Club Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy

Medway Touch Association

Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy

1.      Medway Touch acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults involved in Medway Touch from harm. 

2.      Medway Touch confirms that it adheres to the National Governing Bodies Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document.

3.      A child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any sporting activity.  However, where a 17 year old male player is playing in an adult game it is essential that every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected.

4.      The Key Principles of the our Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy are that:

·              The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult (as appropriate) is, and must always be, paramount to any other considerations.

·              All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm.

·              All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately.

·              Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents, carers, children and young people is essential for the welfare of children and young people.

·              Children have a right to expect support, and personal and social development delivered by an appropriately recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in sports, whether they are playing, volunteering or officiating in the community or professional areas of the sport.

5.      Medway Touch recognises that all children have the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice.  Medway Touch recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club.

6.      Medway Touch will implement and comply with the National Governing Bodies Code of Conduct and the Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate.  Medway Touch will ensure its spectators, parents, members and officials are all aware of and have accepted the club Photographic Policy as set out in the club welcome pack and on the website.

7.      Medway Touch will endeavour to comply with the Guidance for Websites as set out on the National Governing Bodies websites and appendixed to this document.

8.      The Club Safeguarding Officer is <personname>Trevor Jefferies .  If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult has been put at risk you must in the first instance inform the Club Safeguarding Officer.  They will then inform the CB Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding Executive.  If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer you should inform the Chairman and the National Governing Body.

9.      All members of  Medway Touch who have a regular supervisory contact with children or a management responsibility for those working with children must undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure and must also be <stockticker>ISA-registered in accordance with the National Governing Bodies registration Policy.

10. Medway Touch will ensure that all its members, whether they are coaches, parents, players or officials will comply with the Best Practice Guidance as issued by the NGB.  In summary, the following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously by the club and may result in disciplinary action being taken by the club or NGB:

·              Working alone with a child, children, vulnerable adult, or adults.

·              Consuming alcohol whilst responsible for children or vulnerable adults.

·              Providing alcohol to children or allowing its supply.

·              Smoking in the presence of children.

·              Humiliating children or vulnerable adults.

·              Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult.

·              Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child or vulnerable adult developed as a result of being in a ‘position of trust.’

·              Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material.

11.Medway Touch manages the changing facilities and arranges for them to be supervised by two adults (<stockticker>CRB checked) of the appropriate gender for the players using the facilities.  Medway Touch ensures that all its coaches, parents, officials and spectators are aware that adults must not change at the same time, using the same facilities as children or vulnerable adults. 

12.Medway Touch will ensure that its coaches [and team managers] will receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role.

13.Any events held at Medway Touch venues must comply with this Policy and if appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected.  Any tours, overseas or domestic, undertaken by Medway Touch must comply with the relevant NGB Regulations and Guidance relating to tours.