Pickledilly Circus Pickleball Club

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Pickledilly Circus Pickleball Club ("the Club") is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people involved in our activities. This policy outlines the principles, guidelines, and procedures we follow to safeguard and protect children from harm.

Scope

This policy applies to all members, coaches, volunteers, and any other individuals associated with the Club who interact with children and young people under the age of 18.

Key Principles

1. The welfare of the child is paramount: Every child has the right to enjoy sport in a safe environment, free from harm.
2. Equality and respect: All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to protection.
3. Zero tolerance for abuse: The Club has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or harm of any kind.
4. Shared responsibility: Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All members and staff must work together to uphold this policy.

Roles and Responsibilities

Safeguarding Officer

The Club will appoint a dedicated Safeguarding Officer whose responsibilities include:

• Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Ensuring safeguarding training is provided to staff and volunteers.
• Monitoring compliance with this policy.
• Reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Club Members, Coaches, and Volunteers

All individuals involved in the Club must:

• Familiarize themselves with this policy.
• Actively promote the safety and welfare of children.
• Report any concerns to the Safeguarding Officer.

Code of Conduct

All members and staff must adhere to the following:

• Respect the dignity, rights, and wishes of every child.
• Avoid any behavior that could be misinterpreted as inappropriate.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
• Avoid being alone with a child unless absolutely necessary.

Recognizing Signs of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Physical abuse: Deliberate harm or injury.
• Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment.
• Sexual abuse: Inappropriate sexual behavior or exploitation.
• Neglect: Failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs.

Members should be vigilant for signs such as unexplained injuries, withdrawal, or changes in behavior and report these immediately.

Reporting Procedures

1. Immediate Danger: If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999) immediately.
2. Raising Concerns: Any concerns should be reported to the Club’s Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.
3. Documentation: Document the concern with details such as the date, time, individuals involved, and actions taken.
4. External Authorities: The Safeguarding Officer will liaise with external authorities, including local safeguarding boards, as necessary.

Recruitment and Training

• All staff and volunteers working with children will undergo background checks (e.g., DBS checks).
• Safeguarding training will be mandatory and refreshed annually.

Communication and Awareness

• This policy will be made available to all members, parents, and guardians.
• Regular workshops and updates will be provided to ensure understanding and compliance.

Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually by the Club’s directors, associates and volunteers. 
• Feedback from members, parents, and safeguarding professionals will be incorporated to improve the policy.

Breaches of Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the Club.

Contact Information

Safeguarding Officer: Julia Diana Oprea

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07462459132

By adopting this policy, Pickledilly Circus Pickleball Club reaffirms its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all children and young people.