MANDATORY GBR SAFEGUARDING TRAINING – REMINDER

A reminder of the mandatory free online safeguarding training for GBR athletes aged 16 and over and parents of U18s attending international competitions.

From 1st February 2023,  BF extended the requirements for mandatory safeguarding training. As part of our ongoing commitment to athlete safety and welfare, all GBR athletes aged 16 and over and parents/guardians of U18s attending international competitions must complete safeguarding training.

The training is free, available online and takes a maximum of 30 minutes.

Why is this training necessary?

Research shows that athletes competing at an international level face an increased risk of poor practice and abuse. Athletes travelling and competing outside the UK often encounter additional risks that can make them more vulnerable, including:

• International Travel: Layovers, cancelled flights, language barriers, and unaccompanied minors.
• Coaches & Staff: Limitations in security checks and Duty of Care obligations.
• Accommodation: Room-sharing arrangements and unfamiliar locations.
• Venue Facilities: Inadequate changing rooms, food, water, or temperature regulation.
• Legal, Statutory, and Cultural Environments: Varying legal protections and differing cultural norms.

Who is required to take this course?

The requirements for mandatory safeguarding training to all of the following:

1. Adults that accompany U18 GBR athletes/teams to events for which a BF selection has taken place, either domestically or internationally. This includes all parents of U18s who wish to travel to support internationally at Cadet, Junior and Senior levels.
2. GBR Pathway athletes (all coaches and staff are already mandated)
3. Athletes aged 16 and over are selected to compete at EFC and FIE events.

Any parent/guardian travelling to an U20 international event is strongly encouraged to take up the offer of free training even if their child is 18 or over.  In addition the GBR Pathway team may request that all supporters travelling to U20 major events undertake the training.

All other travelling supporters (irrespective of the age of the athlete they are supporting) are warmly welcomed to complete the training, as everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of our athletes experiencing abuse and harassment, whatever their age.

Groups 1 and 3 can access the course via the links below.

Athlete version:Click Here

Parent version: Click Here

Course Objectives:

This course is designed to help parents/guardians and athletes:

• Recognise the rights of athletes’
• Recognise poor practice and abuse in international environments.
• Understand what they can expect from their support systems (clubs, coaches, British Fencing, and the FIE).
• Know how and where to report any concerns during their travels.

By completing this course, we can work together to reduce the risks and ensure the safety and well-being of all our athletes while they compete on the global stage.

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