Sports integrity authority publishes Malta's first safeguarding handbook for sport

The Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AiMS) has published Malta's first safeguarding handbook for the sporting sector, describing it as a significant step in its work to promote Safe Sport across all levels of sport.

The handbook, entitled 'Best Practices in Maltese Sport', is intended to strengthen safeguarding standards within the local sporting community and to help create environments where all participants can take part safely and with confidence.

"At AiMS, our commitment to safeguarding is clear, unwavering, and central to our mission,” AiMS Chief Executive Officer Kevin Azzopardi said,  highlighting that while safeguarding is often associated primarily with the protection of children and young people, the vision extends far beyond this traditional scope.

He said that harm, abuse, discrimination, harassment, neglect, and exploitation can affect individuals regardless of their age, ability, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

The Authority stressed that its safeguarding work is not limited to children and young people. Its wider aim is to build sporting environments in which all participants feel safe, valued, respected, and able to take part fully. 

AiMS said safeguarding must be embedded at every level of sport, from grassroots participation to elite competition, so that the welfare and well-being of all individuals stay at the centre of decision-making.

The handbook was developed following two consultation sessions held last year, during which stakeholders from across the sporting sector were invited to share their views and expertise on safeguarding.

Designed as a practical and accessible resource, the handbook aims to help the sporting community understand and implement effective safeguarding measures. 

It offers clear and actionable guidance, alongside practical examples of best practice through a series of "Do's and Don'ts" covering a range of scenarios, including online communication and safety, travel arrangements, and the use of changing facilities.

By raising awareness, encouraging positive behaviours, strengthening safeguarding cultures, and offering adaptable guidance, the handbook seeks to support the consistent application of Safe Sport principles across all sporting environments.

In the coming days, all National Governing Bodies and local sports clubs will receive a copy of the publication. 

Members of the public can also access a digital version of the handbook through the AiMS website at aims.org.mt