INTRODUCTION
As volunteers or employees in Sledge Hockey we will all come into contact with young people who are vulnerable to abuse. This abuse may occur within the sport or in other environments, and perpetrators could include parents, carers, professionals, fellow volunteers, or other young people.
The BSHA has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in Sledge Hockey from harm and will aim to fulfil this duty by the adherence of all clubs to the policies and procedures detailed within this document.
The abuse of young people will undoubtedly provoke strong emotions for many who find themselves involved in such a case. It is important to recognise and disclose these feelings. The BSHA is committed to the protection of young people who take part in the sport and to supporting club personnel to protect young people at all times.
The BSHA will support anyone who reports, in good faith, any concern for the welfare of a young person.
Where an allegation is made against a member of club personnel, it may be in the best interests of all parties to suspend that individual from involvement with the sport whilst investigations take place. Irrespective of the findings of any Police or Social Services investigation, the BSHA Committee will consider all cases individually any may still decide that it is in the best interests of the sport that the individual is not reinstated.
Definitions: For the purposes of this document the term ‘young person/people’ will be used to refer to participants of Sledge Hockey who are aged under 18. The term ‘parent/carer’ will be used to represent anyone who has caring responsibilities for the child. The term ‘club personnel’ will refer to volunteers, staff, and coaches working with young people.
GOOD PRACTICE WITHIN SPORTING ACTIVITIES
It is the responsibility of every club to ensure that all club personnel have been appropriately checked through the Criminal Records Bureau and that this is updated at relevant intervals. Each club should designate a Child Protection Officer who will take responsibility for records checks, induction and training of club personnel, and advice and recording of incidents, concerns and reports.
Whilst it is recognised that at some times players and club personnel may be alone or in close physical contact, adults are advised to take all possible steps to avoid situations which may give rise to suspicions or allegations. This will generally involve working in pairs wherever possible, and ensuring that parents/carers are present to undertake any personal care (such as dressing or going to the toilet) that the young person needs. Parents will ideally remain present throughout all activities. If parents are not to be present, full emergency contact details should be obtained, medical details of the young person should be on file, and the parent should have signed a consent form for a named, CRB-checked club official to be responsible for the child. All mixed gender activities should be attended by mixed gender club officials. At no time should adults and children share changing or showering facilities during organised activities.
Club personnel should ensure that their behaviour sets a good example to young people and that they treat all participants equally and with respect and dignity. The welfare of the young person should always be prioritised above sporting success. Feedback given to young people should always be constructive, rather than negative.
Photographing or filming of participants should be carried out in line with the policy operated by the home venue. Clubs should seek written consent of parents before any images of young people are published. It is known that some individuals will use sporting events or venues in order to take photographs or footage of young people and all personnel should be vigilant in this respect and report any concerns to venue staff.
Parents, carers and club volunteers and staff should be made aware of the procedures in place, and the duty to report any concerns to the relevant authorities and utilise suspensions and exclusions where appropriate.
YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN SENIOR TRAINING AND COMPETITION
It is recognised by the BSHA that in order to develop future GB players it will sometimes be appropriate for junior players to participate in senior training and competition. Where this takes place the following principles should be applied:
- Coaches should take steps to ensure that the young person has reached a level of skill and maturity which enables them to safely participate at senior level.
- Adult participants must set a positive example to younger team members, ensuring that they are not exposed to inappropriate language or behaviour.
- Young people must be accompanied by parents at all times or otherwise supervised at all times by a person who has a full CRB clearance.
The BSHA will, in the future, develop an assessment process to guide selection which will become part of this guidance.
RECRUITMENT OF VOLUNTEERS
All club personnel should be required to complete an application form which will include their current contact details, recent addresses, other identities and a self-disclosure about any criminal record. Arrangements should be made to obtain information from the Criminal Records Bureau.
New club personnel should receive induction in which they are made aware of the BSHA and club Codes of Conduct and Child Protection Policies and Procedure and any training needs are identified.
