Information for Clubs

Club Guidelines

The Child Protection in Sport Unit has provided some practical ways for your organisation to help safeguard the children and young people who take part in your activities. View the guidelines and make sure your club is maintaining best practice. LINK TO GUIDELINES

Code of Conduct

All sports have developed codes of conduct in relation to child protection, because sports organisations have a duty of care to safeguard children. If your organisation doesn’t have a code of conduct, it needs one. Here are some examples of what should be included,

• All children should be treated fairly
• Establish supportive, positive environments that encourage fun and achievement
• Avoid contact or conduct that may be interpreted as having sexual connotations.
• Do not tolerate any behaviour that frightens, demoralises or embarrasses any individual.
• Do not tolerate acts of aggression.
• Practice fair play both during and outside of sports activities, by showing considerable regard for athletes, staff, parents, spectators and officials.
• Be prepared to intervene if a child or young person is being abused or neglected.

If your organisation is not already adhering to these guidelines, ask questions. Why not? When will practices change? It is everyone’s responsibility within the club to ensure children are safe.

Developing a Child Protection Policy.

All sport organisations that receive public funding must have a child protection policy in place, and a policy is a necessity in attaining national governing body accreditation. Parents and carers will ask questions about whether your club is safe for their child, and having a child protection policy in place will help you answer those questions. It will ensure you adopt best practice guidelines, and develop a safer environment for children in your care. A policy will also clearly outline procedures for responding to concerns and allegations. If your organisation has not yet developed a policy, you must start developing one. Courtesy of the Child Protection in Sport Unit here is a sample child protection policy to help get you started. LINK TO SAMPLE POLICY

Child Protection Officer

Clubs should have a designated person for child protection. This person should have appropriate training to help them fulfil this role, e.g. child protection basic awareness training. The officer should be available and able to discuss issues with parents and children at all times.