BHA supports NSPCC campaign to safeguard children in sport

The BHA has welcomed a National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) campaign aimed at safeguarding children in sport.

The Keeping Your Child Safe In Sport Week has been backed by five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins and governing bodies including the FA.

The NSPCC reported a 94 per cent increase (from 155 to 301) in the number of calls to their helpline between 2017 and 2022 in which the location of concern was a sports setting, and launched the campaign to improve awareness around the safeguarding of children in sport.

A BHA spokesperson said: "The importance of safeguarding children in racing is crucial and the BHA is committed to ensuring that not only children, but also adults at risk, are protected in our industry. We therefore welcome the NSPCC's Keeping Your Child Safe In Sport campaign and the messages and resources being made available.

"The BHA's recognition of the importance of safeguarding is demonstrated by the outcome of the recent strategy and structures work undertaken, which saw the safeguarding team formally move into the wider regulatory team, with Matt Mancini becoming the organisation’s first head of safeguarding and human welfare.

"In 2022, the BHA published its updated safeguarding policy and made available on our website a number of resources designed to inform and educate industry participants, as well as provide useful contact information, including for the NSPCC, should they wish to report a safeguarding concern.

"More recently, the BHA unveiled the 'Respect in Racing' campaign, which will be backed up by a code of conduct from October 8 and makes explicit provisions regarding safeguarding and the role all industry participants play in insuring our sport is a safe and welcoming place for all."

If you think a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999. If there is no immediate danger and you are unsure what to do, contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.