The Safeguarding Policy, a policy designed to complement and underpin the existing safeguarding policies that various racing organisations already have in place, will go into effect on Jan. 1, the British Horseracing Authority announced on Monday. In addition to the policy, a body of Safeguarding Regulations and a Code of Conduct for the sport will also begin on the first of the year. The policy will cover areas like abuse, inappropriate relationships, reporting safeguarding concerns and safer recruitment practices.
“For this sport to have the bright future we are all working together to achieve, we must attract the interest and participation of people of all ages,” said BHA Chief Executive Nick Rust. “It is vital that those people who we do attract to the sport have a positive and fulfilling experience and are protected from all forms of abuse and harm. As the governing body of racing, the BHA has a particular duty to protect young people and adults at risk from harm that may arise from their participation in racing.
“However, this duty is not confined to the BHA. It is shared by everyone in racing. We all have a role to play in promoting a positive culture and experience for everyone involved in our sport. We trust that the new safeguarding obligations will be positively received, demonstrating racing's commitment to the protection of its youngest and most vulnerable participants.”
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