GOLF CLUB SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Lakeside Golf Club has considered its responsibilities to the children participating in golf at our premises and within our club very carefully, and has produced the following Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and underpinning procedures in order to set out the standards we wish to uphold in providing activities for children and safeguarding the welfare of children in our care.
Lakeside Golf Club affiliates to Golf Union of Wales and our professional coaching staff are members of the Professional Golfers’ Association. The Club recognises the policies of these Governing Bodies, as set in out at www.childreningolf.org/aboutus/roles-responsibilities
POLICY STATEMENT
Lakeside Golf Club acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all children (defined as those under 18) involved in golf within the club. All children have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account.
Lakeside Golf Club will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all children involved with the club through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Management Committee of the club. It is the responsibility of all adults within the club to assist the Management Committee in this endeavour.
POLICY AIMS
• To provide children with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the club and also help them to enjoy their experience of the sport
• To reassure parents that their children will receive the best practicable care possible whilst participating in activities within the club
• To provide support to staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively
PRINCIPLES
• The welfare of children is paramount
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnic origin and religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• All staff and volunteers working in golf have a responsibility to report concerns to the Club Welfare Officer
Lakeside Golf Club has considered its responsibilities to the children participating in golf at our premises and within our club very carefully, and has produced the following Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and underpinning procedures in order to set out the standards we wish to uphold in providing activities for children and safeguarding the welfare of children in our care.
Lakeside Golf Club affiliates to Golf Union of Wales and our professional coaching staff are members of the Professional Golfers’ Association. The Club recognises the policies of these Governing Bodies, as set in out at www.childreningolf.org/aboutus/roles-responsibilities
POLICY STATEMENT
Lakeside Golf Club acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all children (defined as those under 18) involved in golf within the club. All children have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account.
Lakeside Golf Club will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all children involved with the club through the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the Management Committee of the club. It is the responsibility of all adults within the club to assist the Management Committee in this endeavour.
POLICY AIMS
• To provide children with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the club and also help them to enjoy their experience of the sport
• To reassure parents that their children will receive the best practicable care possible whilst participating in activities within the club
• To provide support to staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively
PRINCIPLES
• The welfare of children is paramount
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, ethnic origin and religious beliefs have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• All staff and volunteers working in golf have a responsibility to report concerns to the Club Welfare Officer
- Adults – staff, volunteers, coaches, referees and members will be supported to understand their role
- and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of children and young people
- Individuals will receive support through education and training to be aware of and understand best
- practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light
- Lakeside Golf Club will work in partnership with parents to review and implement child protection and welfare procedures Lakeside Golf Club’s policy and procedures are based on the above principles and UK Template
- Club Policy and international legislation and government guidance and take the following into consideration:
- The Children Act 1989 and 2004
- The Data Protection Act 1994 & 1998
- The Police Act 1997
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- The Protection of Children Act 1999
- Caring for the young and vulnerable - Home Office Guidance for preventing the abuse of trust 1999
- The Criminal and Court Services Act 2000
- What to do if you are worried a child is being abused 2005
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010)
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Any subsequent legislation relating to child protection would implicitly be incorporated into this document
- That the safety and welfare of children should always be of paramount importance, whatever the circumstances.
- That everyone with a role in working with or supervising children has a responsibility to safeguard and promote a child's welfare, protecting them from harm and to provide a safe environment in which they can participate.
- That all suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- That all staff/members/volunteers/PGA Professionals who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility and that they will be provided with appropriate guidance and training to assist them in their role in relation to child protection.
- That all involved in golf and golf clubs should be aware of their role and responsibility with regard to child protection and this should be communicated throughout all affiliated clubs.
- That all affiliated clubs and county unions will similarly accept a duty of care for the welfare of children at their clubs in line with the above policy statement and incorporate it in their constitutions.
- All children and young people within Golf, regardless of age, gender, ability, disability, race, religious belief or sexual orientation have the right to be protected.
- All suspicions and allegations will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- All children/young people have the right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Adults - staff, volunteers, PGA professionals, coaches, referees, and members will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of children and young people.
- Individuals will receive support through education and training to be aware of and understand best practice and how to manage any welfare or child protection issues that may come to light.
- Individuals will receive access to advice through their governing body, to understand best practice and how to manage welfare or child protection issues that may come to light.
- This policy is underpinned by government guidance and current legislation including the Children Act 1989 which states that anyone who is involved in the care of children should "do what is reasonable in the circumstances for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare".
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR YOUNG GOLFERS
This code of conduct has been designed to ensure that all Young Golfers have a point of reference providing the minimum standards expected when participating in golfing activity.
All Young Golfers should ensure that they are fully conversant with the code and should strive to meet the code at all times.
- Ensure that all golfers are able to participate in golf without fear of ridicule, harassment or restriction
- Treat other golfers with the same respect and fairness you would like them to show you
- Demonstrate fair play on and off the course. Respect differences in gender, disability, culture, race, ethnicity and religious beliefs
- between yourself and others
- Challenge discrimination and prejudice
- Look out for yourself and the welfare of others
- Do not engage in any irresponsible, abusive, inappropriate or illegal behaviour
- Challenge behaviour that falls below the expected standards of the county or club
- Speak out if you have concerns about anything, your own needs or the needs of others
- Be organized and on time
You must not:
- Consume alcohol or illegal and performance enhancing drugs
- < >Use foul language
- Engage in sexual behaviour
- Leave the facility for any reason
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of golf
- Treat everyone equally - do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability
- If you see any form of discrimination, do not condone it or allow it to go unchallenged
- Place the well-being and safety of the young person above the development of performance
- Develop an appropriate working relationship with young people, based on mutual trust and respect
- Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines with the young person’s full consent and approval
- Always work in an open environment (e.g. avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment)
- Do not engage in any form of sexually related contact with a young player. This is strictly forbidden as is sexual innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms
- Know and understand your clubs Child Protection Policies and Procedures
- Respect young people’s opinions when making decisions about their participation in golf
- Inform players and parents of the requirements of golf
- Be aware of and report any conflict of interest as soon as it becomes apparent
- Display high standards of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation
- Do not smoke, drink or use recreational drugs while actively working with young people in the Club. This reflects a negative image and could compromise the safety of the young people
- Do not give young people alcohol when they are under the care of the Club
- Hold relevant qualifications and insurance cover
- Ensure the activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual
- Promote the positive aspects of golf e.g. fair play
- Display high standards of behaviour and appearance
- Follow guidelines set out in the Club Policy and any other relevant guidelines issued
- Ensure that you attend appropriate training to keep up-to date with your role and the welfare of young people
- Report any concerns you may have in relation to a young person, follow reporting procedures laid down by the Club.
Nick Walters
Lakeside Golf Club Secretary
Water St
Margam
Port Talbot