Safeguarding in sport is widely discussed — but often poorly understood.
In this episode, we examine what safeguarding in sport actually means by challenging long-standing beliefs about toughness, performance, and coaching culture. The conversation focuses on how abuse is defined, normalised, and overlooked within sport systems.
A central theme is that intention does not define abuse — impact does. While sexual abuse often receives the most public attention, psychological abuse is the most widespread form of violence in sport. This includes humiliating comments, threats, body shaming, and punishment through exercise. Physical abuse and neglect, such as ignoring athletes’ medical, nutritional, or hydration needs, are also present and frequently underreported. Abuse can occur both in person and online.
Drawing on research and experience from elite sport environments, the episode reflects on how harmful practices were once considered normal — athletes in distress, fear-based coaching, and constant negative feedback — and why these patterns continue today. It challenges the myth that harshness is necessary for success, highlighting evidence that athletes learn and perform best when they feel supported, rested, and psychologically safe.
Safeguarding is presented not only as the prevention of harm, but as the creation of positive, rights-respecting environments where athletes’ needs are met and sport can fulfil its promise of growth, wellbeing, and resilience.
This episode features Dr Gretchen Kerr, Professor and Dean at the University of Toronto, whose research has shaped national safeguarding initiatives and the development of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport.
This episode was recorded in August 2025.
Further readings recommended by the guest in this episode:
• “Routledge Handbook of Athlete Welfare\". Ed. by Melanie Lang. Routledge (2020).
","author_name":"SCORE Sport Think Tank"}