Sport and physical activity help children to grow as individuals. They can also provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement. Through sport and physical activity children can develop valuable qualities such as leadership, confidence and self-esteem. In order to gain the full benefits of involvement in an activity, it’s essential that the organisation is operating in a safe and child-friendly manner.
It’s also important that clubs, as well as their coaches and volunteers, have a good understanding of good practice when coaching children, young people or vulnerable adults. This will ensure that they can enjoy sport and physical activity within a safe and secure environment, where they and you feel protected and empowered to make the most suitable choices. Providing a positive sporting experience means that they will be more likely to achieve their true potential.
It’s the responsibility of everyone involved to ensure that activities are safe and fun!
QUESTIONS WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN DELIVERING SPORT OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Has your club achieved a quality standard such as Clubmark? If not contact your National Governing Body.
All coaches should hold a current recognised National Governing Body qualification in the appropriate sport.
It’s recommended that coaches have attended safeguarding and child protection training. If coaches are working in schools it’s recommended that they have attended Adults Other Than Teachers (AOTTs) training.
All coaches and club personnel who have direct contact with children, young people and young people should have been appropriately screened. This should include:
Coaches should have up-to-date and appropriate insurance cover for the activity they are delivering
The ratio of coaches to participants varies from sport to sport and should be based on:
Contact the sport’s National Governing Body for sport-specific guidance.
Clubs/organisations/coaches need to be aware of any medication that participants are taking.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Your club/organisation should have or be working towards National Governing Body Accreditation, or equivalent, that outlines minimum operating standards of the sport. National Governing Body Accreditation ensures that the club is committed to providing a safe, effective and child-friendly environment.
Your Club/organisation should have a child protection policy, which outlines procedures for dealing with possible abuse. Parents/carers should be aware of the policy and be able to view the policy on request.
Your club/organisation should have public liability insurance.
Your club/organisation should have a written code of conduct for parents/carers, coaches, club staff/volunteers and participants.
Your club/organisation should have:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS?
Your club/organisation should have a designated child protection/welfare officer. They are the first point of contact if there are any concerns. If you need help with anything else or need more information, please see the links below
Football Coach Photo by Adrià Crehuet Cano on Unsplash
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