Resources for Parents
Introduction
Parents play a vital role in their child’s enjoyment, development, and continued participation in sport. Positive and supportive parental involvement helps children get the most out of their fencing experience and contributes to a safe, welcoming club environment.
If, as a parent, you have any concerns—no matter how small—please raise these with:
Your club’s Welfare Officer, or
The nominated Welfare Officer for the specific event or training session
If you are unsure who the Welfare Officer is, you may also contact Scottish Fencing’s Safeguarding Lead Officer for advice and support.
Useful Guidance for Parents
The following resources provide helpful information on supporting your child in sport:
The Role of a Sporting Parent
Parents’ Guide: Ten Questions to Ask Your Child’s Sports Club
You may also find the following video resource helpful in understanding positive parental involvement:
🎥 Parents in Sport Video Series
Low-Level Concerns
What Is a Low-Level Concern?
Experience shows that early action on small concerns can prevent more serious issues later.
A low-level concern may include any behaviour that:
“Doesn’t feel right,”
Causes uncertainty or discomfort, or
Is not what you would expect from a coach, volunteer, parent, or adult within the club
This might include poor judgment, inappropriate comments, or behaviour that appears unprofessional or inconsistent with safeguarding best practice. It could be over familiarisation, blurring professional boundaries, unnecessary physical contact, bypassing communication procedures and so on.
What Should Parents Do?
If you notice something that gives you a “niggle” or moment of doubt:
Discuss it with your club’s Welfare Officer
Many concerns can be addressed through guidance, retraining, or clarification.If the Welfare Officer does not respond, or if you believe further action is required, you may report the concern directly to Scottish Fencing using the Low-Level Concern Form.
Why Reporting Matters
Creating a club culture that listens, responds, and takes all concerns seriously helps prevent poor practice from escalating into more serious allegations. Early reporting protects children, supports volunteers and strengthens safeguarding across the sport.
