Proposed Addendum to TAR club rules
Child Protection Policy Statement
1 May 2009
(Agreed at AGM 14 May 2009)
TAR is committed to the highest standards in Child Welfare and Protection, and it is committed to ensuring that all young people who play sport have a safe and positive experience. The club is committed to developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure that everyone knows and accepts their responsibility in relation to a duty of care for young people.
TAR is committed to ensuring that all young people who play sport have a safe and positive experience. The club is committed to developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure that everyone knows and accepts their responsibility in relation to a duty of care for young people.
TAR recognises that it is not the responsibility of those individuals working within the club to determine if abuse has taken place, but it is their responsibility to act upon and report any concerns.
If any person within the club has a doubt to this policy’s relevance to their role and duties then please contact the clubs Child Welfare Officer (see below for Name and contact details for the Child Welfare Officer).
The club is presently applying for Active Surrey Bronze and Silver Accreditation, which is awarded to clubs by Active Surrey when the club is able to demonstrate that it meets the Active Surrey’s criteria as to playing programme; safeguarding and protecting children; sports equity and ethics and club management.
All activities will be conducted within the framework of a recognised Child Protection Policy and agreed minimum operating standards in relation to safeguarding and protecting children and young people.
All activities will be run in accordance with BRITISH AIKIDO BOARD governing body guidelines, particularly relating to coaching and officiating qualifications and safe practices - these can be viewed or downloaded by clicking here.
Sport, and Aikido in particular, can provide a positive influence on children and young people. Not only can it provide enjoyment and opportunities for achievement, it can be a valuable way to develop a variety of life skills. These opportunities can only be safeguarded if kept in the safe hands of people who place the welfare of young people first and adopt practices that support, protect and empower them. All organisations involved in activities for children have a moral and legal obligation to fulfil a duty of care for the children for whom they provide services.
The British Aikido Board recognizes its responsibility, that of its member Associations, and that of all adults who work directly or indirectly in the provision of Aikido for minors, to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and welfare of minors in their care.
All activities will operate in accordance with a code of conduct appropriate to Aikido, to be agreed between the partner(s) and the club, and in accordance with British Aikido Board best practice particularly relating to behaviour, clothing, warming-up and cooling-down, safe use of appropriate equipment, preparation and planning and the provision of positive feedback.
In the interests of equity, all activities will be accessible to all young people in the partnership and appropriate to their abilities. Particular attention should be made to the promotion and charging policies, which should attract, encourage and accommodate young people:
- With physical, intellectual and sensory impairments and with multiple and profound impairments;
- From both genders;
- From ethnic minorities; and
- From disadvantaged communities.
The Club and those involved with the club will abide by the following principles and statements:
- All young people within name of club, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or disability, have the right to be protected.
- All young people participating in sport have a right to do so in a safe environment.
- All adults involved with the club will provide a safe, positive and fun sporting experience for young people.
- All volunteers, coaches and officials will understand and be supported in their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care for young people.
- All suspicions and allegations will be taken seriously, managed and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
- The club will assist coaches, volunteers and officials to remain up-to-date with the latest safeguarding and child protection issues.
- The club will appoint a Child Welfare Officer whose role is to be responsible for issues concerning child welfare at the club.
- The club will carry out regular risk assessments to ensure the safety of young people and all members of the club.
Responding to Diclosure, Concerns and Allegations
Section 8 of the BAB Child Protection Policy lays out the policy for responding to Diclosure, Concerns and Allegations.
- Section 8.1 covers how to respond to a disclosure from a Young Person.
8.1.1. If a young person informs you directly that he/she, or another young person, is concerned about someone’s behaviour towards them (this is termed a ‘disclosure’), the person receiving information should:
8.1.1.1. React calmly so as not to frighten or deter the young person
8.1.1.2. Tell the young person he/she is not to blame and that he/she was right to tell
8.1.1.3. Take what the person says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a young person who has a speech disability and/or differences in language
8.1.1.4. Keep any questions to the absolute minimum needed to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said
8.1.1.5. Reassure the young person but do not make promises of confidentiality which might not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments
8.1.1.6. Seek advice immediately from the local Social Services or Police who will advise on the action to be taken, including advice on contacting parents. Expert advice can also be provided by the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or Childline on 0800 1111
The person receiving the disclosure should not :
8.2.1. Panic
8.2.2. Allow their shock or distaste to show
8.2.3. Ask questions other than to clarify that they have enough information to act
8.2.4. Speculate or make assumptions
8.2.5. Make negative comments about the alleged abuser
8.2.6. Approach the alleged abuser
8.2.7. Make promises or agree to keep secrets.
Important
Please refer to the BAB Child Protection Policy Document for the current advice and policy. The club in its membership of the national governing body the British Aikido Board subscribes to and is governed by the BAB’s policy.
Our club welfare officer, Glenn Karpel, is responsible for ensuring that our child protection policy is implemented and can be contacted on 07976753008 should you have any concerns.
If you have concerns which you wish to discuss with another person then you contact the British Aikido Board Lead Child Protection Officer, Sue Ward, on 01271 328892/343952
If you are worried about a child’s safety or welfare or if you need help or advice, ring the NSPCC 24 hour helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Discipline and appeals
All concerns, allegations or reports of poor practice/abuse relating to the welfare of children and young people will be recorded and responded to swiftly and appropriately in accordance with the club’s child protection policy and procedures. The club Welfare Officer is the lead contact for all members in the event of any child protection concerns.
All complaints regarding the behaviour of members should be presented and submitted in writing to the Secretary.
The Management Committee will meet to hear complaints within number days of a complaint being lodged. The committee has the power to take appropriate disciplinary action including the termination of membership.
The outcome of a disciplinary hearing should be notified in writing to the person who lodged the complaint and the member against whom the complaint was made within number days of the hearing.
There will be the right of appeal to the Management Committee following disciplinary action being announced. The committee should consider the appeal within number days of the Secretary receiving the appeal.
