Safeguarding

BTAC services ltd has adopted the ‘RYA Safeguarding and Child protection Policy and guidelines’ as reference for our policy and procedures found below – April 2021

Policy Statement

Barton Turf Adventure Centre (BTAC) is committed to safeguarding children taking part in its activities from physical, sexual or emotional harm, neglect or bullying. We recognise that the safety, welfare and needs of the child are paramount and that any child, irrespective of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual or gender identity or social status, has a right to protection from discrimination and abuse.

BTAC takes all reasonable steps to ensure that, through safe recruitment, appropriate operating procedures and training, it offers a safe and fun environment to children taking part in its events and activities.

For the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child.

The BTAC Welfare Officer is Di Smith – 01692 536411 email di@btac-services.co.uk

Staff and Volunteers

All directors, staff members and volunteers should be aware of and follow the policy and associated RYA guidance.

All BTAC staff and volunteers whose role brings them into regular contact with young people will be asked to provide references. The Welfare Officer and those regularly instructing, coaching or supervising young people will also be asked to apply for an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure, with Barred List check if appropriate.

Good Practice

All members of BTAC should follow the good practice guidelines (below) and agree to abide by the centres  Code of Conduct. Those working or volunteering with young people should be aware of the guidance on recognising abuse (see RYA Appendix A).

Adults are requested not to enter the showers and changing rooms at times when children are changing before or after junior/youth training or racing. If this is unavoidable it is advised that they are accompanied by another adult.

Good Practice

• Avoid spending any significant time working with children in isolation
• Do not take children alone in a car, however short the journey
• Do not take children to your home as part of any BTAC activity
• Where any of these are unavoidable, ensure that they only occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge at BTAC  or the child’s parents
• Adapt/teach training programmes that are within the ability of the individual child
• If a child is having difficulty with a wetsuit or buoyancy aid, ask them to ask a friend to help if at all possible
• If you do have to help a child, make sure you are in full view of others, preferably another adult
• Restrict communications with young people via mobile phone, e-mail or social media to group communications about organisational matters. If it’s essential to send an individual message, copy it to the child’s parent or carer

You should never:

• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games
• Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form
• Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged, or use such language yourself when with children
• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun
• Fail to respond to an allegation made by a child; always act
• Do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves

It may sometimes be necessary to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are very young or disabled. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of the child (where possible) and their parents/carers. In an emergency situation which requires this type of help, parents should be fully informed. In such situations it is important to ensure that any adult present is sensitive to the child and undertakes personal care tasks with the utmost discretion.

BTAC will seek written consent from parents/carers before taking photos or video of a child at an event or training session or publishing such images. Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/filming. If we publish images of children, no identifying information other than first names will be included. Any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or the inappropriate use of images should be reported to the Welfare Officer.

Concerns

Anyone who is concerned about a young member’s or participant’s welfare, either outside the sport or at BTAC, should inform the Welfare Officer immediately, in strict confidence. The Welfare Officer will follow the RYA recommended procedures. Any member of the Club failing to comply with the Safeguarding policy or any relevant Codes of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.

Code of conduct

It is the policy at BTAC that all participants, coaches, instructors, officials, parents and volunteers show respect and understanding for each other, treat everyone equally within the context of the sport and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the club/class. The aim is for all participants to enjoy their sport and to improve performance.

Abusive language, swearing, intimidation, aggressive behaviour or lack of respect for others and their property will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action.

Participants please

• Listen to and accept what you are asked to do to improve your performance and keep you safe
• Respect other participants, coaches, instructors, officials and volunteers
• Abide by the rules and play fairly
• Do your best at all times
• Never bully others either in person, by phone, by text or online
• Take care of all property belonging to other participants, BTAC, the club/class or its members

Parents please

• Support your child’s involvement and help them enjoy their sport
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results
• Never force your child to take part in sport
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
• Encourage and guide your child to accept responsibility for their own conduct and performance
• Respect and support the coach and instructors
• Accept officials’ judgements and recognise good performance by all participants
• Use established procedures where there is a genuine concern or dispute
• Inform BTAC of any relevant medical information
• Ensure that your child wears suitable clothing and has appropriate food and drink
• Provide contact details and be available when required
• Take responsibility for your child’s safety and conduct in and around the site before and after participation at BTAC

Coaches, Instructors, Officials and Volunteers

• Consider the welfare and safety of participants before the development of performance
• Encourage participants to value their performance and not just results
• Promote fair play and never condone cheating
• Ensure that all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
• Build relationships based on mutual trust and respect
• Work in an open environment
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people
• Be an excellent role model and display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke when working directly with young people
• Communicate clearly with parents and participants
• Be aware of any relevant medical information
• Follow RYA and club/class guidelines and policies
• Holders of RYA Instructor and Coach qualifications must also comply with the RYA Code of Conduct
• Holders of RYA Race Official appointments must also comply with the RYA Race Officials Code of Conduct.

If you are concerned that someone is not following the Code of Conduct, you should inform the BTAC Welfare Officer or the person in charge of the activity.