ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the key terms that underpin the concepts which are salient throughout the rest of this book. The ways in which the child and childhood have historically been conceptualised are described. The umbrella term of child maltreatment is defined along with the associated concepts of abuse, violence and harm. The critical influence of culture is discussed. The various forms of relational and non-relational forms of maltreatment are considered as these apply to the context of sport. The meaning of child protection and safeguarding is then outlined before the ways in which children can be safeguarded in, around and through sport are identified.
