Child protection in sports course in coaching education: Student awareness and curriculum analysis

This study aims to examine the course "Child Protection in Sports" within coaching education, focusing on student awareness and curriculum evaluation. The research was conducted with students from the Coaching Education Department of the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University during the 2024–2025 academic year. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, and the curriculum of the Coaching Education Department, including its "Teaching Plan" and "Program Learning Outcomes," was evaluated using a SWOT analysis. A mixed-method approach was employed in the study. The findings indicate that students primarily acquire their knowledge of child protection from social media and their surroundings rather than formal coursework. While the course content was generally considered beneficial, the practical training component was deemed insufficient, limiting the development of students' practical skills. Awareness regarding child abuse and neglect was found to be high, although the impact of the courses on this awareness varied among individuals. Opinions on educational materials and methods were diverse, with a particular emphasis on the need to increase practical applications. In conclusion, enriching the content, expanding practical training opportunities, and integrating child protection awareness into all sports disciplines are essential to enhance the effectiveness of the "Child Protection in Sports" course. Additionally, it is recommended to strengthen the practical orientation of the course to ensure effective implementation of child protection policies. These measures will contribute to fostering an ethical and safe sports culture in alignment with international standards, while promoting child protection awareness across the sports community.