Sexual harassment, racism, and bullying at Oxford Brookes University Boat Club

A culture of sexual, racial and verbal abuse has been uncovered at Oxford Brookes University Boat Club.

In November 2024, photos shared online of a “toughness sheet” showed the concerning treatment of members of Oxford Brookes University Boat Club. This sparked an independent investigation commissioned by Oxford Brookes University into the culture of the boating club.

The investigation found a number of serious issues at the club, including sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and bullying.

The investigation also identified multiple breaches of British Rowing’s Code of Conduct, including coaches having inappropriate sexual relationships with athletes and use of “racial slurs”. British Rowing’s Weighing Guidance was also breached.

Abusive behaviour, inappropriate relationships with coaches, and discrimination of any kind have no place in sport. As an abuse solicitor, I know that these kinds of experiences can leave victims feeling unsafe, unsure of what to do, and often questioning themselves and whether what happened to them was wrong or ‘bad enough’ to report.

Athletes at all levels, including university clubs, face further obstacles to recognising and reporting abusive behaviours due to fears of retaliation or losing performance time or opportunities, which has ripple effects on their athletic careers. They also fear public backlash, impacting the team, and even whether they can report abuse anonymously.

For university-level athletes, abuse experience can also severely impact academic engagement and performance which would potentially harm their careers, mental health, and future opportunities.

Unlike a rowing competition, the experience of abuse – even an isolated incident – can erode a person’s sense of safety, physical health, and mental wellbeing.

Maltreatment of student athletes is not acceptable, and I hope the students who suffered sexual, racial, and verbal abuse are receiving support and access to accountability.

While the investigation recommends disciplinary action against certain members of the university rowing club, the appointment of a welfare officer, and improved training in equality, diversity, and inclusion, there is more that can be done to safeguard university students and athletes.

For individual student-athletes:

• You can report abusive behaviour, safeguarding concerns and sexual abuse to several people and organisations, whether that abuse happened to you, someone else, or even if you have concerns you’re not sure about. Organisations you can report to include:
  1. Your university safeguarding officer;
  2. The safeguarding and welfare officers within the governing body of your sport (i.e. British Rowing, British Gymnastics, etc.);
  3. The police; and
  4. The NSPCC if you are concerned for a child under the age of 18 years old.

• If you are worried your concerns are not being taken seriously, tell another person or contact another organisation such as those listed above.
• Ask for safeguarding and welfare training for your team and a clear understanding of what behaviour, language, and relationships are not acceptable. If new people join, ask if they have been given the training.
• Trust your gut. We know that, unfortunately, abuse takes place in every environment and that abusers are often known to their victims.
• If someone tells you they have been abused, believe them. Offer to support them if you are able to do so, but you can also refer them to support options such as those provided by MIND.