Research project established to tackle the issue of bullying in sport

A new research project to tackle the issue of bullying in sport has been launched today by DCU’s Anti-Bullying Centre in partnership with the University of Limerick.

BeFore: Anti-Bullying Education for Sports Coaches aims to review the current policies in place within sporting organisations and create a comprehensive training programme for coaches, trainers, teachers and managers to enhance their competencies and skills to tackle the issue of bullying in their sport. 

The project focuses on improving behaviours and fostering inclusion at all levels and it is hoped it could potentially lead to greater numbers playing and a lifelong enjoyment of sport.

Speaking about its importance, principal investigator Colm Canning from Dublin City University's Anti-Bullying Centre said: 

"Sport has the ability to significantly enhance people's quality of life by improving people's health and wellbeing and can also help to tackle many societal challenges. The landscape of sport has changed enormously in recent times for the better but still faces many challenges. In sport, we want good governance, integrity, equality, sport as an activity for all, member protection and child safeguarding meaning that safe, fair and inclusive sporting environments are no longer an aspiration, but are imperative. 

The BeFore project represents an opportunity to educate coaches and sports organisations on the significant role they play in promoting these inclusive environments and also on how they greatly impact athlete's experiences of sport." 

Dr Brendan O’Keefe, principal investigator and Lecturer in Health & Physical Education at UL, said: 

“The importance of having informed coaches in the delivery of sport cannot be overstated. The BeFore project represents a crucial milestone in addressing the many challenges minorities face in a sporting context. Through collaboration with leading experts across Europe, this project will seek to deliver an evidence-based training and education programme that promotes inclusive coaching practices and has a real impact on individuals’ experience of sport.” 

The project was launched at an event on DCU’s Glasnevin Campus earlier today. It featured a keynote on the topic from Irish hurler Zac Moradi who is originally from Iraq and plays for the Leitrim senior team. Zac spoke about his experience in coming to Ireland when he was 11 years old, his involvement in sport to date and the importance of inclusion in sport. In conclusion he said "We all belong here in this place. We belong not because of who we are or where we come from. It's where we all belong."

The event also featured contributions from Michael McGeehin, Director of Sport Ireland Coaching; Brenda O’Donnell, Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland; Dr Olivia Hurley, Sport Psychologist; and Dr Hannah McCormack from Tackle Your Feelings, Rugby Ireland. 

Funded by Eramus +, the project is also being supported by Sport Ireland, the European Network of Sport Education, the Universidad de Murcia in Spain, and friends in Sweden.