7.5 An athlete’s competition experience

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A female netball player holding a netball in one hand at waist level.

For many athletes, attending a large event and representing their region or country is a very special experience. Travelling, meeting other athletes, and experiencing different places and cultures, all offer valuable opportunities for athletes.

However, without undertaking risk assessments and putting adequate safeguarding arrangements in place, some of these same experiences may increase the risk of abuse.

Activity: Identify the safeguarding risks an athlete could face at a competition

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Comment

It is useful to think about the possible experiences of young athletes like this.

It clearly shows the potential impact of poor practice, bullying, and abuse on vulnerable individuals, and helps to emphasise why safeguarding arrangements at events are so important, particularly when athletes are away from home.