The BASES Expert Statement on Safeguarding in the Sport and Exercise Sciences

Within the context of the sport and exercise sciences, the practice of safeguarding concerns that of a professional obligation to protect all parties (for example the client, athlete and/or self) from abuse or harm. Safeguarding should embrace relational (others), individual (self) and organisational (culture) considerations. The understanding of physical, emotional and social well-being and freedom from discrimination are the focus of typical safeguarding education. In this Expert Statement we provide information in three key areas: 1) a brief summary of the research themes and findings surrounding abuse in sport; 2) a discussion of safeguarding within the sport and exercise profession and finally; 3) recommendations for sport and exercise scientists on matters of safeguarding.