Code of Ethics & Good Practice in
SPORT for YOUNG PEOPLE
THE SOUTH EAST HOCKEY BRANCH
Table of
Contents 2
Core Values 3
Policy Statement 4
Guidelines & Codes of Conduct(s)
Policies
Child
Protection Procedures
·
Allegations against Sports Leaders 22
·
Confidentiality/Anonymous Complaints & Rumours 23
Core Values in Sport for Young People
The South
East Hockey Branch is based on the following principles that will guide the
development of hockey for young people in this branch, (as outlined in page 9, Code
of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport). Young People’s
experience of sport should be guided by what is best for the young person. The
stages of development and the ability of the young person should guide the
types of activity provided within the club. Adults will need to have a basic
understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and
personal.
Integrity
in relationships:
Adults interacting with young people
in sport should do so with integrity and respect for the child. There is a danger that sporting contexts can
be used to exploit or undermine children.
All adult actions in sport should be guided by what is best for the
child and in the context of quality, open working relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse
of any kind is unacceptable within sport.
Quality
atmosphere and ethos
Sport for young people should be
conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. A child-centered ethos will help to ensure
that competition and specialization are kept in their appropriate place. Too often competitive demands are placed on
children too early and results in excessive levels of pressure on them and as a
consequence, high levels of dropout from sport.
Equality
All children should be treated in an
equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, social and
ethnic background or political persuasion.
Children with disability should be involved in sports activities in an
integrated way, thus allowing them to participate to their potential alongside
other children.
Fair
Play:
Fair play is the guiding principle of
the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport.
All children’s sport should be
conducted in an atmosphere of fair play.
(European Sports Charter and Code of
Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993).
Competition
A balanced approach to
competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young
people, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction.
However, often competitive demands are placed on children too early, which
results in excessive levels of pressure on them. This can contribute to a high
level of drop out from sport. Leaders should aim to put the welfare of the
child first and competitive standards second. A child-centred approach will
help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their
appropriate place.
Policy Statement
The South East Hockey Branch
The South
East Hockey Branch, is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its
members. Every individual in the South
East Hockey Branch should at all times, show respect and understanding for
members rights, safety and welfare and conduct themselves in a way that
reflects the principles of the organization and the guidelines contained in the
Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport. These policies are
also recommendations set out by the Irish hockey association.
In, the
South East Hockey Branch our first priority is the welfare of the young people
and we are committed to providing an environment which will allow participants
to perform to the best of their ability, free from bullying and intimidation.
Code of Conduct for Young People
The South East Hockey Branch wishes to
provide the best possible environment for all young people involved in the
sport. Young people deserve to be given
enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind. These participants have rights, which must
be respected, and responsibilities that they must accept. Young people should
be encouraged to realise that they have responsibilities to treat other participants
and sports leaders with fairness and respect.
Young
players are entitled to:
Young
players should always:
Young
players should never:
Guidelines for Parents (See pages 28 – 29 of the Code)
The South East Hockey Branch believes that parents should….
Be a role model for your child and
maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other
parents, with officials and organisers
Always behave responsibly and do not
seek to unfairly affect the game / player
Never intentionally expose any young
participant to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of flippant or
sarcastic remarks
Always recognise the value and
importance of the volunteers who provide sporting/recreational opportunities
for your child. Do not publicly question the judgement or honesty of umpires,
coaches or organisers. Respect umpires,
coaches, organisers and other players.
Encourage your child to play by the
rules. Teach your child that honest endeavour is as important as winning and do
all you can to encourage good sportsmanship.
Set a good example by applauding good
play on both sides. Encourage mutual respect for teammates and opponents,
Parents should support all efforts to
remove abusive behaviour and bullying behaviour in all its forms. Please read
bullying policy within the club / organisation’s guidelines.
Parents
Code of Conduct:
Name: ____________________
Name of Child(ren) ___________________
___________________
___________________
Date _______________________ ___________________
Guidelines
for Sports Leaders
Leaders
in children’s sport should strive to create a positive environment for the
children in their care. They have an
overall responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that positive and
healthy experiences are provided.
The South East Hockey Branch recognises the key role leaders (coaches,
selectors and team managers, etc.) play in the lives of children in sport.
All Leaders should have as their first
priority the children’s safety and enjoyment of the sport and should adhere to
the guidelines and regulations set out in the club’s Code of Ethics.
Leaders must respect the rights,
dignity and worth of every child and must treat everyone equally, regardless of
sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
Leaders working with young people in
The South East Hockey Branch should be
suitable and appropriately qualified.
Leaders will be expected to go through appropriate recruitment and
selection procedures, (see application and reference forms overleaf), that
apply to all persons with substantial access to young people, whether paid or
unpaid. References will be needed and will be followed up.
There will be a ‘sign-up’ procedure,
whereby the appointed/reappointed leaders agree to abide by the Code of
Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sport and to the policies and code
of the South East Hockey Branch
Leaders will be given a copy of the
branches code of ethics and they should be made aware of the procedures
contained within the branches code.
Once appointed, the Leader must act as
a role model and promote the positive aspects of sport and of hockey and
maintain the highest standards of personal conduct.
The use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco
must be actively discouraged as being incompatible with a healthy approach to
sporting activity.
Remember your behaviour to players,
other officials, and opponents will have an effect on the players in your care.
Be generous with praise and never
ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or for losing a game. All young players are entitled to respect.
Be careful to avoid the “star
system”. Each child deserves equal time
and attention.
Care must be taken not to expose a
child intentionally or unintentionally to embarrassment or disparagement by use
of sarcastic or flippant remarks about the child or his/her family.
Physical punishment or physical force
must never be used. Never punish a
mistake - by verbal means, physical means, or exclusion.
Insist that players in your care
respect the rules of the game. Insist
on fair play and ensure players are aware you will not tolerate cheating or
bullying behaviour.
Remember that young players play for
fun and enjoyment and that skill development and personal satisfaction have
priority over highly structured competition.
Never make winning the only objective.
Encourage the development of respect
for opponents, officials, selectors and other coaches and avoid criticism of
fellow coaches.
When travel/overnight travel is
involved, the Leaders traveling with children must sign a separate
agreement. Parents and participants
will also be asked to sign permission forms in these instances.
Leaders are responsible for setting
and monitoring the boundaries between a working
relationship and friendship with
players. It is advisable for coaches not
to involve young players in their personal life i.e. visits to coaches home or
overnight stays.
Avoid working alone and ensure there
is adequate supervision for all activities.
It is important to realise that
certain situations or friendly actions could be misinterpreted by the
participant or by outsiders.
When approached to take on a new
player, ensure that any previous coach-student relationship has been ended by
the student/others in a professional manner.
When young players are invited into
adult groups/squads, it is advisable to get agreement from a parent/carer. Boundaries of behaviour in adult groups are
normally different from the boundaries that apply to junior groups/squads.
Leaders who become aware of a conflict
between their obligation to their players and their obligation to their
governing body must make explicit the nature of the conflict and the loyalties
and responsibilities involved, to all parties concerned.
Leaders should communicate and
co-operate with medical and ancillary practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment
and management of their players’ medical or related problems. Avoid giving
advice of a personal or medical nature if you are not qualified to do so. Any information of a personal or medical
nature must be kept strictly confidential unless the welfare of the child
requires the passing on of this information
The nature of the relationship between
leader and a participant can often mean that a leader will learn confidential
information about a player or player’s family.
This information must be regarded as confidential and except where abuse
is suspected, must not be divulged to a third party without the express
permission of the player/family
Set realistic goals for the
participants and do not push young players. Create a safe and enjoyable
environment
Do not criticise other leaders,
(officials, coaches, and selectors). You
are the role model for the children in your care
Leaders should avoid the use of
alcohol, before coaching, during events, on trips with young players
Leader’s / Coaches Code of Conduct
Leaders / Coaches should familiarise
themselves with the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport
and with the South East Hockey Branches Code of Conduct and follow the procedures if
they suspect or receive complaints of abuse of any sort
Positive
during session, praise and encourage effort as well as results
Plan
and prepare appropriately
Put
welfare of young person first, strike a balance between this and winning /
results
Encourage
fair play, treat participants equally
Recognise
developmental needs
Qualified
and up-to-date with knowledge and skill of sport for young people
Involve parents where possible and Inform parents when problems arise
Keep record of attendance at training
Keep a brief record of injury(s) and
action taken
Keep a brief record of
problem/action/outcomes, if behavioural problems arise
Where possible Leaders should avoid:
Sports Leaders should not:
I have read and agree to abide by the
above guidelines
__________________ (signed) _____________ (date)
Put
a complaints procedure in place thats allows all members who are dissatisfied
to register their complaint in a formal way and put an open process of
investigation into action.
·
Complains may be lodged by all members of the Branch
·
They should be received in writing by the secretary of the
Southeast branch.
·
The complaint should outline all relevant details about
other parties involved
·
The complaint should be brought to the attention of the
Chairperson who will convene the disciplinary committee
·
If the complaint involves a criminal offence the chairperson
should disband the disciplinary committee and talk to the children’s officer.
The statutory authorities will then be informed.
·
The disciplinary committee should hear the case of all
parties involved and decide if a rule or regulation has been infringed
·
They should, in writing, inform those involved of the
sanctions to be imposed. Written notification should be given to parents if the
complaint is against a junior member
·
Keep all records on file (with the branch secretary for two
years)
·
If any party does not agree with the disciplinary committee
they can appeal the decision in writing within 10-day period
·
The appeals committee is convened, whose chairperson should
be taken from the executive committee and those who have not been on the
original disciplinary committee
·
The appeals committee should confirm or set aside or change
any sanction imposed by the disciplinary committee.
See
Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport, page 22 and page 42 for
‘Discipline in Children’s Sport’
The Southeast Hockey branch take all
reasonable steps to ensure that people working with young people are suitable
and appropriately qualified.
Recruitment and selection procedures are therefore necessary and these
procedures apply to all persons with substantial access to young people,
whether paid or unpaid.
All adults taking responsibility for
children in sport should undergo a recruitment process. The responsibilities of
the role and the level of experience/qualifications required should be drawn up
and clearly stated beforehand.
Volunteers should fill in an
application form, giving names of two referees that can be contacted. (See
sample application form attached).Where possible there should be an interview.
A probationary period is advisable
There will be a “sign-up” procedure,
whereby the newly recruited volunteers, agrees to abide by the Code of
Ethics and Good Practice for Children in Sport and to the Southeast hockey
branch Code and policies.
Every effort should be made to manage
and support appointed Sport Leaders. Adequate supervision should always be
provided, a leader should not have to work alone.
A decision to appoint a Sports Leader
is the responsibility of the southeast hockey branch and not of any one
individual within it. The southeast branch committee should ratify all
recommendations for appointment.
Application
Form: Leaders Position
applied for:
Full Name: Any
surname previously:
Current Address: Date
of Birth:
Telephone No.(s): Insurance
Number / PRSI
List previous experience / involvement
in this or any other club. Include experience of working with young children in
a voluntary or professional capacity.
Sporting/ NGB Qualifications:
Do you agree to abide by the
guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's
Sport? Yes No
Do you agree to abide by the rules of
the governing body / club? Yes No
Have you ever been asked to leave a
sporting organisation? Yes No
(If you have answered yes, we will
contact you in confidence)
Have you ever been convicted of a
criminal offence or been the subject of a caution; a Bound Over Order; or are
you at present the subject of Yes No
criminal investigations?
References:
Please
supply the name and address of two people who we can contact and who, from
personal knowledge, are willing to endorse your application. One of these names
should be, where possible, the name of an administrator / leader in your last
club / place of involvement
Name and Address of Referee 1:
Name and Address of Referee 2:
I agree to abide by the Code of
Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport and the club / association’s
Code of Conduct.
Signed_______________________ Date:
_______________________
Confidential Reference Form
(this
form can be used as a telephone reference or used as a written reference)
The following person: ______________________________ (list name)
has expressed an interest in working with _____________ (name club /
organisation) as _____________(list position)
If you are happy to complete this
reference, any information will be treated with due confidentiality and in
accordance with relevant legislation and guidance. Information will only be
shared with the person conducting the assessment of the candidate’s suitability
for the post, if he/she is offered the position. We appreciate you being
extremely candid, open and honest in your evaluation.
How long have you known this person?
In what capacity?
What attributes does this person have
that would make them suited to this work?
Please rate this person on the
following (tick one box for each statement)
Poor
Average Good Very Good Excellent
Responsibility
Maturity
Self-motivation
Can motivate others
Energy
Trustworthiness
Reliability
This post involves substantial access
to young people. As an organisation committed to the welfare and protection of
young people, we are anxious to know if you have any reason at all to be
concerned about this applicant being in contact with children and young people Yes No
If you answer yes, we will contact you
in confidence
Signed:
_______________________________
Date: ______________
Position in organisation:
____________________
Name of club / organisation:
_______________________
Anti-Bullying Policy
This is adapted from the Scout Association of Ireland’s Child Protection
Policy
What is Bullying?
Bullying can be defined as repeated aggression be it
verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against
others.
It is behaviour that is intentionally aggravating and
intimidating and occurs mainly in social environments such as schools, clubs
and other organisations working with children and young people. It includes
behaviours such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting and extortion
behaviour by one or more children against a victim.
How would you know if a child is being bullied?
All bullies operate using furtiveness, threats and
fear. Bullying can therefore only survive in an environment where the victim
does not feel empowered to tell someone who can help or in which it is not safe
to do so.
The following indicators are warning signs that a
young person might be getting bullied.
There
are other possible reasons for many of the above
Who should deal with bullying?
While the more extreme forms of bullying would be
regarded as physical or emotional abuse and are reported to the health board or
An Garda Síochana, dealing with bullying behaviour is normally the
responsibility of all Leaders within this branch.
How can it be prevented?
What is the ‘No Blame’ Approach?
If you find that there has been an incident of
bullying, first talk to the victim. At this stage find out who was involved and
what the victim is now feeling. Try asking the following questions:
Arrange to meet with all those involved; this should
include some bystanders, those who may have colluded, those who joined in and
those who initiated the bullying.
Step 3 – Explain the problem
The
distress being suffered as a result of the bullying incident is explained. At
this stage the details of the incident or the allocation of the blame is not
discussed. Explain the feelings of loneliness, feeling left out, rejected,
laughed at. Try asking questions:
·
Would they like it if it happened to them
·
“Someone here in this group was bullied by someone
within the group, what could we do to see it does not happen again?”
·
Listen, watch out for reactions, and pick up on any
without isolating anyone
Explain what steps / controls may have to be
introduced to prevent further incidents and how everyone will loose out as a
result
At this stage the group is encouraged to suggest ways
that would make the victim feel happier. All positive responses are noted. Use
phrases “if it were you” to encourage a response. Listen to all suggestions and
note them
Now the problem has been identified, solutions
suggested, the problem is now handed over to the group to solve. Arrange to
meet again in a week’s time. Pass responsibility over to the group and give a
time frame within which something must be done
Each member of the group, including the bully, discuss
how things are going, who is doing what and have there been other incidents.
This allows for continual monitoring and also keeps all involved in the
process.
Again enforce the idea of the ‘team’ looking after
each other at regular intervals to ensure it is know that bullying or
intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated.
Guidelines on General Issues
Travelling
with children
There is extra responsibility taken on
by leaders when they travel with children to events. When traveling with young people you should:
Supervision
Away trips
/ Overnight stays
Safety
All clubs / organisation should have a
safety statement, including specific and potential risks attached to their
sport. They should also have procedures in place for safeguarding against such
risks. In addition clubs should:
Touching
Some sports require a ‘hands on
approach’, especially in a teaching or coaching situation, e.g., it may be
necessary to support a child learning a new move in gymnastics but the
following should be taken into consideration
Permission
Form
Traveling with Underage Participants
EVENT:
_______________________
VENUE:
_______________________
DATES:
_______________________
I hereby agree to abide by the
guidelines and regulations contained in the _____________ Club / Association’s
Code of Conduct
Name: __________________________ Role___________
Date: ____________________
I have read and accept the conditions
and rules set down by the ___________ Association for children travelling to
matches and events.
Parents/Carers Name:
_________________________Date: ______________
Emergency Contact Number(s)
I have read and accept the conditions
and rules set down by the Southeast hockey branch for children traveling to
matches and events. I agree to abide by the rules
Name_____________________________________
Date_______________
Use of Photographic and Filming Equipment
The Southeast hockey branch has adopted
a policy in relation to the use of images of athletes on their websites and in
other publications as there have been concerns about the risks posed directly
and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on
sports websites and other publications.
Where possible we will try to use models or illustrations when promoting
an activity and avoid the use of the first name and surname of individuals in a
photograph. This reduces the risk of
inappropriate, unsolicited attention from people within and outside the sport.
Rules to
guide use of photography:
·
If the athlete is named, avoid using
their photograph.
·
If a photograph is used, avoid naming
the athlete.
·
Ask for the athlete’s permission to use
their image. This ensures that they are
aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the sport. An athlete’s permission form is one way of
achieving this.
·
Ask for parental permission to use
their image. This ensures that they are
aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the sport. A parental permission form is one way of
achieving this.
·
Only use images of athletes in suitable
dress to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.
The content of the photograph should focus on the activity not on a
particular child
·
Create recognised procedures for
reporting the use of inappropriate images to reduce the risks to athletes. Follow the child protection procedures,
ensuring either the designated person or, if necessary, the social services
and/or police are informed.
Amateur photographers/film/video
operators wishing to record an event or practice session should seek
accreditation with the children’s officer, sports leader and/or event organiser
of session. This Southeast hockey branch will display the following information
prior to the start of an event to inform spectators of the policy:
“In line with the recommendation in
the Southeast hockey branch Code of Conduct, the promoters of this event
request that any person wishing to engage in any video, zoom or close range
photography should register their details with the organisers. Children and young people should only be
photographed or filmed with their permission and/or the permission of their
parents/guardian”.
When commissioning professional
photographers or inviting the press to an activity or event we will aim to
ensure they are clear about our expectations of them in relation to child
protection. Professional
photographers/film/video operators wishing to record an event or practice
session should seek accreditation with the children’s officer or event organiser
by producing their professional identification for the details to be recorded.
We will then:
·
Provide a clear brief about what is
considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour
·
Issue the photographer with
identification which must be worn at all times
·
Keep
a record of accreditations
·
Inform athletes and parents that a
photographer will be in attendance at an event and ensure they consent to both
the taking and publication of films or photographs
·
not allow unsupervised access to
athletes or one to one photo sessions at events
not approve/allow photo sessions outside the events or at an athlete’s home
Videoing as a coaching
aid: Video equipment can be used as a
legitimate coaching aid. However,
permission should first be obtained from the player and the player’s
parent/carer.
Anyone concerned about any
photography taking place at events or training sessions can contact the
children’s officer/ designated person and ask them to deal with the matter.
Child
Welfare and Protection Procedures
The southeast hockey branch accepts that organisations, which
include young people among its members, are vulnerable to the occurrence of
child abuse. Below are the procedures for dealing with any welfare or
protection issue that may arise. Child welfare and the protection of
young people is the concern of all adults at all times, irrespective of their
role within the organisation.
If there are grounds for concern (Code, page 41), about the safety
or welfare of a young person you should react to the concern. Persons unsure about whether or not
certain behaviours are abusive and therefore reportable, should contact the
duty social worker in the local health board or social services department
where they will receive advice. Grounds for concern include a specific
indication from a child, a statement from a person who witnessed abuse or an
illness, injury or behaviour consistent with abuse.
A report may be made by any
member in the club but should be passed on to the Designated Person /
Children’s Officer who may in turn have
to pass the concern to the local Statutory Authorities. It is not the
responsibility of anyone working within the Southeast hockey branch, in a paid
or voluntary capacity, or those working in affiliated organisations, to take
responsibility or decide whether or not child abuse is taking place. That is
the job of the local statutory authorities. However, there is a responsibility
to protect children by assisting the appropriate agencies so that they can then
make enquiries and take any necessary action to protect the young person.
Everyone should follow both
procedures outlined below, firstly the procedure for responding to a child in
distress and secondly the procedure for reporting the concern.
(a) deal
with any allegation of abuse in a sensitive and competent way through listening
to and facilitating the child to tell about the problem, rather than
interviewing the child about details of what happened
(b) stay
calm and not show any extreme reaction to what the child is saying. Listen
compassionately, and take what the child is saying seriously
(c) understand
that the child has decided to tell something very important and has taken a
risk to do so. The experience of telling should be a positive one so that the
child will not mind talking to those involved in the investigation
(d) be
honest with the child and tell them that it is not possible that keep
information a secret
(e) make
no judgmental statements against the person whom the allegation is made
(f) not
question the child unless the nature of what s/he is saying is unclear. Leading
questions should be avoided. Open, non-specific questions should be used such
as “Can you explain to me what you mean by that”
(g) check
out the concerns with the parents/guardians before making a report unless
during so would endanger the child
(h) give
the child some indication of what would happen next, such as informing
parents/guardians, health board or social services. It should be kept in mind
that the child may have been threatened and may feel vulnerable at this stage.
(i) Carefully record the details
(j)
pass on
this information to the Designated Person (name
this person here)
(k)
Reassure
the child that they have done the right thing in telling you
Reporting Suspected or Disclosed Child Abuse
The following steps should be taken in
reporting child abuse to the statutory authorities:
(a) Observe
and note dates, times, locations and contexts in which the incident occurred or
suspicion was aroused, together with any other relevant information
(b) Report
the matter as soon as possible to the designated officer with responsibility
for reporting abuse (name of the designated person). If the
Designated Person has reasonable grounds for believing
that the child has been abused or is at risk of abuse, s/he will make a report
to the health board/social services who have statutory responsibility to
investigate and assess suspected or actual child abuse
(c) In
cases of emergency, where a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk
and the Designated Person is unable to contact a duty social
worker, the police authorities should be contacted. Under no circumstances
should a child be left in a dangerous situation pending intervention by the
Statutory Authorities
(d) If
the Designated Person is unsure whether reasonable grounds
for concern exist s/he can informally consult with the local health
board/social services. S/he will be advised whether or not the matter requires
a formal report.
A Designated Person reporting
suspected or actual child abuse to the Statutory Authorities will first inform
the family of their intention to make such a report, unless doing so would
endanger the child or undermine an investigation
The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998
provides immunity from civil liability to persons who report child abuse ‘reasonably
and in good faith’ to the Health Board or the Gardai (See 5.13.1 – ISC.
Code). The act also covers the offence of ‘false reporting’. The main
provisions of the Act are:
This law
does not exist in Northern Ireland, but an individual who reports concerns in
‘good faith’ is not deliberately attempting to slander another person’s name.
In Northern Ireland there is legislation, the Criminal Law Act (NI) 1967 which
places the responsibility on everyone to report offences or to forward
information to the police by emphasizing the, ‘duty of every other person,
who knows or believes, (a) that the offence or some other arrestable offences
has been committed: and (b) that he has information which is likely to secure,
or to be material assistance in securing, the apprehension, prosecution or
conviction of any person for that offence’
Allegations
Against Sports Leaders
The
southeast hockey branch has agreed procedures to be followed in cases of
alleged child abuse against Sports Leaders. If such an allegation is made against Sports Leader working within the club, two
procedures should be followed:
The safety of
the child making the allegation should be considered and the safety of any
other children who may be at risk. The club should take any necessary steps
that may be necessary to protect children in its care
The issue of
confidentiality is important. Information is on a need to know basis and the
Sports Leader should be treated with respect and fairness.
If the
designated person has reasonable
grounds for concern, (page 41, Section 5.13.1, Code), the matter should be
reported to the local health board / social services, following the standard
reporting procedure, (Section 5.13.2, page 42).
While the
designated officer makes the report to the local health board, the Chair of the
club should deal with the Sports Leader in question.
The governing
body should be informed by the Designated Person that the leader has been asked to stand aside
Governing
bodies can consider disciplinary action on the leader but should ensure that
this does not interfere with the investigation of the Statutory Authorities. It
is important that governing bodies consider the outcome of the investigation
and any implications it might have. The fact that the alleged abuser has not
been prosecuted or been found guilty does not mean that they are appropriate to
work with young people in the future.
Confidentiality
should be maintained in respect of all issues and people involved in cases of
abuse, welfare or bad practice. It is important that the rights of both the
child and the person about whom the complaint has been made are protected.
The following
points should be kept in mind:
Anonymous complaints can be difficult
to deal with but should not be ignored.
In all cases the safety and welfare of the child/children is
paramount. Any such complaints relating
to inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention of the Designated
Person ______________(name of designated person). The information should be checked out and
handled in a confidential manner.
Rumours should not be allowed
to hang in the air. Any rumours relating
to inappropriate behaviour should be brought to the attention of the Designated
Person, ______________(name of designated person), and checked out without
delay.