Respecting the Rights of the Child in Sports: Not an Option

Abstract

The Rights of the Child have been universally recognized for three decades through the adoption of the UN (Convention on the rights of the child. United Nations, Geneva, 1989) Convention on the Rights of the Child, but awareness about this international human rights treaty and its implementation remain extremely weak in the field of competitive sports. There is no doubt that the practice of competitive sports can greatly advance the sound and holistic development of every child. Nevertheless, sports also potentially carry grey zones and dark sides that can result in the violation of the rights of children. Practice shows that young athletes can become victims of various types of abuse, exploitation, violence, and injury. Violations of other rights can also affect children in sports, such as the right to be free from discrimination; right to health, including to be protected from doping practices; and right to education. The rights of the child are not optional; they are a legal obligation in all countries that have ratified the Convention, and sports cannot escape this reality. Policies, legislation, safeguards, and institutions need to be adapted to comply with minimum standards and requirements of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to ensure that sports remain a positive experience for every child. There needs to be more awareness raising, training, advocacy, independent monitoring, and enforcement of the rights of the child in the context of competitive sports. School psychologists can play a lead role in this regard.