This year’s theme reflected the importance of coaches putting people – their safety, well-being and welfare – at the centre of their coaching practice and learning how to better care for their participants, as well as themselves.
The critical role of safeguarding has been brought into laser focus by the publication of The Whyte Review and its recommendations to better protect participants. This has further galvanised our commitment to creating safer environments for all.
The ‘care system’ in sport and physical activity should protect everyone equally. That includes participants, coaches and everyone else involved in sport and physical activity, from officials and administrators to wider support staff like nutritionists, physios and strength and conditioning specialists.
However, it is important to recognise that Duty to Care goes beyond safeguarding.