ArticleSouth African journal of sports medicine2026
Investigation of the knowledge of safeguarding in sports among medical and paramedical professionals in Rugby Africa, at Mauritius 7s 2024.
Article in South African journal of sports medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: Safeguarding in sports has emerged as a critical issue globally, particularly for elite athletes in high-risk environments. Despite the presence of operationalised policy frameworks for safeguarding athletes from injury, violence, or harm, limited evidence exists on how well frontline medical professionals in Africa implement these practices. This study, therefore, investigates the extent of safeguarding knowledge, the degree of professional readiness, and the barriers to reporting among medical and paramedical personnel across Rugby Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the 2024 Rugby Africa Men's 7s in Mauritius. This study involved 19 Immediate Care in Rugby Level 2-certified medical and paramedical professionals from 11 African countries. Data were collected using a modified version of the Safeguarding Officer Pulse Survey, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative items. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were applied to assess knowledge, confidence, procedural awareness, and perceived organisational support regarding safeguarding responsibilities. Results: Over half (53%) of the respondents reported familiarity with safeguarding policies, yet only a small proportion (21%) had received formal training on how to apply those policies in practice. Confidence in identifying abuse was fair (63%), but awareness of designated safeguarding officers and reporting procedures was low. Environmental factors such as fear of retaliation (69%) and cultural silence (68%) were major barriers to effective reporting of safeguarding. Participants identified themselves (89%) as key protectors of athlete welfare, but lacked procedural clarity. Gaps in organisational education, policy implementation, and surveillance measures suggest systemic weaknesses in safeguarding infrastructure across Rugby Africa medical teams. Conclusion: Enhancing safeguarding awareness, procedural training, and cultural shifts are essential for creating a safe sporting environment for African Rugby. Structured education and transparent reporting frameworks are recommended for similar tournament contexts. Additional multi-country research is necessary to guide broader policy decisions.
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