Child protection in sport: GSV Hemmingen sets new standards for safety!

Child protection in sport: GSV Hemmingen sets new standards for safety!

In recent years, child protection in sport has become increasingly important. Sports clubs are required to take preventative measures to protect children and young people from violence and attacks. An example from the Ludwigsburg district illustrates this growing focus: GSV Hemmingen integrates extensive protection concepts into its club work. According to a statement from Achim Braiger, who acts as a prevention officer, a change in perspective is necessary in order to properly address the issue. A first step in developing a protection concept is to carry out a risk analysis, which forms the basis for further measures. Parents are no longer allowed in the locker room to avoid possible feelings of shame among children.

With a clear code of honor, the GSV sends a strong signal against alcohol abuse, sexual violence and bullying. Events on the subject of child and youth protection take place every year as part of the protection concept. Club members undertake to train and check their extended certificates of good conduct. This is done in the clear interest of identifying and disciplining perpetrators. If sexualized violence is suspected, the accused is immediately released, and the association's statutes provide for disciplinary and legal consequences.

Important preventative measures in sport

The need for action in the area of ​​child protection is undisputed. Trainers play a key role because they play an important social role and are responsible for the well-being of the children entrusted to them. Children's vulnerability is reinforced by the existing relationship of trust between them and their coaches, which can also be exploited by some adults. Sexual violence is viewed here as an abuse of power that can occur particularly in performance-oriented training. These relationships of dependency often make it difficult for the young people affected to reveal themselves, which makes awareness of the problem and open dealings in the club all the more important. BinB.info emphasizes the importance of a clear prevention concept against sexual violence, which should also define intervention strategies.

There is support for this from various sources, for example the German Sports Youth (DSJ) and other organizations offer helpful materials and guidelines. The code of honor, which was developed by the DOSB and the DSJ, is an elementary instrument for promoting a culture of attention in the club. Of course, information about emergency contacts and recommendations for action in the event of sexualized attacks are also essential. These framework conditions help to create a safe environment for children and young people in sport.

Discussions about licensing systems and child protection

The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is also active and is planning real discussions about the need for an expanded licensing system. A legal opinion from Dr. Thomas Summerer examines the possibilities of license revocation due to misconduct. At the same time, a concept for a catalog of penalties is being discussed, which supplements the previous framework guidelines. These considerations are part of a comprehensive discussion that also affects the DOSB's future contractual partnership with license holders.

In summary, it can be said that both preventive measures in the clubs and clear regulations regarding the licensing systems are necessary. The aim of these efforts is to make it more difficult for criminals to act and to ensure the long-term safety of children and young people in sport. Achim Braiger is available for questions and suggestions praeventionshelfer@gsvhemmingen.de available.