Understanding the Implementation of the Turkish Football Federation's Child Protection Policies in Women's Football Clubs in Türkiye

The present study examines how the Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) child protection policies are enacted within women's football clubs in Türkiye, conceptualizing safeguarding as a social and institutional process shaped by power, gender, and children's rights. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used. A survey of representatives from 82 women's football clubs first assessed the availability, use, and perceived impact of the TFF's policies, followed by semistructured interviews with 13 stakeholders (coaches, managers, a national team representative, and a TFF official) exploring how these policies are enacted in practice. Quantitative findings show weak institutionalization. Only 18.3% of clubs had a designated safeguarding officer, 24.4% had written policies, and 87.8% did not use the TFF child protection guide. Integrated analysis generated three themes, namely limited implementation, female coaches as “guardians,” and awareness and education creating safe sport environments. The findings reveal institutional decoupling, with safeguarding responsibilities devolved to individuals, particularly female coaches, through informal, care-based practices. Crucially, the formal existence of policies does not guarantee their substantive execution, nor does it ensure the integration of children's voices within institutional processes. Safeguarding thus remains exceptional, underscoring the need for frameworks that are institutionally anchored, gender-responsive, and participatory.