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IOC Certificate: Safeguarding Officer in Sport

Teaching

All modules use lectures (in electronic format) to establish knowledge and understanding of the subject. Students are also provided with a program of directed reading. Coursework and examinations are used to assess the acquisition of knowledge and understanding and to encourage students to link theory to professional practice.

Skills and other attributes

 Subject-specific cognitive skills

On successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

  1. Display comprehensive knowledge of the definitions and manifestations of non-accidental violence in sport (the different forms of harassment and abuse)
  2. Understand and communicate the jurisdiction, key terms, reporting processes, case management and evaluation steps to be used in all cases
  3. Develop with athletes and others involved in their sport the keys to a safe sport environment and assist them in achieving it (preventative work)
  4. Display an understanding of the research basis behind safe sport and the importance of evidence-based practice; develop ways to regularly apply such research to their work
  5. Understand and apply theoretical principles related to harassment and abuse and safeguarding in and outside sport
  6. Advise sport organisations about the strategies for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating safeguarding policies and interventions
  7. Apply core safeguarding theories, concepts, and principles to create a safe environment for everyone in sport (in their organization)
  8. Critically review safeguarding policies, procedures and practice of their organization based on internationally recognized safeguards in sport
  9. Develop and implement an athlete-centred response system for managing cases of poor practice, harassment, and abuse in your organization.

Subject-specific practical skills

On successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

  1.  Clearly communicate the principles and policies for safeguarding within their  organisation
  2. Develop a network of colleagues, including researchers and practitioners, both inside and outside of sport, to whom they can look for support and guidance and for the latest developments.
  3. Actively develop problem-solving and decision-making skills to handle the sometimes complex cases of poor practice, harassment, and abuse.
  4. Critically assess the conducive climate, risk factors, grooming strategies and other factors related to harassment and abuse in sport, and provide practical guidelines to address each factor within the context of sport
  5. Devise strategies to set up, implement, monitor, and evaluate safeguarding policies at the level of sport organisations

 Key/transferable skills

On successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

    1. Develop listening and recording skills for working closely with people engaged in travelling the safeguarding process, for working with colleagues, and with those to whom they report
    2. Present safeguarding concepts and evidence to varied audiences with skill, proficiency, and effectiveness
    3. Work independently and use available support strategically and effectively
    4. Engage in research that furthers safeguarding in sport
    5. Develop and apply self-reflection skills for recording personal growth, new understandings, ideas, and challenges experienced on their safeguarding journey
    6. Utilise effective communication skills and strategies
    7. Recognise of the limitations of the scope of practice, and have respect for professional boundaries
    8. Have sound knowledge of the importance and application of confidentiality, anonymity, and ethical conduct.
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