Safeguarding in European Tennis: Building a Safer Future

ongoing

The challenges seen in tennis reflect wider trends across European sport, where child protection and athlete welfare have become central concerns. Studies indicate pervasive abuse across many sports. A landmark EU-funded study in 2021 (Child Abuse in Sport: European Statistics) found that roughly two in three young athletes experienced some form of interpersonal abuse during their childhood sporting years. Specifically, 65% of adults (aged 18–30) surveyed reported psychological violence in sport as children, 44% physical violence, 37% neglect, and 30–35% some form of sexual violence. About three-quarters had encountered at least one incidence of violence or abuse in sport before age 18. While most recall positive aspects of sport, these findings make clear that sport is not immune from abuse and harm – it in fact mirrors societal issues, as noted by UNICEF’s observation that “the same types of violence and abuse… found in families and communities can also occur in sport”. Specific Objectives of the SafeTennis Project: - Develop and Implement a Standardised Safeguarding Framework - Enhance Safeguarding Capacities Through Tailored Training - Establish a Confidential Safeguarding Case Management System - Foster a Sustainable, Inclusive Safeguarding Culture - Establish an Ongoing Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Mechanism