The recent Sandusky case in the US brought in to sharp focus the abuse of children participating in sport.
Leading UK sporting bodies are warning that they are unable to share crucial child protection information to protect children.

New figures given to the BBC reveal that 124 allegations of sexual abuse in sport were made last year.

There are fears that under the current system those accused can move to another sport or part of the country, but I am unconvinced that this is right.

The Independent Safeguarding Authority says it is limited in the information it can share with sporting organisations.

Figures gathered by Brunel University show that of the 652 child protection issue cases examined by national governing bodies in 2011, almost a fifth involved allegations of sexual abuse. Some led to criminal prosecutions but 98 were referred back to the sport by the police or children's services.

I have argued in this blog that those responsible for managing those who commit offences on children may be liable themselves if they fail to reoprt the alleged abuse. The recent Lynn case in the US resulted in a conviction for failing to inform the police and I see no reason why a prosecution on a simialr basis could not succeeed here.
 
Alan Collins
0800 0384 384
Specialist Abuse Solicitor