected by our lived experience of abuse in sport. The Network offers a range of activities for athletes, whistleblowers and allies impacted by abuse in sport, including collective campaigns and solidarity, advocacy training and support, wellbeing support and resources, research analysis and exchange, and an emergency fund for survivors needing urgent assistance.
  • “No one wants to talk about it:” Voices of impacted people on the participation of athletes convicted of sexual offenses at mega sporting events, opens in a new tab, Renata Falcão, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences for Stichting Sport & Rights Alliance, (October 2025). The study was developed as a follow-up to the statements in 2024 led by survivor-led organizations: the Athletes Network for Safer Sports, Kyniska Advocacy, and The Army of Survivors. Employing trauma-informed interviews with people impacted by abuse in sport, the report aims to elevate the voices of those most affected on a topic historically dominated by institutional discretion. The report addresses the complex ethical dilemma surrounding the eligibility and accreditation of athletes with prior criminal sexual convictions at the highest levels of competition.

United Against Online Abuse (UAOA)

Established by the FIA in 2023, the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA), opens in a new tab campaign aims to work collaboratively with sporting organisations across the globe, as well as with national governments, academics, regulators, social media and technology platforms to produce research-based, evidence-led assessments of the online abuse landscape in sport as well as the solutions to tackle this phenomenon.

  • Online Abuse in Sport Barometer 2025, opens in a new tab, (2025). The second edition of the Barometer report is based on an extensive survey of 18 international sporting federations to research and track how online abuse is impacting athletes, competitors, officials and referees in various sporting disciplines across the world.

Canadian Government

  • Safety in sport, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians can participate and compete in a safe environment that is free from maltreatment, including harassment, abuse and discrimination.
  • Future of Sport in Canada Commission, opens in a new tab, (2023-2026). In 2023, the Canadian Government announced the creation of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission to undertake an independent and forward-looking review of Canada’s sport system. The Commission has engaged and sought input from a broad array of stakeholders, including survivors and victims of maltreatment in sport, to bring to light lived experiences, support healing and engage on how to improve the sport system in Canada. This process was trauma-informed, survivor-centred and human rights-based. The Commission’s activities will culminate in a final report and recommendations due to be published in early 2026.
    • Future of Sport in Canada Commission: Preliminary report, opens in a new tab, Lise Maisonneuve, Noni Classen, Andrew Pipe, Government of Canada, (August 2025). Following more than a year of thorough review, analysis, and cross-country engagement. The Preliminary Report sets out 71 preliminary recommendations aimed at enhancing safe sport and improving the sport system in Canada. Part II specifically addresses safe sport—calling maltreatment in Canadian sport both widespread and on-going. It proposes a national strategy centered on prevention, response, and support. Key recommendations include standardized education and training, mandatory background screenings, improved safe sport complaint mechanisms, and a national public registry of sanctioned individuals.

Parliament of Canada

  • Time to Listen to Survivors: Taking action towards creating a safe sport environment for all athletes in Canada, opens in a new tab, Report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, (June 2023). To respond to calls for culture change in sport in Canada, the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women undertook a study on the experiences of women and girls in sport. Maltreatment takes different forms and can include psychological, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and discrimination. Certain groups of athletes are more likely to experience maltreatment or need protection. This is the case for women and girls, who are more likely to report experiencing maltreatment than men and boys. During this study, many witnesses described experiences of physical, sexual, financial, and psychological violence. The Committee made 24 recommendations for ways in which the Government of Canada can address and help eliminate maltreatment in sports in Canada.

Sport Integrity Canada

Sport Integrity Canada , opens in a new tab(previously the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport) is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization that works to protect and promote the integrity of sport in Canada. Through the administration of programs, including the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and the Canadian Safe Sport Program, they work to ensure sport is safe, inclusive, fair, clean, and accessible for all Canadians. Sport Integrity Canada acknowledges funding from the Government of Canada.

European Commission and Council of Europe

  • Child Safeguarding in Sport (2020-2022)., opens in a new tab A European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (COE) joint project. Its main aims were to guide and accompany European countries towards effective child safeguarding in sport policies, through the setting up of positions of Child Safeguarding Officers. 6 countries were partners to the project: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Israel, Norway and Portugal
    • Resource centre, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). The Online Resource Centre for Child Safeguarding in Sport collected 85 practices and resources to provide information to support organisations wherever they are on the safeguarding journey.
  • CASES: Child abuse in sport: European Statistics – Project Report, opens in a new tab, Hartill, M., Rulofs, B., Lang, M., et al., Edge Hill University, (2021). The CASES project aimed to provide data on the prevalence of interpersonal violence, abuse and maltreatment experienced by children (people under the age of 18) inside or outside sport, across different European national contexts. To this end we undertook a survey of over 10,000 individuals across Europe in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Romania, Spain, and the UK.
  • Safeguarding Children in Sport: A mapping study, opens in a new tab, European Commission, (September 2019). The key aims of this small-scale research study were to undertake a rapid review of empirical evidence on violence against children in sport across the EU and to analyse how safeguarding issues are dealt with at national and/or international level through legal instruments and policy initiatives. This would serve to provide the European Commission with adequate knowledge of existing initiatives in order to identify where best to focus its efforts and those of the Member States.
  • Pro Safe Sport, opens in a new tab, Council of Europe, European Union, (accessed 26 February 2026). The project entitled “Pro Safe Sport +: Put an end to sexual harassment and abuse against children in sport” (PSS+) was a nine-month project that commenced in April 2017, aimed at promoting a safe and healthy environment for young athletes. Sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation of children are widespread violations of the rights of the child, compromising the children’s social development and often having devastating mental and physical health consequences. Sport is an environment that encourages close relationships and trust between peers, coaches, team and support staff. Combating and preventing all forms of gender-based violence in the field of sport, and in particular sexual violence against children, is a priority for both the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe (CoE). Progress has been made to implement policy standards that can help to effectively protect children; and prevent and respond to sexual and other forms of gender-based violence in sport. Despite the calls for reform and efforts to create standards that apply to sporting environments, progress is still slow and fragmented. A number of EU member states and sport organisations still have not prepared and adopted a national policy against sexual violence in sport.
  • Start to Talk, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). A Council of Europe call for action to public authorities and the sport movement to stop child sexual abuse launched in 2017.
  • Voices for truth and dignity: Combatting sexual violence in European Sport through the voices of those affected, opens in a new tab, European Union, (2016-2018). The VOICE project aimed to generate crucial research data for the European sport community by listening to the voices of those that had been affected by sexual violence in sport. The resulting evidence-base helped to enhance the sports community’s capacity to combat sexual violence and strengthen integrity in sport.

Strategies

Guidelines

  • Athlete Safeguarding Guidelines for IFs and NOCs, opens in a new tab, (2016). Aimed at creating and implementing a policy to safeguard athletes from harassment and abuse in sport. These guidelines note the minimum requirements for athlete safeguarding policies and procedures and can be used by sports organisations as a benchmark and policy review tool.
  • IOC Framework for Safeguarding Athletes and Other Participants from Harassment and Abuse in Sport (Games-time Period), opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). The Framework is intended to supplement other IOC codes and regulations such as the Olympic Charter or the IOC Code of Ethics with further specific information and guidance during the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games, in order to ensure that there is a safe and supportive environment for all accredited participants. The Framework applies to all participants at each edition of the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, between the opening and the closing of the Olympic Village(s) for the purposes of the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games as defined within the Framework.

Position Statements

  • IOC consensus statement: interpersonal violence and safeguarding in sport, opens in a new tab, Tuakli-Wosornu YA, Burrows K, Fasting K, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 58(22), pp.1322-1344, (2024). This evidence review and consensus process elucidated the characterisation and complexity of IV and safeguarding in sport and demonstrates that a whole-of-system approach is needed to fully comprehend and prevent IV. Sport settings that emphasise mutual care, are athlete centred, promote healthy relationships, embed trauma- and violence-informed care principles, integrate diverse perspectives and measure IV prevention and response effectiveness will exemplify safe sport. A shared responsibility between all within the sports ecosystem is required to advance effective safeguarding through future research, policy and practice.
  • Mental health in elite athletes: International Olympic Committee consensus statement, opens in a new tab, Reardon CL, Hainline B, Aron CM, et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Volume 53(11), pp.667-699, (2019). This consensus paper addresses the multifaceted aspects of mental health symptoms and disorders in elite athletes. The intended audience includes sport and exercise medicine physicians and other clinicians (including physiotherapists and athletic trainers), psychiatrists and other licensed mental health providers, other mental health and performance professionals who work with elite athletes, researchers in the fields of elite athlete mental health and clinical or institutional leaders/administrators who are stakeholders in sport.

Programs

  • Integrity and Compliance Hotline, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). The Hotline can be used to report suspicious approaches or activities related to competition manipulation; incidents when you feel that you may have been the victim of, or have witnessed, an incident of harassment and/or abuse during the Olympic Games; report infringements of the IOC Code of Ethics or other matters, including financial misconduct or further legal, regulatory and ethical breaches over which the IOC has jurisdiction; report press freedom violations journalists and media representatives working on Olympic Games-related coverage may have experienced.
  • Safe Sport Unit, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). The Safe Sport Unit, established in 2022, has introduced a range of programmes and initiatives at Youth and Olympic Games, as well as broader initiatives beyond events including the IOC Safeguarding Toolkit for IFs and NOCs and the IOC Mental Health in Elite Athlete’s Toolkit, which help NOCs and IFs develop and implement policies and procedures in this field.
  • Safeguarding Officer in Sport Certificate, opens in a new tab, sportsoracle for the IOC, (accessed 26 February 2026). A distance learning program to equip those involved with safeguarding athletes of all ages from harassment and abuse (interpersonal violence) in sport with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to fulfill the role of Safeguarding Officer/Focal point for their sport organisation.

Tools

  • Safe Sport, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Information for athletes and organisations on creating safe environments where athletes can train and compete in healthy and supportive surroundings; an environment which is respectful, equitable, and free from all forms of harassment and abuse.
  • Mental Health in Elite Athletes Toolkit, opens in a new tab, (2021). This toolkit is aimed at assisting Olympic Movement stakeholders, including International Federations (IFs), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), athletes’ entourage members, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders such as National Federations (NFs), clubs and teams, to develop and implement initiatives related to the protection and promotion of mental health and well-being in elite athletes.
  • Safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse in sport: IOC Toolkit for IFs and NOCs, opens in a new tab, (2017). This toolkit aims to assist National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs) in the development of policies and procedures to safeguard athletes from harassment and abuse in sport.
  • IOC Athlete Safeguarding Webinar Series for International Federations, opens in a new tab, (2019). This series, consisting of 10 two-hour webinars, was open to all International Federations of sports on the Summer and Winter Olympic programmes, and was presented between September and November 2019. Each session, led by some of the world’s leading experts in the field of child protection and athlete safeguarding, focuses on the common challenges faced by sports organisations looking to build policy and implement athlete safeguarding measures.

Sport Ireland

  • Safeguarding Sport, opens in a new tab, Sport Ireland, (accessed 4 March 2026). Access guidelines and codes of practice promoting best practice for the protection of children in sport consistent with child protection guidance and legislation. Including the requirement for National Governing Bodies of Sport to have a dedicated contact known as the National Children's Officers; safeguarding training; and a toolkit for including young people's voices in decision making.

Sport Integrity Commission

  • Protecting participants: Te whakahaumaru kaitākaro, opens in a new tab, (accessed 3 March 2026). Provides detailed information and resources to support sport organisations across topics including Safeguarding and protecting participants, Harmful behaviours, Racism and unlawful discrimination, Sexually harmful behaviour, and access to Participant protection education.
  • Safeguarding and protecting children and young people, opens in a new tab, (accessed 3 March 2026). Provides detailed information and resources to support sport organisations across topics including Child safeguarding, Child protection, Travelling with children and young people, Creating safer environments, and access to Education.
  • Code of Integrity for Sport and Recreation, opens in a new tab, (2025). The Integrity Code sets minimum standards for organisations. The minimum standards aim to make sure participants are safe, respected, treated fairly and taken seriously if things go wrong. They help organisations prevent and respond to harmful behaviours, and address integrity issues consistently, whether they happen at local clubs or national organisations.

Sport New Zealand

  • Online health and safety training, opens in a new tab, Sport New Zealand (accessed 4 March 2026). Sport New Zealand have developed a course in partnership with Skills Active ITO for all workers. This will help them understand what they need to do to keep participants and the public safe. Some courses include Empowering young people in decision-making; Play Their Way: Child-First Approaches to Movement and Sport; Sport Safe: An introduction to health and safety for all paid and volunteer workers; Coaching Safety Net.

Independent Review of Gymnastics New Zealand (2021)

  • Gymnastics New Zealand Whole of Sport Review, opens in a new tab, Gymnastics New Zealand (accessed 17 May 2021). In July 2020, Gymnastics New Zealand was made aware of a number of distressing and concerning allegations of abuse within the sport. Following these—alongside with Sport NZ Interim Complaints Mechanism and Gymnastics NZ Safe Sport mechanism—a wider review into the sport of gymnastics in New Zealand was instigated.

General Assembly of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF)

NIF, opens in a new tab has approx. 1.900.000 memberships and consists of 55 national federations, 11 regional confederations, app. 328 sports councils and 9454 clubs. The General Assembly of NIF is the supreme governing body of organised sport, and is held every second year.

  • Children's rights, provisions and safeguarding in sports, opens in a new tab, (accessed 4 March 2026). The children's rights in sports put the needs and participation of children at the centre of all our activities and express the values ​​that form the basis for children's sports in Norway. They consist of eight rights and underline the importance of participation, safety and joy of sports for every child. The rights were first adopted by the General Assembly in 2007 and are based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • Children's Rights in Sports: The provisions on children's sports, opens in a new tab, (Adopted by the General Assembly of NIF in 2007, Revised in 2019). Safety is the first right that children have under these Provisions. Children have a right to participate in a training environment that is safe and secure, without pressure or exploitation. Children under the age of six should be accompanied by an adult to help avoid accidents and prevent injuries. The Provisions also regulate competition in children's sport (up to 12 years of age).
    • Recognise the rights of the child as an independent individual embedded into national laws and sport policy.
    • Children must not be treated as miniature adults and children’s sport must be suitable for the children’s level of physical development and maturity.
    • Elite sport specific specialisation before the age of 13 is prohibited, e.g. children are not allowed to participate in championships such as European or World Championships until the year they turn 13.
    • If prizes are awarded in children's sport, all children must receive one.
    • Requirement for sports clubs to have a specific person responsible for children's sport at any club organises children's sport.

Tromsø Sports Council (TIR)

  • Aktivitetsguiden.no, opens in a new tab, (accessed 4 March 2026). This website and the Activity Guide deal with including all children and youth who so wish in Norwegian sport. It is also intended to provide extra support to the sports councils that have activity guides as a measure for helping children to participate in Norwegian sport. Other people can also use this website as an independent tool to enhance inclusion in sport. This includes families, public institutions, municipalities and sporting bodies.
    • Children's sports, opens in a new tab, (accessed 4 March 2026). Section provides information and resources relating to sport as a meaningful activity, equal opportunities for boys and girls, parasport, the goals and values of Norwegian sport, and the rights of children in sport.

Safe Sport Commission Singapore

  • Safeguarding in Sport, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Together, the Safe Sport Unified Code and the Safe Sport Programme form the national framework for safeguarding in sport.
  • Training and Education, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Provides a variety of resources, courses, and workshops for people at all levels of sport.
  • Reporting a concern, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Anyone may make a report of concern to their sporting organisation's Safeguarding Officer or directly to the Safe Sport Commission, if they have personally experienced or are aware of any inappropriate conduct which may raise concerns under the Safe Sport Unified Code.

Swiss Sport Integrity

Swiss Sport Integrity, opens in a new tab aims to sustainably and effectively combat doping, ethical misconduct and malpractice in Swiss sport. The ethical functions were added to what was previously the Antidoping Switzerland Foundation after a series of scandals in 2020.

  • The Statutes on Ethics in Swiss Sport, opens in a new tab (effective 1 January 2025) are binding for all federations linked with Swiss Olympic and their direct and indirect member organizations. The ethics provisions apply to all individuals holding a post, license or membership with an association or federation linked with Swiss Olympic. Article 2 of the Statutes lists offences and actions which are classed as violations of the ethics provisions, broadly these are: Mistreatment (and abuse), abuse of a position or function, unsporting behaviour, and incitement, complicity and attempt, and attempted violations.

UK Government

  • Duty of Care in sport review, opens in a new tab, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Independent Report to Government, (April 2017). In December 2015, as part of the Sporting Future strategy, the Minister for Sport asked Baroness Grey-Thompson to conduct an independent review into the Duty of Care sport has towards its participants. This report sets out the findings of that review.

UK Sport

  • Child Protection in Sport Unit, opens in a new tab (accessed 26 February 2026). The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is part of the NSPCC and is funded by Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland and Sport Wales and UK Sport. The Unit maintains a website which contains information including Resources, News and Events, Help and Advice.
  • Safe Sport Project (2025-), opens in a new tab. Led by sport and for sport, the Safe Sport project and report emerged from a shared recognition of the challenges faced by the sport sector in keeping people safe. This project aims to design a comprehensive and integrated approach to safe sport throughout the UK, which prioritises the enjoyment, fulfilment and wellbeing of every person involved in sport.
    • Safe Sport Project Report: A call for a bold new approach and vision for safe sport in the UK, opens in a new tab, (2025). Co-Chaired by Sarah Powell (CEO, British Gymnastics) and Andy Salmon (CEO, Swim England), the independent consultation for the report encompassed 146 organisations and more than 200 voices. It was survivor-informed, involving individuals with lived experience in sport, with interviews conducted to understand how safeguarding practices in sport can be developed further to create a positive and safe environment for all.
    • The next phase of the Safe Sport project will be guided by an Oversight Group and Executive staff, which will contain a blend of relevant experience. This will include an outline of the function and services required by the sector, an appraisal of the delivery options, and an implementation plan for those options agreed with by March 2026.

Sport England

  • Safeguarding, opens in a new tab, Sport England, (accessed 26 February 2026). Safeguarding in sport is the process of protecting children and adults from harm by providing a safe space in which to play sport and be active. We all have a role to play in keeping others safe and people should know what to do if they have any concerns. That’s why we're working to support parents, carers, organisations, associations, clubs, activity providers, instructors/teachers/coaches and leaders to safeguard children and adults at risk.
  • Safer Spaces to Move, opens in a new tab, This Girl Can/ukactive, (accessed 11 March 2026). A dedicated project between ukactive and Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign. Designed to help women and girls to feel safer and more confident while being active in gyms, fitness and leisure facilities. Provides resources, training and guidance for the sector to reduce some of the barriers women and girls face in taking part in physical activity and create spaces that are inclusive and enjoyable for all.

Sport Northern Ireland

  • Safeguarding, opens in a new tab, (accessed 4 March 2026). Sport Northern Ireland recognises its moral duty and legal obligation to protect children and young people in sport through the creation and promotion of a safe environment which protects them from harm. Sport NI expects all funded National Governing Bodies to adhere to the Safeguarding in Sport Standards for NI. Currently under review.
    • Safeguarding Adults in Sport Policy and Procedures, (2020).
    • Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, (2020).

Sport Scotland

  • Standards for child wellbeing and protection in sport, opens in a new tab, (2021). The Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (Standards) and accompanying Child Wellbeing and Protection Tool (CWPS Tool) have been developed to support individuals and organisations in sport. They are applicable to all sports organisations who want to create a positive and safe culture for children and young people.

ukactive

ukactive, opens in a new tab is the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, bringing together around 4,000 member organisations and partners in our shared ambition to get More People, More Active, More Often.

Swim England Review (2022-2023)

Whyte Review (2020-2022)

Truth Project: Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse (2015-2022)

IICSA was a statutory inquiry for England and Wales, established in 2015 under the Inquiries Act 2005. Its independence meant that the Inquiry was not part of any government department. The Inquiry's remit was wide-ranging, but as a statutory inquiry it had the unique authority to compel witnesses and request any material necessary to investigate where institutions failed to protect children in their care.

  • Truth Project Thematic Report: Child sexual abuse in sports, opens in a new tab, Dr Andrea Darling, Laura Pope, Dr Jamie-Lee Mooney, et.al., IICSA Research Team, Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse, (June 2020). This report describes the experiences of Truth Project participants sexually abused in sports contexts between the 1950s and 2010s, with the most recent cases in our sample beginning in the early 2010s. The research findings included in this report are only indicative of the specific experiences of those who chose to share their experiences with the Truth Project. Of the 3,939 people who shared their experience, 2% described child sexual abuse that took place in a sports context. Of these participants 91% reported being sexually abused by a sports coach or volunteer in a sports organisation and sports clubs were most frequently reported as the location of the abuse (61%).

  • A world of sport free from racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, opens in a new tab, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (2025). Pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 54/25, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights outlines progress made in the implementation of that resolution, providing information on measures taken by States, sports associations and federations and other stakeholders against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in and through sports. The High Commissioner presents recommendations on achieving a world of sport free from those scourges.
  • Tackling violence against women and girls in sport: A handbook for policy makers and sports practitioners, opens in a new tab, UNESCO and UN Women, (2023). Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most pervasive human rights challenges in the world today and is rooted in gender inequality, discrimination, and harmful cultural and social norms that emphasize men’s superiority over women and normalize violence toward women. This Handbook aims to create a shared understanding of the problem, offer practical tools for addressing VAWG in sport, and propose areas for effective collaboration. This handbook is aimed at sports practitioners and policy makers wishing to address VAWG in sport.
  • Reporting Mechanisms in Sport: A Practical Guide for Development and Implementation, opens in a new tab, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), (2019). In providing guidance for planning and operating effective reporting mechanisms in sport, the primary audience of this Guide includes sports organizations at the national and the international levels, including national and international federations, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and IOC. In addition, a broader range of stakeholders, such as athletes unions, sports clubs, sponsors, government officials and regulatory agencies, can use the information in this Guide to help develop reporting mechanisms to support the integrity of sport.
  • Children's Rights in Sport Principles, opens in a new tab, UNICEF, (2nd edition, December 2018). All children have the right to participate in sport in a safe and enjoyable environment. Children's Rights in Sport Principles call for all persons involved to help realize sporting environment which would genuinely promote sound growth and prosperous lives of children.
  • International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, opens in a new tab, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), (2015). The International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport is a rights-based reference that orients and supports policy- and decision-making in sport. It promotes inclusive access to sport by all without any form of discrimination. It sets ethical and quality standards for all actors designing, implementing and evaluating sport programmes and policies. Highlights that "concerted action and co-operation between stakeholders at all levels is the prerequisite for protecting the integrity and potential benefits of physical education, physical activity and sport from discrimination, racism, homophobia, bullying, doping, manipulation, excessive training of children, sexual exploitation, trafficking, as well as violence."

Legislation

US Center For SafeSport

The U.S. Center for SafeSport, opens in a new tab opened in Denver, Colorado, in March 2017. Under the 'Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017' it develops resources and policies to safeguard athletes from bullying, harassment, hazing, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual misconduct. The law entrusts the Center as the exclusive authority to respond to reports of allegations of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct within the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and their recognized National Governing Bodies (NGBs).

  • SafeSport Code, opens in a new tab, (effective 1 January 2026). Defines the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s authority and jurisdiction, prohibited categories of abuse and misconduct, and the Center’s process for responding to and resolving abuse and misconduct claims affecting the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
  • Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP), opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). MAAPP limits one-on-one adult/minor interactions and sets standards for training and sport settings that prevent abuse and misconduct. Sport organizations invested in keeping young athletes free of abuse are strongly encouraged to adopt the MAAPP—now required throughout the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
  • Response and Resolution, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). The Center independently receive, respond to, and resolve allegations of abuse and misconduct in sport. Staff of expert, caring professionals carry out the investigative process fairly for claimants, respondents, and third parties alike. To better understand how our process works, please watch the videos on this page.
  • Abuse Prevention Resources, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Developed to support sport organisations and those working to change sport culture and create environments free from abuse. Also includes resources to support survivors, to help people take a more trauma-aware approach while connecting with their sport community.
  • Education and Research, opens in a new tab, (accessed 26 February 2026). Access courses and live training opportunities.
  • U.S. Center for SafeSport: Preventing Abuse in Sports, opens in a new tab, Nicole Johnson, Katie Hanna, Julie Novak, et.al., Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, Volume 28(1), pp.66-71, (2020). This paper seeks to combine the current research on abuse in the sport environment with the work of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The inclusion of risk factors unique to sport and evidence-informed practices provides framing for the scope and response to sexual abuse in sport organizations in the United States. The paper then explores the creation and mission of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, including the role of education in prevention and of policy, procedures, audit, and compliance as important aspects of a comprehensive safeguarding strategy. This paper provides preliminary data on the reach of the Center, established in 2017. This data captures the scope of education and training and the increase in reports to the Center from within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

Project Play

  • Children's Bill of Rights in Sports, opens in a new tab, Project Play, Aspen Institute, (2021). Developed by the Aspen Institute through its Project Play initiative, with a working group of human rights and sports policy experts, the Children's Bill of Rights in Sports identifies eight rights: To play sports; To safe and healthy environments; To qualified program leaders; To developmentally appropriate play; To share in the planning and delivery of their activities; To an equal opportunity for personal growth; To be treated with dignity; To enjoy themselves.

#WeRideTogether

  • #WeRideTogether, opens in a new tab is a nonprofit organization created to cast light upon the endemic issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports. They aim to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. Services include providing educational presentations, creating resources and materials specific to athletic communities, collaborating with organisations at all levels and in various countries to help create current and impactful tools, connecting athletes, survivors, coaches, parents and organisations to current best practices, crisis resources, support and information on reporting and justice procedures.

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Working together for Australian sport

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C4S-Footer-Sport Integrity Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Australian Sports Foundation logo
C4S-Footer-Australian Sports Foundation logo
C4S-Footer-Australian Olympic Committee
C4S-Footer-Australian Olympic Committee
C4S-Footer-Paralympics Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Paralympics Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Commonwealth Games Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Commonwealth Games Australia logo
C4S-Footer-SAHOF
C4S-Footer-SAHOF
C4S-Footer-Invictus Australia logo
C4S-Footer-Invictus Australia logo
C4S-Footer-PLA
C4S-Footer-PLA
C4S-Footer-ACT Gov
C4S-Footer-ACT Gov
C4S-Footer-NSW Gov
C4S-Footer-NSW Gov
C4S-Footer-NT Gov
C4S-Footer-NT Gov
C4S-Footer-QLD Gov
C4S-Footer-QLD Gov
C4S-Footer-SA Gov
C4S-Footer-SA Gov
C4S-Footer-Tas Gov
C4S-Footer-Tas Gov
C4S-Footer-Vic Gov
C4S-Footer-Vic Gov
C4S-Footer-WA Gov
C4S-Footer-WA Gov
C4S-Footer-ACTAS
C4S-Footer-ACTAS
C4S-Footer-NSWIS
C4S-Footer-NSWIS
C4S-Footer-NT
C4S-Footer-NT
C4S-Footer-QAS
C4S-Footer-QAS
C4S-Footer-SASI
C4S-Footer-SASI
C4S-Footer-TIS
C4S-Footer-TIS
C4S-Footer-VIS
C4S-Footer-VIS
C4S-Footer-WAIS
C4S-Footer-WAIS
First Nations Flags, the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag.
The Clearinghouse for Sport pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the valuable contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australian society and sport.