Safeguarding in Sport: Building a Culture of Protection

Sport has always been a place for young people to grow, to learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience. In today’s environment, clubs and organisations are increasingly aware of their responsibility to ensure those spaces are not just inspiring, but safe. Safeguarding has become one of the most pressing governance issues in sport, reshaping how organisations manage risk, protect young athletes, and earn the trust of families.

The first step is recognising that safeguarding is not an optional add-on. For clubs, it is part of their duty of care. Just as organisations invest in insurance to protect against physical injuries, they must now also demonstrate that they have systems in place to protect against misconduct and abuse. Increasingly, insurers, such as Sportscover, are requiring evidence of these measures before offering or renewing liability coverage.

Clubs are responding by putting in place clear codes of conduct for coaches, volunteers, and players. These set expectations for behaviour and provide a framework for accountability. Background checks and working-with-children clearances are now standard in many organisations, but the best clubs go further, offering mandatory education sessions that ensure all adults understand boundaries, responsibilities, and reporting pathways.

Education is critical. Safeguarding experts stress that policies only work when everyone in a club knows how to apply them. Training coaches to recognise warning signs, empowering athletes to speak up, and ensuring parents know how to raise concerns are all part of creating a safe environment. Importantly, this training must be practical and ongoing, not just a box-ticking exercise.

Where Sportscover Fits In

At Sportscover, we understand the unique challenges sporting clubs face, from grassroots through to national bodies. Through our Safeguard offering, we help organisations minimise the risk of abuse, respond effectively if incidents occur, and ensure their cover is fit for purpose. Our aim is simple: to help clubs build safer environments, meet their duty of care, and protect their communities.

Why It Matters

Australia has become one of the most claim-driven countries in the world, with multimillion-dollar settlements for abuse cases rising sharply. Legislation in states like Victoria is already requiring organisations to hold adequate abuse cover, and this is likely to spread. For Touch Football clubs, being proactive on safeguarding isn’t just best practice, it’s essential for long-term sustainability and trust.

The Bottom Line

Sport at its best is about joy, challenge, and belonging. To preserve that, safeguarding must be a priority. With the right systems, training, and cover in place, clubs can ensure Touch Football remains a space where every athlete feels safe to dream, compete, and grow.

For more information about Safeguard and how Sportscover can help your club, contact us at info@sportscover.com or visit sportscover.com.