Tootoot: Super League clubs take on app for player welfare
Three Super League clubs have signed up to an app enabling them to develop safeguarding practices and protecting player welfare.
Wigan and Salford have joined Warrington in partnering with safeguarding platform Tootoot Sport, which allows members to anonymously report any concerns or issues directly to their club via an app and website.
Wigan Warriors Welfare and Education Manager, Steve McCormack, said: “At Wigan Warriors it is our aim to not only provide the best player welfare provision in Rugby League but to be the best in world sport.
“We take safeguarding very seriously at the club and the use of tootoot sport will enable the players and staff to communicate more effectively and enhance our welfare program. The feedback from both players, parents and staff has been excellent.”
Studies indicate 40% to 50% of athletes have experienced anything from mild harassment to severe abuse.
Further to this, a recent NSPCC study focusing on children and young people’s experiences in organised sport found 75% of respondents reported emotional harm.
Tootoot sport provides three key functions; a confidential app that allows club members to confidentially report any concerns; a single case-management function that makes it easy for clubs to manage and track ongoing cases; and an insightful dashboard that gives an up to the minute view of what is going on in a club.
Welfare is paramount at Warrington Wolves where the platform has been in use since August 2017; supporting the club’s responsibility to safeguard and listen to employees.
Warrington player welfare manager, Kylie Leuluai, said: “Welfare issues and problems can be really delicate and personal at times, having an anonymous platform like Tootoot Sport on offer to all players, coaches, and staff helps to voice any welfare issues or concerns with confidence.”
Players and members can report anything to their welfare officer or coach and attach supporting evidence.
Injuries, general feedback and safeguarding issues such as bullying can all be sent with the option of remaining anonymous.
