Advancing Safeguarding in Sport: A Landmark BJSM Special Issue

Date: January 2025

At Arch Safeguarding, our core mission is to support the creation of sport environments where safety and well-being are paramount. It is therefore both exciting and significant to see safeguarding in sport take center stage in a prestigious publication like the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM). The recently published Special Issue on Safeguarding in Sport is a remarkable milestone, reflecting the growing recognition of this crucial topic and the need for high-quality research to drive progress.

Why this special issue matters

 

This Special Issue of BJSM brings together an unparalleled collection of research papers addressing some of the most pressing challenges in safeguarding. From cultural considerations to practical interventions, the articles featured provide evidence-based insights that are essential for policymakers, practitioners, and academics working to make sport safer and more inclusive.

 

The fact that a journal of BJSM’s caliber has chosen to devote an entire issue to safeguarding is a testament to the importance of this field. It underscores the need for rigorous research and collaboration to address the systemic issue of interpersonal violence in sport and to implement effective safeguarding measures across all levels of sport.

Highlights from the Special Issue

 

The Special Issue features contributions from leading experts worldwide, presenting innovative research and actionable recommendations. The center piece of the issue is the new IOC Consensus Statement on Interpersonal Violence and Safeguarding in Sport, chaired by Yetsa Tuakli-Wosornu and Daniel Rhind. 

 

As someone fortunate enough to have contributed to this collection, I am deeply inspired by the breadth and depth of the work included. Some of the other topics explored include:

Daarnaast belicht de special diverse andere relevante thema’s, waaronder:

  • Safeguarding policies and practices in International Federations: on the right track?
  • #WhatWouldYouDo? Een onderzoek naar de competentie van sportartsen in het omgaan met intimidatie en misbruik in sport.
  • ‘First, do no harm’: conducting research on interpersonal violence in sport
  • Association of self-reported health problems and interpersonal violence in sport: een cross-sectionele studie bij atleten op wereldniveau.

Each article represents an important step toward a safer and more supportive sporting world.

A Call to Action

 

This Special Issue is not just a collection of research papers; it is a call to action for the global sport community. It provides a roadmap for how we can collectively advance safeguarding practices, ensuring that sport environments are safe, inclusive, and empowering for all participants. Whether you are a policymaker, practitioner, or academic, there is much to learn and apply from the evidence and perspectives shared in these articles.

Explore the Special Issue

 

The full BJSM Special Issue on Safeguarding in Sport is available here. Take the time to delve into these studies and reflect on how they can inform and enhance your work in safeguarding. Happy reading!