It is the responsibility of the organisation to ensure that the relevant policies are in place and communicated. It is the responsibility of the coach/leader to be aware of and follow the relevant policies and procedures.
Child Protection Policy
Coaches/leaders should be aware of and follow the relevant child protection/welfare policy. This should include:
- When and how to report a concern, allegation, disclosure about poor practice or possible abuse.
- Who to contact should a welfare incident arise.
- Remember it is not the responsibility of a coach/leader to decide if a child is being abused but to act on any concerns you may have.
Coaches Code of Conduct
Coaches/leaders should be aware of and follow the relevant coaches code of contact. As role models high standards of behaviour and appearance must be consistently displayed.
Health & Safety
All coaches/leaders should be aware of, and follow, the appropriate health & safety policy. This should include:
Risk Assessments
- Participants consent forms (including details of emergency contacts, medical history and where necessary consent for photography and/or video to be taken).
- How to respond to an incident or accident.
- Who to contact should a health and safety concern arise.
Equity Policy
The rights, dignity and worth of everyone should be respected and everyone should be treated equally within the context of their sport. Coaches/leaders should be aware of, and work within the relevant equity policy.
Recruitment & Screening
All sports coaches/leaders who have direct contact with children and young people must be appropriately screened to establish suitability to work with this age group, this should include:
- The successful completion of an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
- A minimum of 2 references are taken and followed up.
- Qualifications are checked.
- If coaches/leaders are working with/for more than one organisation they may be checked by each organisation.
