POLICIES AND PRACTICES

Equity Policy Statement

Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club and the UK Athletics have a responsibility to protect all children and young people irrespective of their age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity or disability. All UK Athletics clubs are required to take measures to ensure the needs of children and young people are protected from any form of abuse.

The Club will ensure that equity is incorporated in all aspects of its activities. Sports Equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, and recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them.

The Club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport free from threat, discrimination, intimidation, harassment or abuse.

Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club has addressed the above in line with UK Athletics recommendations as follows:

  1. The club policy makes it clear that all children and young people have equal rights to protection.
  2. The club gives guidance on child protection through policy and procedure.
  3. The club has a code of conduct that expects all members and adults concerned with the club to treat children with dignity, fairness, and respect.
  4. The club has a code of conduct that makes it clear that discrimination, offensive or violent behaviour is not acceptable, and complaints will be acted upon.
  5. The club has a complaints procedure that is open, available in writing, and observes the following: all parties are fairly treated; the complainant has the opportunity to present their case; and the accused has the opportunity to respond.

 

Code of Good Practice

Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club Code of Good Practice has been drawn up in line with UK Athletics guidelines. The aim of a Code of Good Practice is to outline for all club members what is acceptable behaviour and how to promote good practice. In addition the club has a Complaints Policy, which is available to all parents and club members, which outlines the Disciplinary Policy of the club. An Anti-Bullying Policy is also available in writing to all parents and members.

Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club will:

  1. Ensure that all members comply with the UK Athletics code of practice.
  2. Acknowledge the duty of care to all our athletes until they leave the club venue or event with an appropriate adult.
  3. Avoid one to one situations with an athlete unless in an emergency.
  4. Ensure appropriate/expected standards of behaviour at all times from coaches, teachers, officials and helpers who have significant contact with children and young people and to ensure that they have been checked by Disclosure Scotland.
  5. Encourage all personnel involved with children directly in the club to undertake suitable training.
  6. Provide guidance of the expected and acceptable behaviour of children towards other children (Code of Conduct).
  7. Provide non-violent, non-humil1ating disciplinary measures, and a Disciplinary Procedure that complies with the UK Athletics guidelines.
  8. Promote an atmosphere in which children and young people are listened to and respected as individuals.
  9. Not allow bullying, humiliating behaviour, racist or sexist comments within the club.
  10. Not allow any physically rough or sexually provocative games, or inappropriate talking or touching by anyone.
  11. Ensure that mixed teams and squads are appropriately accompanied by male and female coaches, teachers and parents.
  12. Not allow children to enter facilities or commence activity prior to the arrival of an approved adult.
  13. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of participants.
  14. Keep a register with details of participants including emergency contact numbers. An attendance register will also be kept.
  15. Follow well-planned programmes suitable for the age, experience and ability of participants


Child Welfare Policy

Policy Statement

Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved with the club from harm. ALL children have a tight to protection regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity and disability.

Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved with the club, through adherence to the Athletics Welfare Procedures of UK Athletics.

The welfare of children is everyone's responsibility, that is, administrator, club official, Coach, parent, friend and the children themselves. Everyone can help.

A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children's Act 1989).

 

Policy Aims

The aim of Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club Child Welfare Policy is to promote good practice:

  1. Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club.
  2. Allow all staff and volunteers to make informed responses to specific child protection issues.

The underlying principles of Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club Child Welfare Policy stem from the following:

  1. The child's welfare is the first consideration.
  2. All children have a right to be protected from abuse irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity or disability.
  3. Children and young people should be treated with respect and integrity.

 

Ayr Seaforth Athletic Club Child Welfare Policy

The Club:

  1. Acknowledges that all children and young people have a right to be treated with respect, and that their concerns will be listened to and acted upon.
  2. Will support any member who makes allegations of abuse, and will ensure that all information is treated confidentially.
  3. Aims to create a safe, secure and non-threatening environment for all its members.
     

Standards will be set by ensuring:

  1. Awareness of issues which lead to children being harmed.
  2. Safe recruiting procedures for staff and volunteers.
  3. Codes of behaviour for volunteers /coaches, children /young people, parents.
  4. Availability of information.
  5. Regular monitoring and review of Child Welfare Policy and Procedures by the Committee.
  6. That all children are treated equally.

Child Welfare Officer: Glen Harrower

 

Helplines

Below are links for webpage's and phone numbers if you wish to report concerns of abuse:

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC):

Telephone: 0800 800 5000
Freetext 180010800 056 0566
Click Here For NSPCC Official Homepage

 

Childline

Tel: 0800 1111
Click Here For Childline Official Homepage

 

Child Protection in Sport Unit  (CPSU)

Tel: 0116 234 7278
Click Here For CPSU Official Homepage