M1 - Maltreatment and Safe Sport

Introduction to Positive Sport Experiences

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Convention on the Rights of the Child

An international human rights treaty adopted in 1989 that outlines the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children

• Article 3

• Article 19

• Article 31

Article 3

Ensure the child protection and care as is necessary for their well-being

Article 19

States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation

• Children’s inability to advocate themselves necessitates external protection

Article 31

Right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child

Why Youth Participate in Sport

For total wellness:

• Physical

  • Health, fitness

• Cognitive

  • Skill development (processing information, making decisions, problem solving, remembering)

• Emotional

  • Develops confidence, character, resilience, time management

• Social

  • Socialization, making friends, collaboration, teamwork

Positive Youth Development

An approach that focuses on developing young people’s strengths, skills, and potential, rather than only trying to prevent problems or risky behaviors

Youth Sport and Naturally Occurring Benefits

Not all benefits of youth sport are naturally occurring

• Some behaviors may have to be intentionally taught (e.g. not showing up late for practice, maintaining a certain grade to remain in the sport)

Defining Safe Sport

The term “safe sport” is widely used but often lacks a clear and consistent definition

• Can create problems in both research + use in sport

Athlete365 Safe Sport

Athlete365 / IOC defines safe sport as:

“An environment 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.”

Gurgis and colleagues 2022

Interviewed sport stakeholders’ perceptions of what “safe sport” means

• Included high-performance athletes, coaches, administrators, researchers (n = 41)

  • From Olympic, inter-university, semi-professional, professional backgrounds and a variety of sports

Gurgis and colleagues findings

Found 3 themes that arose when trying to define “safe sport”

• Environmental and Physical Safety

• Relational Safety

• Optimizing Sport

Environmental and Physical Safety

The layer of safety that focuses on basic physical surroundings (cleanliness, safe equipment, facility maintenance)

• Provides protection from immediate physical injury

  • (e.g. helmets, mouth guards, railings)

Relational Safety

The layer of safety that focuses on relations with others

• Encompasses feeling physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally safe within an environment

• Protection from all forms of abuse, harassment, and discrimination

• Includes elements of trust, nurturing relationships, having fun, reaching individual potential, encouraging health + wellness

Optimizing Sport

The layer of safety that focuses on optimizing sport, promoting positive experiences for athletes

• Ensuring human rights are upheld and environments are inclusive, accessible, fair, and ethical

• Athletes can focus on their performance and personal growth w/o worrying about harm

Dynamic and Evolving

Interpretations of safe sport are continuously changing

Beyond Harm Prevention

Safe sport is not only about preventing harm. It also includes:

• Ensuring sport is positive, inclusive, accessible, and reflective of human rights

Focus on the Positive

By focusing on optimizing experiences (i.e. encouraging positive behaviours), the prevention of harm becomes a natural by-product

Intentionality

Benefits are not assumed.

Sport must be designed and delivered intentionally to provide joy, personal growth, and inclusion built upon a foundation of human rights.