Safe Sport
It’s important for you to check that any sports club or activity your child attends has your child’s safety as its priority. Even if the club seems professional, you should ask to make sure that they have all the necessary safeguarding measures in place.
Safe activity checklist
All organisations will have robust and up-to-date policies and procedures in place. They will be able to provide you with information on what to do if you or your child have any concerns. Established codes of conduct will be in place for coaches, volunteers and young people.
Welfare Officer
The club will have a designated Welfare Officer to answer any questions you may have.
Safe recruitment
The Club will have a safe recruitment process. Interviews, references, and police checks for their volunteers and staff.
Promoting Welfare
Enquire about how the organisation promotes the welfare of children and young people.
Club accreditation
Find out if the club has an accreditation award such as Clubmark or a National Governing Body equivalent.
Training and education
Ask if coaches and volunteers are qualified through a Governing Body.
Communication
A good club will have open communication with children and young people, and their parents or carers. They should have guidelines on the use of:
- text messaging
- social media
- appropriate language
These should be followed by all staff and volunteers. Parents and carers should also be kept well informed of club activities.
What should you do if you are concerned?
If you are concerned you must take action. Listen to your child, ask them questions about the activities in which they are involved and report to the Centre Manager.
What else should you look out for?
- activities where parents or carers are discouraged from watching the sessions or becoming involved
- behaviour or activities that encourage rough play, sexual innuendo, or humiliating punishments
- individuals who take charge and operate independently to organisational guidelines
- individuals who show favouritism or personally reward
- encouragement of inappropriate physical contact
- poor communication and negative responses to questions about safeguards for your child
- a ‘win at all costs’ attitude towards the sport or activity.
Children who drop out or stop going for no apparent reason. - invitations for children to spend time alone with staff or volunteers (or even visit their home)
- text messages or internet communication direct to young people that does not include parents or carers
If you have any concerns around safeguarding, please speak to the Site Manager.