A blog by Richard Bell, Active Lincolnshire Sports Welfare Manager

On 8th October we hosted Lincolnshire’s first Active Bystander in Sport training in partnership with NWG Network. This training event was organised by Active Lincolnshire following conversations with sports clubs around the county, who highlighted that responding to and dealing with difficult conversations and incidences was one of the most challenging things that clubs and welfare officers are facing.

The Active Bystander in Sport training offered a range of effective tools and intervention strategies, providing a comprehensive view of what an active bystander is, why it is important and the consequences of being a passive bystander.

Being an active bystander in sport and physical activity can be challenging; whether you are a coach, a spectating parent, a club member and/or gym goer. There are many reasons why people may not intervene. This may include social influence (others around you are sharing similar behaviours, or others are also not intervening), audience inhibition (not acting out of fear of being evaluated negatively by those around), diffusion of responsibility, fear of retaliation and pluralistic ignorance (simply thinking others have a different opinion to yourself). Whether on the field, in the changing rooms, or on the sidelines, players, coaches, and spectators all have the power to contribute to a positive sports environment. Being an active bystander means stepping up and speaking out when witnessing unfair or harmful behaviour, and is vital in fostering respect, safety, and inclusion in sports.

Has it ever happened within your club or setting where "Pass the buck" has been an issue, or there is a culture of "someone else will intervene" and therefore no action is taken? This is also known as ‘diffusion of responsibility’ as mentioned above. This can be a dangerous environment for you as staff and volunteers, but also your members and parents. With this in mind, it is important to create a positive culture, in which it only takes one person to raise a concern. This concern may be shared with others for validation or who have not had the confidence or knowhow to bring it forward, don’t wish to get involved or feel someone else will deal with it. By being the active rather than the passive bystander you are taking responsibility and empowering others to also highlight negative and/or dangerous behaviours as they no longer feel like they’re afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Why Being an Active Bystander Matters

• Promotes a Safe Environment: Bullying, harassment, and discrimination can often occur in sports settings. When bystanders act, whether by directly addressing the behaviour, offering support to the person affected, or reporting it to someone in authority, they play a key role in making the environment safer.
  
  
• Encourages Respect and Fair Play: When athletes, coaches, and spectators speak up against negative and dangerous behaviours, it sends a message that respect is just as important as competing. By discouraging actions like aggression, inappropriate and harmful behaviour, active bystanders help to uphold the integrity of the sport.
  
  
• Empowers Others to Take a Stand: Being an active bystander sets a powerful example. When one person takes action, it often inspires others to do the same. This can lead to a positive ripple effect, creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up for what’s right. Over time, this collective effort helps to normalise standing up against harmful behaviour, making it a shared responsibility among all involved.
  
  
• Supports Mental Health and Wellbeing: Harmful behaviour in sports can have lasting effects on mental health, impacting self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Active bystanders contribute to a supportive environment by showing empathy and concern for others. This kind of support can make a huge difference, fostering a sense of community and helping everyone feel valued.
  

How to Be an Active Bystander in Sports

As discussed within the Active Bystander in Sports training, there are four stages of intervention which has been adapted from Berkowitz, A. (2009) Response Ability: A Complete Guide to Bystander Intervention, Beck & Co., p 10.

• Notice the Event: Be aware of behaviours that could be harmful or unfair, such as bullying, exclusion, or unsportsmanlike conduct. Importantly assess the situation and don’t put yourself in danger.

• Interpret it as a problem: If you see someone being targeted, reach out to them privately to offer support and let them know they’re not alone. You may initially wish to share you concerns with another bystander to get validation from what you saw or heard.

• Feel responsible for dealing with it: If you feel safe doing so, calmly address the behaviour in the moment or talk to someone in authority, like a coach or referee, who can intervene.

• Possess the necessary skills to act: Model positive behaviours and set an example for others by showing respect and encouraging good sportsmanship.

By choosing to be an active bystander, you’re not only contributing to a healthier sports culture, you’re helping to shape an environment where everyone can thrive. So next time you run a session, or are a spectator at a sports competition or event, remember the power you hold to make a difference. In sports, as in life, every voice counts.

If you'd like to get in touch with Richard to discuss Safeguarding at your club, please email him at Richard.Bell@ActiveLincolnshire.com