“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.”
UK sports bodies invested a record £197.9m of broadcast revenues over the last year to grow their sport and support grassroots delivery.
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To mark the Alliance’s 90th anniversary, we are launching the Community Sport and Recreation Awards: Youth Edition 2025, which will celebrate the next generation of young leaders from across the sector.
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As 2024 concludes and as we look ahead to 2025, the Alliance has published a message to members and partners.
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