Safeguarding in Dance and Sport: Insights from the ICSSR Conference in Québec City

Introduction

Safeguarding in dance and sport is a growing area of academic and professional concern, demanding nuanced, evidence-based approaches. At this inaugural International Conference on Sport and Social Research (ICSSR) led by Sylvie Parent and held June 18-20 in Québec City, Canada, the SPRINT Project team joined a global community of researchers to share insights, and findings that are shaping the future of safeguarding practices.

This blog post offers a brief overview of the SPRINT team’s contributions and highlights from the wider conference, showcasing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and care in safeguarding research.

SPRINT Project Presentations: Advancing Safeguarding in Dance

The SPRINT team delivered four key presentations:

• Maria opened with a compelling presentation of a mixed methods feasibility study of the “Understanding Self-Harm in Dance” workshop. The workshop designed by Maria under the supervision of Professor Jennifer Cumming, Dr Anna Lavis and Dr Erin Sanchez aimed to offer education and practical information for supporting students who self-harm in dance education. Results of the study provided preliminary evidence of the accessibility and applicability of the workshop for providing self-harm training for dance educators.

Maria presenting at the ICSSR conference in Quebec, Canada

• Michelle followed with findings from the team’s scoping review on risk and protective factors in safeguarding in dance. This review synthesized existing literature to identify the conditions that either heighten or mitigate safeguarding risks, providing a foundation for future policy and practice. The review was informed by input from the dance sector and examined these factors at different levels of the dance system. Check out the infographic below/here for a summary of these findings.

Michelle presenting at the ICSSR conference in Quebec, Canada

• Jenn presented an overview of the first national survey of safeguarding in dance conducted in collaboration with OneDance UK and NIDMS, which gathered data from dance organizations across the UK. The study sheds light on existing policies and how safeguarding measures are being embedded in governed and non-governed dance environments.

Jenn presenting at the ICSSE conference in Quebec, Canada

• Mary contributed a thoughtful poster presentation on researcher well-being, a topic often overlooked in safeguarding discourse. Her work emphasized the emotional and ethical challenges faced by researchers working in emotionally demanding areas such as safe sport and dance research, the need for organizational support, and a shift towards a more inclusive research culture for both academic and non-academic researchers.

Mary and her poster at the ICSSR conference in Quebec, Canada

Broader Conference Themes: Co-operation and Theoretical Innovation

Beyond the SPRINT team’s contributions, the ICSSR conference featured a rich array of presentations that reinforced the importance of co-operation in safeguarding research. Scholars from around the world shared case studies, cross-sector collaborations, and interdisciplinary approaches that underscored the value of working together to address complex safeguarding challenges.

Several presentations introduced key findings theoretical frameworks that are shaping the field:

• Evy Sutjahjo and colleagues from the Safer Sport Commission Singapore presented an innovative way to consider safeguarding in the built environment

• Aalaya Milne and Ashley Stirling from the University of Toronto presented a powerful use of narrative photovoice methodology in: Breaking the Silence: Narratives of Unsettlement, Camaraderie, Empowerment and Fallout

• Sarah McGee conceptually illustrated how psychological maltreatment is normalized within the culture of sport

• Kirsty Burrows and Tine Vertommen both presented different frameworks for conducting safeguarding research provided practical guidance for navigating ethical, methodological, and relational complexities in this sensitive area.

These contributions reflect a growing consensus: safeguarding is not just a matter of policy, but of culture, education, and sustained collaboration.

Call to Action: A Collective Responsibility

The international research community is clear: safeguarding in dance and sport requires working together across disciplines, sectors, and borders. It also demands that we centre the voices of those with lived experience and consider the perpetrator perspective to fully understand and prevent harm.

We invite you to:

- Explore our research at www.sprintproject.org

- Engage with our community to share insights, collaborate, or contribute your lived experience

- Support inclusive, evidence-based safeguarding practices in your own work and networks

Together, we can build safer, more supportive environments for all.

Conclusion: Building a Safer Future Together

The ICSSR conference in Québec City was a powerful reminder of the progress being made—and the work still to be done—in safeguarding dance and sport. From self-harm and researcher well-being to theoretical models and international cooperation, the conversations sparked at this event will continue to influence research and practice for years to come. At the heart of it all is a shared commitment: to protect, to empower, and to ensure that every individual can thrive in a safe and respectful environment.

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Written by Michelle Dwarika