Child Protection Policy
RLSAS will make provision for children and young people to ensure that:
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The welfare of the child is paramount
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All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse
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All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
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All members working in sport have a responsibility to report all concerns to the Child Protection Officer or their Deputy
Members/volunteers are not trained to deal with situations of abuse or to decide if abuse has occurred.
Policy Statement
Royal Leamington Spa Archery Society (RLSAS) has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in RLSAS and RLSAS Junior Club activities from harm.
All children have a right to protection, and the needs of disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable, must be taken into account.
RLSAS will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in the Club through adherence to the Child Protection Policy we have adopted.
(A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years - The Children Act 1989)
Policy Aims
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Providing children and young people with appropriate safety protection whilst in the care of RLSAS
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Allow all members/volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues
Good Practice Guidelines
All members and helpers should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to protect themselves from false allegations. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate.
Good practice means:
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Always working in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved activities and encouraging open communication with no secrets)
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Treating all young people/disabled adults equally, and with respect and dignity
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Always putting the welfare of each young person first, before winning or achieving goals
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Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with junior archers (e.g. it is not appropriate for members or volunteers to have an intimate relationship with a child or share a room with them)
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Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in the decision making process
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Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play
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Young people should always be consulted and their agreement gained if any form of physical contact is needed.
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Whilst coaching on a one-to-one basis, ensure there is another adult present
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Involving parents/carers wherever possible.
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Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism
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Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of young people and disabled adults - avoiding excessive training
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Securing parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis if the need arises to administer emergency first aid and /or other medical treatment
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Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given
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Always adhere to the GNAS Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics
January 2004
