The department will be closed from Monday 23 December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025. We will respond to queries in the new year. Best wishes for a safe and happy festive season.
A list of publications put out by the department's service areas.
Position on junior sport
Sport and recreation organisations are expected to create and maintain safe environments that are fit for purpose, provide positive experiences and ensure the safety of children.
During their growth from 5–17 years, young people develop physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially.
Sport and the law is a complex area for clubs and associations.
The overall aim of coaches is to help young people build a love of participating in sport for life-long involvement.
Young people receive their most effective and satisfying sports experiences when they experience goodwill and cooperation between all levels of stakeholders.
Sport providers have a legal duty of care to protect the welfare of young people and ensure they are not exposed to unnecessary risk in any aspect of sports delivery.
The most important resource in junior sport is the people who provide the infrastructure for the delivery of activities and set the social atmosphere around sport.
A major objective for junior sport is the development of life-long participation in sport.
Regular participation in physical activity and sport is important for young people's health and wellbeing.