How do you check if a sports club is safe for your child?

Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.

Ask how the club handles adults being alone with children, and whether parents can watch. Good clubs are fine with these questions. Teach your child that a good grown-up is OK with an open door. In the US, you can report a concern in Olympic and Paralympic sports to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

What do you ask the club?

Are coaches ever alone with one child? In which rooms?
Can parents watch practice and be at away games?
What is your rule for texting or messaging children directly?
Who do I talk to if I'm worried about a coach?

This list is ours, based on the behaviors below. A good club will have answers, and won't be offended that you asked.

What should you watch for?

Stop It Now lists behaviors that make children more vulnerable, including an adult who:

insists on or manages to spend uninterrupted time alone with a child,
has secret interactions with children, or spends a lot of time messaging them,
gives gifts or money for no clear reason, or takes one child on special outings,
doesn't let a child set limits, or teases them for trying.

One of these does not prove anything. It's a reason to start a conversation.

Where can you report in the US?

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent nonprofit for the US Olympic and Paralympic movement. Its website has a Report a Concern page. If a child is in danger, call 911 first. For other sports and clubs, read how to report child abuse.

And in the UK?

Use the steps on GOV.UK: contact the children's social care team at the local council, or call 999 if a child is at immediate risk.

Frequently asked questions

Won't I offend the coach?

Asking about a general rule isn't an accusation. Stop It Now says good boundaries help prevent abuse, and that starting a conversation is an important step.

Is SafeSport for every sports club?

It focuses on the US Olympic and Paralympic movement. Check with your club or league which rules apply there.

Keep reading

All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe? A guide for parents. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.

Sources

Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.

Stop It Now: Behaviors to Watch Out for When Adults are with Children.
U.S. Center for SafeSport: Home page and Report a Concern.
GOV.UK: Report child abuse.

This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.