Child protection in Polish sports clubs — duties, deadlines and sources (2026)

A club providing sports activities for minors in Poland should check its duties under the Act on counteracting sexual crime threats and protecting minors. Introducing child protection standards and checking staff are separate duties. A document or an application does not replace carrying them out.

The implementation deadline

The provisions on standards took effect on 15 February 2024; the deadline to introduce the standards was 15 August 2024. These dates are different. Poland's Ministry of Justice identifies 15 August as the latest implementation date.

Checks before admitting a person to activities

Article 21 sets out duties for the employer or organiser and the person admitted to activities with minors. The organiser obtains information from the required registers under Article 21(2). A staff member's statement that they are not listed does not replace that check.

The person supplies information required by Article 21, including criminal record information. The Act also covers documents and statements related to citizenship and residence abroad, and specified exceptions. Determine the documents needed for the particular situation.

Standards, publication and review

Article 22c covers safe relationships, intervention procedures, responsibilities, staff preparation, records of reports and support after harm is disclosed. It also addresses relationships between minors, online safety and children with disabilities or special educational needs. Check the full article rather than treating a short checklist as a complete template.

Standards must be available on the website and in a visible place at the premises, in full and in a shortened version intended for minors. Review the standards at least every two years and document the conclusions in writing. This review duty does not automatically establish the same renewal schedule for criminal record information or training.

Different breaches carry different penalties

For failure to introduce required standards, Article 23b(1) provides a fine of up to PLN 250 or a reprimand. A repeated finding of failure is subject to a fine of at least PLN 1,000 under Article 23b(2), with an additional monetary payment of up to PLN 10,000 under Article 24a(2). Admitting a person without the required checks or committing other breaches may fall under different provisions. PLN 250 is not a general cap on all child protection penalties.

Practical checks for a club

1. Check people admitted to activities and the documents required for their circumstances.
2. Assign responsibility for interventions, reports, records and staff preparation.
3. Publish full and shortened standards and plan their review.
4. Determine document access and retention under the applicable rules instead of using one unsupported period for all data.

Documents and consents in Klubownik help organise content and confirmations. The organiser remains responsible for choosing, updating and applying its procedures.

Official sources

• The Polish Act — consolidated text, particularly Articles 21, 22b–22c, 23b and 24a
• Ministry of Justice — implementation deadline