Education and Resources
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. These resources are designed to help members of the DanceSport community understand safeguarding, recognise concerning behaviour, maintain appropriate boundaries, and know how to respond or report a concern.
Choose the resource most relevant to you.
Resources for children
Feeling Safe in DanceSport: How to speak up and ask for help
This child-friendly guide explains what feeling safe in DanceSport means, personal boundaries, behaviour that is not okay, who children can tell and how to ask for help. It is designed primarily for children aged 7 to 11. It is best read with a parent, guardian or trusted adult.
Resources for the wider DanceSport community
Safeguarding in DanceSport — Recognising concerns, respecting boundaries and getting help
A practical guide for athletes, coaches, judges, officials, volunteers, event staff, medical and support personnel, and other members of the DanceSport community.
The guide covers:
- different forms of harmful behaviour;
- sexual misconduct, grooming and exploitation;
- consent, power and professional boundaries;
- physical coaching and medical treatment;
- travel, accommodation and online communication;
- responding to a disclosure or witnessed concern;
- reporting a safeguarding concern.
Download the guide (TBD)
WDSF Safeguarding Education and Certification
WDSF provides safeguarding education for individuals who may hold safeguarding responsibilities within national member bodies.
The programme is designed to strengthen understanding of:
- safeguarding principles and responsibilities;
- recognising abuse, harassment, grooming, exploitation and other concerns;
- responding appropriately and sensitively when a concern is disclosed;
- reporting and referral procedures;
- confidentiality and appropriate information sharing;
- professional boundaries and the responsible use of authority;
- the role of the WDSF Safeguarding Representative.
Participants who complete the required training and assessment may receive certification as a:
Certified WDSF Safeguarding Representative – Level 1
A WDSF Safeguarding Representative is a trained person who promotes safeguarding, provides an initial point of contact, receives and refers concerns through the appropriate channels, and supports the implementation of WDSF safeguarding standards within their designated organisation or event.
Certification does not authorise the representative to investigate safeguarding concerns independently. Concerns must be managed and referred in accordance with the applicable WDSF safeguarding procedures and relevant legal requirements.
For information about eligibility, upcoming training, assessment requirements, or the certification process, contact the WDSF Safeguarding Officer.
Additional resources from the IOC
IOC Athlete365 safeguarding course — Safeguarding Athletes from Harassment and Abuse
A free IOC Athlete365 course providing practical education on recognizing harassment and abuse, understanding safeguarding responsibilities, and supporting athletes who may be at risk.
Access the safeguarding course
Athlete365 Safe Sport
Explore IOC information and practical resources designed to support safe, healthy and respectful sporting environments.
IOC Safe Sport education and awareness
Access the IOC's broader collection of free safeguarding education and awareness tools for athletes and members of their entourage.
Published on 2 August 2026 (last update on 2 August 2026)