Written evidence submitted by The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

About the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector, committed to supporting, developing and enabling professionals and organisations to succeed and, as a result, inspire our nation to become more active.

Together we’re developing a vibrant, UK-wide sport and physical activity sector, with the highest standards of service delivery.

Our vision

Shaping a recognised, valued and inclusive sport and physical activity sector that everyone can be a part of.

Written evidence

Trained, qualified and recognised sports coaches and other sport and physical activity professionals are the foundation of community sport and pivotal in shaping the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Their importance goes far beyond teaching sport-specific skills; they serve as role models, mentors, and facilitators who create environments that inspire lifelong engagement in sport and physical activity and healthy, active lifestyles. Coaches and other sector professionals who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve are particularly vital, as they foster inclusivity, connection and inspiration. Below we outline key considerations that the Committee should be aware of as part of this call for evidence in relation to the role of the coaching profession.

Ensuring safe, positive experiences

At the heart of any coaching relationship is the responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants. Trained, recognised coaches are equipped with an in-depth understanding of risk management, injury prevention, safeguarding protocols, adaptive practices and ethical behaviours. These competencies enable them to create structured and secure environments where children and young people can participate in enjoyable experiences.

Professional qualifications ensure that coaches are adept at tailoring activities to suit varying levels of physical development, maturity, and ability, minimising the risk of injuries. Additionally, trained coaches are aware of the emotional and psychological aspects of sport, recognising signs of distress or disengagement and intervening appropriately. By fostering a culture of safety, coaches build trust with parents, guardians, and participants, laying a strong foundation for sustained participation.

However, we know that not every child has a positive experience of sport and in some cases harm is caused by the person leading the activity.

The recommendations of the Whyte Review resulted in the commissioning of the Workforce Governance and National Registration Scheme Pilot Project by Sport England and UK Sport. This pilot is being managed by CIMSPA working in collaboration with national governing bodies and other stakeholders with the aim of exploring how supporting, safeguarding, and regulating the workforce can allow everyone taking part in sport and physical activity to enjoy safe and high-quality experiences, and to be supported in achieving their goals in a positive environment.

The pilot is exploring the feasibility of creating a national register of sports coaches. Initial phases of the project have explored how sports are currently supporting the workforce and mitigating workforce related risks. It has also examined the role and existing methods of workforce regulation and registration, and appraised best practice from other sectors and countries. The current phase audited policies, processes, systems and standards in relation to coach recognition across around 50 sports. It has been working with national governing bodies to create action plans to support them in developing their systems and processes. In conjunction with these sports, the project is developing the principles and ‘rules’ for a potential central register of recognised coaches along with a prototype which will test the conditions required for a functioning register that parents, participants, clubs, schools and other consumers of coaching services can access.

The outcomes of the pilot will be reported to Sport England and UK Sport in Spring 2025.

A foundation of lifelong of physical and mental wellbeing

Research shows that the benefits of being physically active for children and young people extend far beyond fitness, impacting emotional resilience, cognitive function and overall mental health. Coaches and other activity professionals are ambassadors for these benefits, helping young people and their families understand the connection between regular activity and a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Through carefully structured sessions, they guide participants in developing physical literacy, enhancing motor skills, strength, coordination and stamina. Beyond the physical, coaches and other activity professionals provide opportunities for young people to experience the mental rewards of being active, such as improved focus, reduced stress, stronger communication and enhanced self-confidence.

A qualified, recognised coach or activity professional, understands that sport and physical activity cannot be approached as a one-size-fits-all programme. They adapt their delivery to meet the unique needs of individuals, ensuring that every participant feels valued and empowered. This approach fosters not just physical activity but also the motivation to sustain it throughout life.

Crucial to this are the sectors professional standards, developed by those employing coaches and other sector professionals alongside other key stakeholders. The professional standards outline the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours that an individual must understand and demonstrate for every occupation and job role in the sector, including as a coach. In addition, to occupational standards there are population and environment specialism professional standards to cover those working with children, children 0-5 years, women and girls, working in a community environment and working in a school environment.

In order to ensure that coaches and other activity professionals working with children and young people, whether in the community or a school, deliver quality experiences, it is essential that they work within the scope of the professional standards and are recognised for doing so.

Positive role models

Sports coaches and other activity professionals have a profound influence on the attitudes, behaviours, and aspirations of the children and young people that they work with. As role models, they should embody the qualities and values that inspire participants to not only take part and enjoy sport and physical activity, but also lead fulfilling lives.

Recognised coaches and other activity professionals demonstrate the importance of discipline, teamwork, perseverance and respect through their actions and attitudes. By modelling these behaviours, they set a standard for young people to emulate, not only while playing sport but in other aspects of their life. Their ability to guide with empathy, fairness and integrity instils a sense of trust and admiration, reinforcing positive behaviours and building character in their participants.

For children and young people, seeing a coach as a trusted adult who believes in their potential can be transformational. This relationship is often pivotal in helping participants develop self-confidence, overcome challenges and reach their goals. Coupled with this is the importance of activity professionals from diverse backgrounds who are relatable role models who show that success is achievable for people from all backgrounds.

Championing social inclusion and community cohesion

Sports coaches are often the first point of contact for children and young people entering the world of organised sport. As such, they hold a responsibility to ensure sport is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all, regardless of background, ability or socio-economic status.

Recognised, qualified coaches who embrace diversity and inclusion promote values of fairness and equality, challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers. They create environments where differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. In doing so, they support social cohesion and empower young people to connect with others in meaningful ways.

The presence of a diverse coaching workforce, both professional and volunteer, is essential in creating relatable and inclusive environments for young people. When coaches reflect the demographics and lived experiences of the communities they serve, they bring authenticity and cultural understanding to their work.

Representation matters. For children and young people, seeing coaches who share similar backgrounds, cultures, life experiences and challenges helps to create a sense of belonging and trust. This representation can break down barriers to participation, particularly for groups that may feel that sport and physical activity is not for them.

Professionals from diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives and insights that enable them to connect with participants in meaningful ways. Whether addressing cultural sensitivities, understanding the specific challenges faced by marginalised groups, or simply acting as relatable role models, they help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. This not only enhances participation but also empowers young people to envision themselves thriving in sport and physical activity, both as participants and future leaders.

Delivering excellence through alignment with professional standards

The credibility of the sport and physical activity sector rests on the alignment of coaching practices with the recognised professional standards, outlined above. These standards provide a comprehensive framework for high-quality practice.

Coaches and other activity professionals that align with these standards demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring their skills and knowledge remain current with advances in technique, pedagogy and safeguarding. Professional standards act as a benchmark for excellence, ensuring that coaching sessions are safe, inclusive, engaging and developmentally appropriate.

Adherence to these standards demonstrates a coach’s accountability and professionalism, giving participants, parents, carers, employers and communities confidence in the quality of the coaching experience that their children receive. Such alignment also supports wider strategic goals, including increasing participation levels and addressing health inequalities.

Summary

Trained, qualified and recognised sports coaches and other activity professionals are the cornerstone of community sport and champions of helping children and young people to develop healthy, active lifestyles. Their impact is magnified when the coaching profession reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. As positive role models, coaches instil values, inspire, raise aspirations and nurture a love of sport and physical activity that endures.

To ensure that every child and young person has the opportunity to experience safe, sustainable, enjoyable experiences of sport and physical activity and all of the benefits that it brings, its essential that government departments collaborate closely and consider all of the ways that activity and the professionals delivering it touch lives and communities.

By aligning with professional standards, embracing diversity, and fostering inclusion, coaches and other physical activity professionals ensure the delivery of safe, relatable, high-quality activity programmes and opportunities that empower children and young people in many areas of their current and future lives. Through their dedication and expertise, diverse and skilled coaches and other activity professionals build a healthier, more inclusive future.