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Child protection and child abuse in sport

Research in progress


The experiences of children and young people in sports settings in the UK


This research has now been published:
The Experiences of Children Participating in Organised Sport in the UK.



Background and scope

CLiCP - the University of Edinburgh / NSPCC Centre for UK-wide Learning in Child Protection - is conducting a major research study of children and young people’s positive and negative experiences of participating in sport in the UK. The study will be the first detailed, systematic examination of the nature of risk faced by children in these settings. Phase 1 of the research, an online survey of several thousand young people at four UK sites is already underway and is funded by the NSPCC.

The aims of the study are to:

  • address the gap in knowledge about the nature and extent of child abuse in sport
  • explore the positives and negatives of participating in sport
  • provide accurate and comprehensive information about child abuse in sport to those involved in developing policy
  • provide accurate and comprehensive information to sports governing bodies about the nature and extent of abuse of children and young people in organised sport (club level and above), enabling them to more effectively target policy, resources, training and support.

Such a study is necessary and timely for a number of reasons:

  • evidence about the nature and level of child abuse in sport settings, while increasing, is limited
  • information exists to suggest that, because of factors specific to sport (for example, the focus on the body and the particular nature of the coach/athlete relationship), the extent of abuse and abusive relationships might be higher than in other settings
  • policy development in relation to child protection in sport is moving faster than knowledge about it. A good evidence base and detailed understanding of the problem is now vital in developing polices that best support and protect children and young people in sport settings
  • in the build up to the London Olympics in 2012 there is an anticipation of an increase in participation in sport by children and young people. Clear information about the extent to which maltreatment exists is vital to inform necessary policy development.

THE RESEARCH

2.1 Phase 1
Phase 1 of the research, an on-line survey of several thousands young adults, will produce a volume of quantitative data about young people’s experience of sport, including: the nature of participation and its effect on self confidence; self esteem and identity; institutional failings and neglectful treatment; emotional, physical harm and sexual harm. It will also reveal the sources of any negative experiences, for example, coach, other official and athlete to athlete.

2.2 Phase 2: follow up interviews with survey participants
Phase 2 will be qualitative and will allow the research team to investigate the survey results in greater detail and illuminate its findings through the exploration of the experience of a smaller sample of survey participants and elite athletes.

In depth follow up interviews will be conducted with young people identified through the questionnaire survey. Interviews will be confidential, in depth, and guided by a topic guide. The interview will explore the participants’ involvement in and enjoyment of sport, time sporting activity takes up in life and possible negative experiences in sport. The results of the questionnaire survey will guide the research team on specific areas of enquiry for this interview phase of the research. Interviews will be recorded and fully transcribed for later analysis.

THE PROJECT TEAM

The main site of the research will be the University of Edinburgh. The research team has long experience of conducting sensitive research with young people and vulnerable groups.

The principal investigator on the project is Dr Anne Stafford. She brings knowledge of child protection policy, the child protection system and experience of conducting qualitative research with children.

For further information visit:  www.clicp.ed.ac.uk


Sharing information with the Child Protection in Sport Unit

We would like to know about any other research projects being conducted on child abuse and protection in sport. If you are currently undertaking research and would like to be included in this section please email details to cpsu@nspcc.org.uk .

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