The Child Protection Officers within Newcastle Tennis Club are:
Newcastle Tennis Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the club should at all times show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the club and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport.
“Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence; they must be kept safe from harm, and they must be given proper care by those looking after them “ (Article 19 ; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child).
All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. Ireland and the UK have adopted and are committed to the European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as:
“much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing within the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialism and corruption.”
(European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993)
The Childcare Act 1991 (ROI) and The Children’s (NI) Order (1995) are based on a clear and consistent set of principles designed with the common aim of promoting the welfare of children.
Children have the right to be safe. All coaches should ensure that this fundamental principle takes precedence over all other considerations.
Standards set by Newcastle Tennis Club will be achieved through ensuring the Club: –
Sports Leader who is the subject of an allegation which has been reported to the Statutory Authorities, should stand aside while the matter is being examined. S/he should be invited to resume full duties immediately if s/he is vindicated
This policy applies to all those involved in Newcastle Tennis Club, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteer drivers, parents and young people.
Copies of the full policy and detailed guidelines on recruitment, reporting, recording accidents/incidents, bullying, away trips and use of photography are available from the designated person or any club official.
Photographs of the Children’s Officers should, if possible, be displayed on the club’s notice board and website.
Names of Child Protection Officer shall be made known to young members, coaches and parents alike as the Designated Persons to whom concerns will be addressed. If the concern is about the Children’s Officer please report to Club Chairperson.
The club has procedures in place for dealing with any concern or allegation of abuse either within the club or externally, but the first point of contact for a child, parent/guardian or coach should be the Child Protection Officer, although any individual has the right to contact the Social Services or the Police if they have a concern about a child’s safety.
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)
Newcastle Tennis Club recognises the additional vulnerability of some children and the extra difficulties they may face when seeking help, i.e.
To address this vulnerability coaches will seek guidance on working with children with a disability from external agencies, parents / guardians and the children themselves.
We at Newcastle Tennis Club recognise that the legal principle that the welfare of the child is paramount means that consideration 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.
A full Child Protection policy document is available on the notice board within club pavilion for all interested parties to read.
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