“The announcement from the Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch MP, on Thursday that cross-departmental agreement has been reached to change the law on the ‘position of trust’ so that it includes sports coaches is a positive one.
“The loophole, which has meant that sports coaches have not been regarded as holding a ‘position of trust’ and therefore not subject to the same restrictions as people such as teachers, when it comes to relationships with children under the age of 18, is something we have urged Government to close.
“It is now critical that the amendments to the existing law are effective and enforceable by the relevant authorities, whilst keeping the administrative requirements for grassroots clubs manageable. As a sector, we have a responsibility to protect all of our young people and we hope this announcement from Government will help provide a robust and clear legal framework to make sure all children can enjoy the benefits of being physically active in a safe environment.
“We will continue to work with our members in creating a culture of safeguarding. A lot of progress has been made in the sector and we know sports organisations are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children in sport. We will watch very closely how this new law develops, as ever the detail will be important, but at this stage feel that this is progress – which is why we welcome it as a good example of different departments working together.”
The National Sector Partners Group* (NSPG) has issued the following statement in response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.
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On 25 March, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance Lisa Wainwright MBE gave evidence to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s Game On Inquiry in Parliament.
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The Sport and Recreation Alliance and the physical activity sector have published an open letter to the Government on the impact of Pathways to Work on disabled people and activity levels across the UK.
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