We at Sports Bug are committed to good practice which protects children from harm. Staff and volunteers accept and recognise their responsibility to provide an environment which promotes the safety of the child at all times.

To achieve this we will;

• Develop an awareness of the issues which may lead to children being harmed.
• Create an open environment by identifying a ‘Designated person’ to whom the children can turn to if they need to talk.
• Adopt child centred and democratic coaching styles.
• Adopt child protection guidelines through codes of conduct for players and all adults working at the club. Adult workers include coaches, parents and volunteers.
• Ensure careful recruitment, selection and management procedures.
• Ensure complaints and disciplinary procedures are included in our constitution.
• Share information about concerns with children and parents and others who need to know.
• Provide information as required to the management committee.
• Ensure good and safe working/playing practices.
• Be involved in training made available through the various agencies and strengthen links with these agencies.
• Keep child protection policies under regular review.
• Have procedures relating specifically to bullying, away trips, transport and use of photography.
• Have an induction document available for parents, coaches and children clearly outlining their rights and responsibilities.

TIM LE FEUVRE, SPORTS -BUG

This policy applies to all those involved in SPORTS BUG, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteer drivers, parents and young people.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Sports Bug is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level of authority to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion.  Children, irrespective of ability or disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way, whenever possible, thus allowing them to participate to their full potential alongside other children (Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport 2000)

Sports Bug recognises the additional vulnerability of some children and the extra difficulties they may face when seeking help, i.e.

• Dependency due to disability may make some children feel powerless.
• On occasions possible limited ability to communicate their feelings.
• A negative self image can make children vulnerable to manipulation by others

To address this vulnerability coaches will seek guidance on working with children with a disability from external agencies, parents / guardians and the children themselves.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

We at Sports Bug will never promise to keep secrets. However, information of a confidential nature will only be communicated on a "need to know" basis, with the welfare of the child paramount.

Considerations of confidentiality will not be allowed to override the rights of children or young members to be protected from harm.

A full Child Protection policy statement is displayed and available within club premises for all interested parties to read.

AWARENESS OF THE ISSUES

Background knowledge in relation to child abuse, the general principles of child protection and the ability to recognise and respond to abuse are important issues. Of primary concern for Sports Bug is the issue of Child Protection of our young members within the operation of the club. However, being cognisant of the indicators of abuse in respect of young members caused by others outside the club, is of an equal importance for the safety and well being of that child.

SPORTS BUG formally recognises four types of abuse

Physical 
Physical abuse is the deliberate physical injury to a child, or the wilful or neglectful failure to prevent physical injury or suffering.  This may include hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, confinement to a room or cot, or inappropriately giving drugs to control behaviour.

Neglect 
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in significant harm.  It may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate foods, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment, lack of stimulation or lack of supervision.  It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.

Sexual  
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.  The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. They may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at or the production of pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Emotional 
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.  It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person.  It may involve causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children.  Smothering a child’s development through over-protection can also be a form of abuse.  Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of ill treatment of a child, though it may occur alone.  Domestic violence, adult mental health problems and parental substance misuse may expose children to emotional abuse.

In addition to these “Sports Bug” recognise that we have a responsibility to:

“protect children from bullying and to have policies and procedures in places to do so”

INDICATORS OF ABUSE

The following is a list of some indicators of abuse, but it is not exhaustive:

PHYSICAL INDICATORS BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS

• Unexplained bruising in soft tissue areas
• Repeated injuries
• Black eyes
• Injuries to the mouth
• Torn or bloodstained clothing
• Burns or scalds
• Bites
• Fractures
• Marks from implements
• Inconsistent stories/excuses relating to injuries
• Unexplained changes in behaviour - becoming withdrawn or aggressive
• Difficulty in making friends
• Distrustful of adults or excessive attachment to adults
• Sudden drop in performance
• Changes in attendance pattern
• Inappropriate sexual awareness, behaviour or language
• Reluctance to remove clothing

Guidelines for responding to a disclosure,

DO's

• Stay calm.
• Listen & hear. Give the person time to say what they want.
• Reassure them that they have done the right thing in telling and that it will be dealt with appropriately.
• Record in writing what was said as soon as possible
• Report to someone else in the organisation - "the designated person".
• Record your report.

DON'Ts

• Panic.
• Promise to keep secrets.
• Enquire into the details of the abuse.
• Make a child repeat the story unnecessarily.

Anti-Bullying Statement.

Coaches should challenge bullying in any form i.e. physical or emotional. Physical bulling can take the form of attacks, such as hitting, kicking, taking or damaging belongings. Emotional bullying may be a verbal assault, including name-calling, insults, repeat teasing, sectarian/racist assaults, or it may take more indirect forms, such as spreading malicious gossip, rumours or excluding someone from a social group. Bullying is not an accepted behaviour towards anyone at Sports Bug be they child, coach, volunteer or parent. Anyone found to be bullying others will be dealt with seriously both in regards to the behaviour exhibited and the reasons for the behaviour.

DESIGNATED PERSON

The Designated person within Sports Bug, is Tim Le Feuvre ( Managing Director)

Telephone: 01534 840082  

Or  Mobile: 07797 735080   

Tim Le Feuvre shall be made known to young members, coaches and parents alike; as the designated person to whom concerns will be addressed.  If the concern is about the designated person please report to Club Chairperson.

SAFE RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES FOR VOLUNTEERS / COACHES

Volunteers and coaches are carefully selected, trained and supervised. The office bearers of the club committee must vouch for their potential involvement and their participation must be ratified by the unanimous approval of remaining coaches.

• All new coaches/ volunteers working with children or young people must complete the enclosed application form.
• Declaration of past convictions or cases pending and agreement to have a Pre-Employment Consultancy check completed, is of course a pre-requisite to approval to coach
• ALL volunteers/coaches must agree to abide by the club's Child Protection Policy and all are required to sign a pro-forma stating this.
• Any concerns or objections with regard to suitability of a coach must be submitted to the "designated person".  These matters will be raised with the club committee with appropriate action taken including a formal response in writing to the concerned party if required.

TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS/COACHES

• Governing Body approved coaching sessions for volunteers/coaches have been scheduled at the club and ALL participants are expected to qualify to at least SPORT SPECIFIC  level.
• Appointment of volunteers /coaches will be on the basis of their current or previous experience either playing or coaching SPORT.
• Education and training in the basics of child protection will apply to all coaches/volunteers/management committee members working with the children or young members. Sports Bug are committed to continuous updating and review of our current Child Protection Policy.
  Child protection training should include
  Basic awareness of child protection issues
  Our organisation’s child protection policies and procedures including your Code of Conduct
  Training will be carefully selected to ensure it is sufficient. For instance a 1-hour training session is unlikely to be very useful. A minimum of 3 hours is required for basic awareness raising.
• Ensuring that all new coaches have attended child protection awareness workshop within six months of taking up their post.  This opportunity should also be made available to parents and other volunteers to enable a culture of a child-focused club to prevail.• All staff and volunteers should receive induction, and training appropriate to their role. Training should be updated and reviewed regularly for new staff/ volunteers and in line with changing legislation.

SUPPORT & SUPERVISION

Sports Bug recognise that it is good practice to set up a system of support & supervision of staff/volunteers. This will enable staff/volunteers to become more effective by identifying training needs and dealing quickly with difficulties. See staff handbook for further details on staff supervision. Volunteers will be offered regular opportunities to review their experiences at Sports Bug and to identify any training or further support they require.

GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING ACCIDENTS

In the event of an accident, the following procedure will be carried out:-

• Fill in 2 copies of the Accident Form for ALL accidents.
• Make contact with parents/guardians
• One copy of form to incident book/folder.
• Forward 1 copy to Designated person for record keeping/ action required.
• Contact emergency services/ GP if required
• Record in detail all facts surrounding the accident, witness's etc.

GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING ALLEGATIONS/ INCIDENTS

• Record all incidents reported or observed on an Incident Form 
• 1 copy to designated person
• Ensure confidentiality - only "need to know basis" (reference confidentiality clause)
• The designated person will be responsible for storing any report in a safe and secure environment

USEFUL NUMBERS

• Social Services 01534 443500
• NSPCC Helpline    0808 800 5000
• PSNI CARE Unit    028 90650222 Ask for your local CARE Unit
• Childline Freephone      0800 1111
• Child Protection in Sport Unit  028 90351135

AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION

It is important that there is a free flow of information between coaches/volunteers, children and parents, in terms of promotion of the club and what we aim to achieve in relation to your child.

Parents should know what we do and how we do it, and the coaches/designated person will always be on hand during, or after coaching sessions, for consultation or advice.

When appropriate, letters (or telephone contact) will be issued in relation to further information or specifics in respect of an event etc.

A regular review of club policies will take place through meetings with coaches/volunteers and feedback from children and parents.

GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PRACTICE & CODE OF CONDUCT

GOOD AND SAFE WORKING / PLAYING PRACTICES

SPORTS BUG will ensure…

• Proper supervision of children within the club and with a satisfactory ratio of coaches: children. A maximum ratio of 1 coach: 12 children (5 and over) and 1 coach: 8 children(under fives)will be adhered to. 
• Use of proper, recommended equipment including.
  - Sport specific guidelines
  - identification markers/ cones, clearly visible
  - playing /coaching surfaces, free from debris
  - Safety warning when handling striking implements such as Tennis Racket, Hockey sticks, Golf clubs and Cricket Bats etc.
• Use of equipment only when supervised by a coach.
• A clearly defined area of play/ in bounds, fenced and safe from vehicular traffic.
• Public Liability Insurance in place, covering all members of the club.
• Only children within same/ similar age bands will be selected for team playing/ coaching.
• A first aider and first aid kit on hand in event of an accident, with accident incident book to be marked up at every relatively serious accident.  NB All accidents will be reported to parents at collection.
• In the event of transport being required this will be provided and supervised by coaching/ volunteers in possession of driving license and roadworthy vehicles only. Permission must be sought from parents prior to any transport being facilitated. (See Appendix 10)
• A safe environment for members
• Ongoing training and information for Leaders
• Implementation of policy and procedures in line with guidance from Our Duty to Care and the Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Sport
• Facilitation of open discussion on member protection issues
• Support to members who report accusations of abuse
• Suspected abuse information treated confidentially
• Appropriate action is taken if members breach standards of reasonable behaviour 
• The establishment and maintenance of a coaching register
• The setting of standards of good practice
• The designated officer has knowledge of statutory child protection procedures and their responsibility in reporting concerns from Co-operating to Safeguard Children DHSSPS
• That parents are kept informed, therefore parents should have access to the club’s policy guidelines for the use of photography and video equipment.

The implementation of good and safe working practice is to develop the club in the short, medium and long term to the mutual benefit of the member, the local area and community as a whole.

SPORTS BUG has the right to:

• Expect all leaders to comply with its Code of Conduct
• Expect all youth members to maintain standards of reasonable behaviour
• Take appropriate action if members breach the Code of Conduct or Child Protection Policy
• Expect all members to undertake appropriate training when advised to
• Expect leaders will not abuse members physically, emotionally or sexually
• Take appropriate action in the event of accusations
• Acquire pre-employment checks on all coaches/volunteers
• Maintain records on individuals in line with advice from the data protection agency i.e. only hold records on individuals that they have a justifiable reason for holding.

The Coaches Charter

All coaches & volunteers are encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to protect children in their care and themselves from false allegations. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate within our club.

As a Coach/volunteer within this club I, the undersigned, agree to the following charter

• Coaches should respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone equally within the context of their sport.
• Coaches should place the well being and safety of the child above the performance. They should follow all guidelines laid down by the Governing Body.
• Coaches should develop an appropriate working relationship with children based on   mutual trust and respect. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Coaches should encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
• Coaches should hold up to date and nationally recognised  SPORT coaching qualifications.
• Coaches should ensure that activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity and ability of the individual. 
• Coaches should at the outset clarify with performers (and where appropriate with their parents) exactly what is expected of them and what players are entitled to expect from their coach. A simple checklist may sometimes be appropriate.
• Coaches should co-operate fully with specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the performer.
• Coaches should always promote the positive aspects of SPORT (e.g. fair play) and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances. 
• Coaches should consistently display high standard of behaviour and appearance. They should be an excellent role model – this includes not smoking, drinking alcohol, using foul language or taking drugs in the company of young people 
• Coaches should always work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging an open environment, e.g. no secrets)
• Coaches should treat all service users equally, and with respect and dignity
• Coaches should always put the welfare of each child/young person first, before winning or achieving goals
• Coaches should maintain a safe and appropriate distance with service users (e.g. it is not appropriate to have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room or changing facilities with them)
• Coaches should build balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in decision-making
• Coaches should make sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play
• Coaches should ensure that if any form of manual/physical support is required, it is provided openly and according to agreed guidelines. If physical support is needed, talk aloud to the child/young person explaining what you are doing and why as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when a child is constantly moving. Children/young people should always be consulted before they are touched and their agreement gained. Parental/carer views about manual support a should always be carefully considered
• Coaches should involve parents/carers wherever possible (e.g. for the responsibility of their children in the changing rooms). If groups have to be supervised in the changing rooms, always ensure parents/teachers/coaches/officials work in pairs 
• Coaches should ensure that if mixed teams are taken away, they should always be accompanied by a male and female coach. Be aware of the potential for same gender abuse by male adults of boys and female adults of girls. 
• Coaches should ensure that at tournaments or residential events, adults do not enter children’s rooms, invite or permit children into their rooms or become involved in unobserved or unsupervised 1:1 situations with children and young people
• Coaches should give enthusiastic and constructive feedback, encouraging achievements rather than negative criticism
• Coaches should recognise the developmental needs and capacity of children/young people, including those with a disability – avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will
• Coaches should secure parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid and/or other medical treatment
• Coaches should keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given
• Coaches should request written parental consent if club officials are required to transport young people in their cars and not doing so without the presence of a second adult
• Coaches should keep a written record of any inappropriate body contact with a child
• Coaches should immediately report any accusations made against you or your colleagues
• Coaches should challenge bullying in any form i.e. physical or emotional. Physical bulling can take the form of attacks, such as hitting, kicking, taking or damaging belongings. Emotional bullying may be a verbal assault, including name-calling, insults, repeat teasing, sectarian/racist assaults, or it may take more indirect forms, such as spreading malicious gossip, rumours or excluding someone from a social group. Bullying is not an accepted behaviour towards anyone at SPORTS BUG be they child, coach, volunteer or parent. Anyone found to be bullying others will be dealt with seriously both in regards to the behaviour exhibited and the reasons for the behaviour. (See Anti-Bullying policy for more details.)
  Practices coaches /volunteers should avoid
• Avoid spending any time alone with children/young people away from others.
• Never take children/young people to your home.

Practices never to be sanctioned by coaches/volunteers

The following should never be sanctioned. You should never:

• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay
• Share a room/changing room/or shower with a child/young person
• Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching
• Allow children/young people to use foul, sexualised or discriminatory language unchallenged
• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child/young person, even in fun
• Reduce a child/young person to tears as a form of control 
• Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon
• Undertake personal care for children/young people. Ensure that a parent or carer is responsible for personal care.
• Invite or allow children to stay with you at your home

I understand any misdemeanours or breach of this code will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally to the designated person.  Persistent breach of the code will result in dismissal from the club.

Dismissals can be appealed by the coach / volunteer with final decisions taken by the club committee.

Emergency Action/First Aid
All coaches, leaders and members should be prepared with an action plan in the event of an emergency.

This will include:

• Access to First Aid equipment
• Telephone contact if the participant is a minor
• Telephone contact to the Emergency Services

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE

Children are expected to:

• Keep within the defined boundary of the playing/coaching area.
• Behave and listen to all instructions from the coach.
• Take care of equipment owned by the club.
• Refrain from the use of bad language or racial/sectarian references.
• Refrain from bullying or persistent use of rough and dangerous play.
• Show respect to other youth members and leaders
• Keep themselves safe
• Report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations for youth members
• Play fairly
• Respect officials and accept decisions
• Show appropriate loyalty and be gracious in defeat
• Respect opponents
• Not cheat
• Not use violence

Children/Young people have the right to:

• Be safe
• Be listened to
• Be respected
• Privacy
• Enjoy your sport in a protective environment
• Be referred to professional help if needed
• Be protected from abuse by other member or outside sources.
• Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability
• Experience competition and the desire to win
• Be believed
• Ask for help

Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be addressed by the immediate coach and reported verbally to the designated person.  Persistent misbehaviour will result in dismissal from the club. Parents will be informed.

Dismissals can be appealed by the child/parent with final decisions taken by the club committee.

CODES OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS

Parents are expected to:

• Complete and return the Health and Consent Form pertaining to their child's participation with SPORTS BUG. There is a legal requirement for parental consent.
• Deliver and collect the child punctually to and from coaching sessions/matches.
• Ensure their child is properly and adequately attired for the weather conditions of the time, including shorts, shirt, socks, tracksuit, sweat-tops, hat, gloves etc…
• Ensure that proper footwear and protective equipment are worn at ALL times in accordance with Health and Safety Regulations.  Any child not in possession of these 2 fundamental requirements will not be permitted to participate.
• Detail any health concerns pertaining to the child on the consent form, in particular breathing or chest conditions. Any changes in the state of the child's health should be reported to the coach prior to coaching sessions.
• To inform the coach prior to departure from the field of play if child is to be collected early from a coaching session
• Encourage their child to play by the rules and teach them that they can only do their best
• Behave responsibly on the sidelines
• Show appreciation and supporting the coach
• Ensure their child is punctual
• Be realistic
• Provide their child with proper clothing and equipment
• Ensure their child’s hygiene and nutritional needs are met
• Accept the official’s judgement
• Acknowledge the importance and role of the club coaches who provide their time free to ensure children’s participation in the club
• Promote their child’s participation in playing sport for fun

Parents/Guardians have the right to:

• Know their child is safe
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their children
• Be informed if their child is injured
• Have their consent sought for issues such as trips
• Contribute to decisions within the club
• Complain if they have concerns about the standard of coaching

Any misdemeanours and breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by a  SPORTS BUG official.  Persistent concerns or breaches will result in the parent/guardian being asked not to attend competitions if their attendance is detrimental to the child’s welfare.

The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may mean the SPORTS BUG officials regrettably asking the child to leave the club.

PHOTOGRAPHY& VIDEOING GUIDANCE / PHOTOGRAPHS AND IMAGES OF CHILDREN

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on sports websites and other publications.  Photographs can be used as a means of identifying children when they are accompanied with personal information – this is X who lives at y, is a member of the z gymnastics club and who likes a certain music group.  This information can make a child vulnerable to an individual who may wish to start to “groom” that child for abuse.  Secondly the content of the photo can be used or adapted for inappropriate use.  There is evidence of this adapted material finding its way onto child pornography sites.

SPORTS BUG have decided that we needed to develop a policy in relation to the use of images of young people on our website and in other publications.  We have considered the type of images that are suitable and that appropriately represent our sport, without putting children at increased risk.  We have ensured that parents support this policy.  When assessing the potential risks in the use of images of athletes, the most important factor is the potential of inappropriate use of images of children.
By increasing the awareness of the potential risks and taking appropriate steps the potential for misuse of images can be reduced.

SPORTS BUG will:

• Consider using models or illustrations if you are promoting an activity. 
• Avoid the use of the first name and surname of individuals in a photograph. This reduces the risk of inappropriate, unsolicited attention from people within and outside the sport.

Guidance: 

• If the child is named, avoid using their photograph. 
• If a photograph is used, avoid naming the child. 
• Ask for the child’s permission to use their image. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the sport. A Child’s Permission Form is one way of achieving this. 
• Ask for parental permission to use an image of a young person. This ensures that parents are aware of the way the image of their child is representing the sport. A Parental Permission Form is one way of achieving this. 
• Only use images of children in suitable dress to reduce the risk of inappropriate use. With regard to the actual content it is difficult to specify exactly what is appropriate given the wide diversity of sports. However there are clearly some sports activities - swimming, gymnastics and athletics for example when the risk of potential misuse is much greater than for other sports. With these sports the content of the photograph should focus on the activity not on a particular child and should avoid full face and body shots. So for example shots of children in a pool would be appropriate or if poolside, waist or shoulder up. 
• Create a recognised procedure for reporting the use of inappropriate images to reduce the risks to children. Follow your child protection procedures, ensuring both your sports child protection officer and the Social Services and/or Police are informed.

SPORTS BUG have; 

• Established the type of images that appropriately represent the sport for the Web and other media.
• Thought about the level of consideration we give to the use of images of children in other publications, for example, the processes involved in choosing appropriate images for the newsletter or magazine. Apply an increased level of consideration to the images of children and young people used in the web site.

Equal Opportunities Policy for SPORTS BUG

SPORTS BUG are committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members of whatever level of authority to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission and Commission for Racial Equality.

All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Specifically Discrimination is prohibited by:

• Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.
• Expecting an individual solely on the grounds stated above to comply by with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different from the requirements of others.
• Imposing on an individual requirements which are in effect more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.
• Victimisation of an individual
• Harassment of an individual, by virtue of discrimination
• Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all SPORTS BUG recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters, it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

SPORTS BUG commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice cease forthwith, restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.

Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the SPORTS BUG policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

SPORTS BUG commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting assistance will be given, wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.

Tim Le Feuvre SPORTS BUG

GUIDELINES ON CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality, who needs to know what?

Our organisation have a clear statement about confidentiality and how this is to be respected.  This statement covers much broader issues than child protection.  We insist that families and children in contact with our organisation are sure, for example, that personal and sensitive details which they have confided about their lives or family situations will not be talked about or passed on to others without their consent.

However, the legal principle that 'the welfare of the child is paramount' means that considerations of confidentiality should not be allowed to override the right of children to be protected from harm.  Everyone in our organisation, including children, must be aware that they can never promise to keep secrets.  However, information of a confidential nature will only be communicated on a 'need to know' basis.  Your statement of confidentiality should make this clear.

In any situation where there is an allegation or suspicion of abuse, it is important that the rights of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator are protected by ensuring that only those who need to know are given the relevant information.

This will mean, at the very least, informing:

• the person responsible for child protection in our organisation;
• where relevant, a statutory child protection agency;
• the parent of the child;
• the alleged perpetrator.

Informing the parents of a child about whom you are concerned will need to be handled in a sensitive way and should only be undertaken in consultation with a statutory agency.

Any individual under suspicion whether or not she is a staff member or volunteer within your group has a right to be notified of the cause of the concern.  This is another matter that will need careful consideration and should only be undertaken in consultation with a statutory agency.

Depending on the outcome of our initial inquiries, staff and other agencies who have contact with either the child concerned or the alleged perpetrator may need to be given brief details of the incident and subsequent action.  The statutory agency will keep you right about who should be told, when they should be told, and the kind of information which it is appropriate to share.

SPORTS BUG ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

ANTI-BULLYING

Guidance Notes

The Individual

• Respect every child’s need for, and rights to, a play environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available
• Respect for every individual’s feelings and views
• Recognise that everyone is important and that our differences make each of us special
• Show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities, contributions and progress
• Ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed for all to see

Bullying

• Bullying will not be accepted or condoned.  All forms of bullying will be addressed.  Bullying can include:
  - physical pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc
  - name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and emotional torment through ridicule, humiliation and the continual ignoring of individuals
  - sectarian/racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
  - sexual comments and /or suggestions
  - unwanted physical contact
• Children from ethnic minorities, disabled children, young people who are gay or lesbian, or those with learning difficulties are more vulnerable to this form of abuse and may well be targeted.
• Everybody has the responsibility to work together to stop bullying – the child, the parent, the coach, the sport’s official
• Appropriate forums will be established within the club, including children, parents & coaches,  to address, monitor and stop bullying
• Commitment to the early identification of bullying and prompt, collective action to deal with it
• Policy and practice should be agreed through consultation with the club, parents and children
• Children should be encouraged to take a role in stopping bullying in the club
• Policy and practice should be reviewed regularly in the light of changing needs and changes adopted by other agencies (e.g. schools)
• Coaches will have access to appropriately trained staff for support when dealing with bullying

Support to the Child

• Children should know who will listen to and support them
• Any advice and assistance should be given by an experienced coach
• Children should have access to Helpline numbers
• Children should be told what is being recorded, in what context and why
• Systems should be established to open the door to children wishing to talk about bullying or any other issue that affects them.  Barriers to talking need to be broken down to enable children to approach adults
• Anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened to carefully and be supported, whether the child being bullied or the child who is bullying
• Any reported incident of bullying will be investigated objectively and will involve listening carefully to all those involved
• Children being bullied will be supported and assistance given to uphold their right to play and live in a safe environment which allows their healthy development
• Those who bully will be supported and encouraged to stop bullying
• Sanctions involving long periods of isolation, or which diminish and make individuals look or feel foolish in front of others, should be avoided

Support to the Parents

• Parents should be advised on club policy and practice about bullying
• Any incident of bullying will be discussed with the child’s parent(s)
• Parental advice on action will be sought and agreements made as to what action should be taken
• Information and advice on coping with bullying will be given
• Support should be offered to the parent(s) including information on other agencies or support lines.

Data Protection

SPORTS BUG is committed to ensuring that any information gathered in relation to our youth academies meets the specific responsibilities as set out in the Data Protection Act 1998.

To achieve this we have drawn up the following guidelines:

All Youth Development Officers and Youth Academies will use the same registration form to ensure consistency of information and that the child/guardian is made aware of why we require the information. 

The names and addresses of children and guardians are only gathered for the purpose of maintaining a record of those currently involved in the clubs youth academy.  (Need to clarify what your reasons for holding information are).

That the information requested is relevant to the needs of the database and to ensure we adhere to good child protection practices.

We will make every effort to ensure the information entered onto the database from paper records are accurate and kept up to date. The paper record will be stored in a secure place & to the same standards as the data base.

SPORTS BUG will only keep a child's information on the database for 12 months at a time.  Re-registration forms will be completed following this time.  If a child leaves the academy during this 12 months the information will be deleted after 4 weeks.

The database will be password protected and will only be accessed by eligible staff members based at that club.

The database or any individual's name and address will not be forwarded to a third party without the prior permission of the child and guardian 

Infection Control
It is important that children stay safe and healthy and Sports Bug recognize some things that can help with this whilst they are at the Activity Club.

Here are some of the things children are encouraged to do whilst in our care and at home too:

Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. ?Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.