COMMITTEE SAFE SPORT

Objective of the committee

This committee focuses on ways to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive sports environment within cheerleading, both at the club level and within the federation.
The goal is to develop a framework of concrete recommendations to support cheerleading clubs in addressing transgressive behavior, ethics, well-being, and healthy relationships, in line with the guidelines of Sport Vlaanderen.

Focus Areas of the committee

Advise on the implementation of key pillars for a safe sporting climate in cheerleading
Develop proposals for shared codes of conduct for clubs and competitions
Define guidelines on communication, feedback, power dynamics, and transgressive behavior
Consider ways to better involve and inform athletes, parents, coaches, and club leaders
Suggest ways to make reporting procedures clearer and more accessible
Explore what training, tools, or partnerships BCF can offer to clubs and coaches
Advise on establishing trusted persons and contact points within cheerleading clubs

Examples of Topics Addressed

Positive coaching and respectful communication
Healthy and respectful relationships between coaches and athletes, and managing authority
Prevention and handling of transgressive behavior
The role of parents and supporters in fostering a healthy sporting environment
Reporting procedures and follow-up
Training and awareness for different target groups
Cooperation with organizations such as Sportieq or the Flemish or Walloon sports federations

Desired Profiles

Profiles welcome in this committee include:

Coaches or club leaders interested in ethics, pedagogy, or sports culture
Individuals with experience in well-being, working with youth, or the social sector
Trusted persons (API) within clubs or those familiar with reporting procedures
Parents or athletes who want to reflect on what it means to do sport safely
Professionals from relevant fields (psychology, education, youth support, sports ethics)

Operation

Kick-off meeting: September 2025
Number of meetings per year: 4 sessions (online)

Goals

Develop a concrete and practical recommendation framework for BCF and its clubs by June 2026
Monitor and adjust this framework in the following years