Definition
LOPIVI is the acronym for the Spanish Ley Orgánica 8/2021, of 4 June, on the integral protection of children and adolescents against violence. It came into force on 25 June 2021. It is the most relevant child-protection norm in the Spanish legal system and applies to every setting involving minors: education, healthcare, leisure and sport.
For grassroots sport it imposes concrete obligations on the club: appoint a Child Protection Officer (DPI), draft and publish an action protocol, require a Sex-Offender-Free Certificate (CDNS) from all staff in habitual contact with minors (including volunteers), train coaches and board, inform families and keep an incident log. Non-compliance can lead to sanctions and, above all, exposes the club to claims from families and federation.
When does it apply?
Applies to EVERY sports club where there are minors (all youth football, basketball, padel, athletics, swimming clubs, etc.). No size exception: a club with 8 minors has the same obligations as one with 800, although implementation scales. Applies to employed staff AND volunteers — a very common misconception is that it only applies to paid professionals.
Practical example
Common mistakes
- Thinking it only applies to paid staff: LOPIVI also applies to volunteers, parent-coaches, camp monitors, drivers.
- Confusing DPI with DPO: DPI is from LOPIVI (child protection); DPO is from GDPR (data protection). They can be different people.
- Limiting CDNS to coaches: it's also needed for team delegates, physios, drivers, event monitors.
- Creating the protocol but not informing families: communication to families and members is mandatory, not optional.
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This is not specific legal or tax advice
Information as of May 2026. Regulation evolves and every club has its own casuistry (region, federation, size, activities). For your specific case talk to a lawyer or tax advisor specialised in Spanish sports law.