Welfare
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Behaviour
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Bullying
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Child Protection
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Children's Code of Conduct
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Staff Code of Conduct
100% Active seeks to create an environment which encourages and reinforces good behaviour.
We aim to:
- Define acceptable standards of behaviour;
- Encourage consistency of response to both positive and negative behaviour;
- Promote self-esteem, self-discipline and positive relationships;
- Ensure that our expectations and strategies are widely known and understood.
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
In seeking to define acceptable standards of behaviour it is acknowledged that these are goals to be worked towards rather than expectations which are either fulfilled or not. Just as we measure achievement in terms of progress and development over time towards improvement, so we measure standards of behaviour in terms of the children’s developing ability to conform to our behavioural goals. The children bring to our sessions a wide variety of behaviour patterns based on differences in home values, attitudes and parenting skills. At 100% Active we must work towards standards of behaviour based on the basic principles of honesty, respect, consideration and responsibility. It follows that acceptable standards of behaviour are those which reflect these principles.
100% Active are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all children attending any of our sessions. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at 100% Active. If bullying does occur, all 100% Active team members or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING organisation. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell one of the 100% Active staff. 100% Active is committed to playing its part to teach children to treat each other with respect.
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:
- Emotional being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically) sending hurtful text messages, tormenting, (e.g. hiding belongings, threatening gestures)
- Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
- Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
- Discrimination racial taunts, graffiti, gestures, homophobic comments, jokes about disabled people, sexist comments,
- Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
Cyberbullying
This is when a person uses technology i.e. mobile phones or the internet (social networking sites, chat rooms, instant messenger, tweets), to deliberately upset someone. Bullies often feel anonymous and ‘distanced’ from the incident when it takes place online and ‘bystanders’ can easily become bullies themselves by forwarding the information on. There is a growing trend for bullying to occur online or via texts – bullies no longer rely on being physically near to the young person.
100% Active commits to ensure our website and/or social networking pages are being used appropriately and any online bullying will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately in line with procedures detailed in this policy.
Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Individuals who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. 100% Active has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.
Objectives of this Policy
- All 100% Active members, coaches and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
- All 100% Active members and coaching staff should know what the company policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
- 100% Active takes bullying seriously. Children and parents/guardians should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.
- Bullying will not be tolerated.
Signs and Indicators
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:
- says he or she is being bullied
- is unwilling to go to sessions
- becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
- feels ill before training sessions
- comes home with clothes torn or belongings damaged
- has possessions go “missing”
- asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully)
- has unexplained cuts or bruises
- is frightened to say what’s wrong
- gives improbable excuses for any of the above.
In more extreme cases:
- starts stammering
- cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
- becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
- is bullying other children or siblings
- stops eating
- attempts or threatens suicide or runs away.
These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.
Bullying as a result of any form of discrimination
Bullying because of discrimination occurs when bullying is motivated by a prejudice against certain people or groups of people. This may be because of their gender, age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability or ability.
Generally, these forms of bullying look like other sorts of bullying, but in particular it can include:
- Verbal abuse – derogatory remarks about girls or women, suggesting girls and women are inferior to boys and men, or that black, Asian and ethnic minority people are not as capable as white people; spreading rumours that someone is gay, suggesting that something or someone is inferior and so they are “gay” – for example, “you’re such a gay boy!” or “those trainers are so gay!” Ridiculing someone because of a disability or mental health related issue, or because they have a physical, mental or emotional developmental delay. Referring to someone by the colour of their skin, rather than their name; using nicknames that have racial connotations; isolating someone because they come from another country or social background etc.
- Physical abuse – including hitting, punching, kicking, sexual assault, and threatening behaviour.
- Cyberbullying – using online spaces to spread rumours about someone or exclude them. It can also include text messaging, including video and picture messaging.
Discrimination is often driven by a lack of understanding which only serves to strengthen stereotypes and can potentially lead to actions that may cause women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people, or people who follow specific religions or beliefs, to feel excluded, isolated or undervalued. Discriminatory language and behaviour will not be tolerated by 100% Active.
- If an incident occurs, children should be informed that discriminatory language is offensive, and will not be tolerated. If a child continues to make discriminatory remarks, explain in detail the effects that discrimination and bullying has on people. The child’s parents/guardian should be informed just as in any breach of the 100% Active Code of Conduct and this Anti-Bullying policy.
- If a child makes persistent remarks, they should be removed from the group setting in line with managing challenging behaviour and 100% Active coaches should talk to them in more detail about why their comments are unacceptable.
– If the problem persists, the child should be made to understand the sanctions that will apply if they continue to use discriminatory language or behaviour.
Children and young people should be able to participate in any activity without fear of harm or exploitation.
Their parents or carers should be able to allow them to make use of opportunities to enjoy themselves, to grow and to develop without fear that the trust they place in others will prove to be misguided. Through our selection and recruitment screening processes, our reporting procedures, and through the training we will provide access to, we are determined to do all we can to ensure that children in our have a safe, friendly and fun environment.
It is our responsibility to take every possible action to both protect them from abuse and to react positively and effectively to any concerns which may arise regarding their welfare. All affiliated schools, clubs, academies and individuals will be expected to support this policy and to comply with the associated procedures. Compliance is a condition of that affiliation.
This policy and procedure is based on a number of principles recognised both within and outside of sport. They are recognised both in UK legislation and in international agreements **
Above all, the welfare of the child/young person is paramount. Each of them, whatever their ethnicity, gender, age, sexual identity, disability or religion or culture, has a right to be protected from physical and emotional harm. Their welfare is our concern and as the providers of activities designed for them, and as responsible adults, we must not fail them.
* For the purposes of this statement a child is defined as someone below 13 years and a young person between 13 and 17 years.
** The children Act 1989. The children (Northern Ireland) Order, The Children (Scotland) Act, and The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child.
Introduction
As someone who works with children or young people, you may become concerned that one of them is possibly being, or has been, abused at home or in some other situation. This concern may be raised in a number of ways including:
- their confiding in you as a person he/she has come to trust.
- injuries which require but have not received medical attention.
- unexplained changes in behaviour.
- age inappropriate sexual knowledge.
- sexually inappropriate behaviour
- their being discouraged from socialising with others of the same age.
- their becoming dirty or unkempt
- changes to eating patterns.
Many children and young people will exhibit some of these indicators at some time and the presence of one or more should not be taken as proof that abuse is occurring. There may well be other reasons such as a death or crises in the family, the birth of a new child, etc. Your knowledge of a child over a period of time may help you to understand whether there is at least some cause for you to be concerned. You may also wish to discuss your concerns with their parents or carers who may be able to reassure you. This should not be done, however, if you think that to do would put them in even greater danger because you believe it may be the parent or carer who is physically abusing the child or young person.
Responding to a child or young person
If a child or young person confides in you that they are being, or have been, abused, they have placed you in a position of trust. Trust that you will act to help them, even if they ask you not to do anything or tell anyone. Simply through their telling you they have demonstrated their trust that you will act. It is important in this situation to remain calm, listen carefully and only ask questions of clarification if you do not understand something.
Do not ask questions simply to obtain additional information.
Do take them seriously and reassure them they were right to tell. Do not criticise the person they say has abused them or allow them to see any distress in you. And, do not promise either that you will keep the information to yourself or what the outcome will be. The best thing you can do is acknowledge their courage in telling, reassure them they should not feel guilty and tell them what you will now do. After reporting, your role will be supporting the child/young person as appropriate.
It is really important to remember that you should not ignore your own judgement as to whether or not to be concerned. More important, however, is to remember that it is not your responsibility to determine whether abuse is occurring or not. Identifying abuse is a difficult and complex task and is the responsibility of the Social Services and Police. Your responsibility is to ensure that your concerns are passed to relevant people and your actions recorded, as set out in the following procedure.
PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS THAT A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON MAY BE BEING ABUSED AT HOME OR ELSEWHERE.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
If a child/young person, or someone else on behalf of them, discloses abuse to you or you become concerned that abuse is occurring or has occurred you must immediately inform Jon Gibbens who acts as the Child Welfare Office for 100% Active. It will be Jon’s responsibility to inform Social Services. Outside of normal office hours the Social Services ‘Out of Hours Duty Officer’ should be contacted. If for any reason it is not possible to contact Social Services, the Police should be informed.
If the person in charge is not available, you must immediately inform the Authorities as above and then inform the person in charge as soon as possible.
When contacting Social Services or Police, the caller should:
- state that this is a child protection referral.
- be prepared to give your name, role and contact number.
- have the name, address and date of birth of the child/young person.
- provide details of the nature of the allegation or the concerns.
- provide details of anything they have said, preferably in their own words.
- provide any other relevant information you may have.
You should also be advised by them as regards any contact with the family or discussion with other adults.
Keep a record of the name and designation of the person to whom the referral was made and confirm the details of the call, in writing, within 24 hours.
Record details as outlined in the following section on recording.
PROCEDURE FOR RECORDING CHILD PROTECTION REFERRALS
Once you have informed the appropriate authorities of your concerns, as set out above, you should:
- make a detailed note of the circumstances leading to the referral, i.e., what was said, by whom, where and when, whether there was anyone else present. Anything which will help to explain the context to the referral being made.
- detail anything such as an injury or behaviour which you directly observed which gave you cause to be concerned.
- make a record of all actions taken by you. Whom did you speak to, what was said, etc. This should be in as much detail as possible and should include the designation of the person to whom the information was passed or to whom the referral was made.
- forward a copy of this record to Jon Gibbens who acts as the Child Welfare Office for 100% Active MARKED CONFIDENTIAL, FOR ADDRESSE’S EYES ONLY.
- retain a copy of this record in a secure place for future reference.
Remember, it is essential for the sake of the child/young person and because legal proceedings could result from your referral that you retain confidentiality. You should not discuss the event nor show the written records to anyone else without the express consent of the Social Services and/or Jon Gibbens who acts as the Child Welfare Office for 100% Active.
Principles of ‘Good practice’
The following ‘good practice’ guidelines have been developed in order to reduce, as far as possible, the risk of anyone using sport or activities to gain access to children or young people. They will also protect Coaches and Co-ordinators from the risk of their actions being misinterpreted and from false allegations. Most of all however, they demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of children/young persons.
Recruitment and selection:
We are responsible for ensuring that no person is allowed to participate in any activity, which in any way brings them into contact with children or young people, without their having undergone appropriate screening. Those who have previously been screened, when applying to become a Coach or Co-Ordinator should be asked to provide sufficient evidence that an Enhanced CRB check is in place and a first aid certificate is in place and all are up to date.
Candidates should also supply the names of at least two people, not relatives, who will provide references that comment on their suitability for, and if possible work with, children or young people.
*This includes anyone coming into contact with children or young people, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, through any associated activities.
Guidelines which can help to reduce risk:
- All Coaches, Co-Ordinators & volunteers should be aware of these Policy and Procedures.
- Members, Parents, Guardians & Volunteers of 100% Active should show respect for children and young people at all times.
- Sessions should be planned in a way which minimises any opportunity for abuse, e.g. avoiding situations in which an adult is alone with a child.
- Coaches / Co-Ordinators should never take, or offer to take, a child to their own home.
- Agree in advance with parents/carers when it is allowed for males to enter female dressing /changing rooms and vice versa and ensure all children and young people are aware of these arrangements.
- Ensure at least one responsible adults are on-site prior to children arriving and have a clear plan to cover situations such as parents/carers failing to arrive to collect a child/young person after practice or a match.
- Do not allow abusive activities such as ridiculing or bullying to take place.
- Discuss, and agree, with parents/carers how, by whom and under what circumstances any specific medical or care needs of the child/young person will be met.
- Be aware of the prejudice and discrimination experienced by children and young people from ethnic minorities and the increased vulnerability of those with a disability. They may feel less able to share their worries with you.
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour, and your children have a big part to play. That’s why we ask all children to follow a Code of Conduct.
When attending any session, I will:
- Be ready to start on time.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the activity.
- Remove all jewellery before arrival.
- Inform a member of the staff upon your arrival if you have any injuries.
- Give maximum effort and try your best.
- Adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times.
When taking part, I will:
- Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time
- Respect all others taking part and the staff
- Listen and respond to what the staff tells me
- Talk to someone I trust or the welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything
I understand that if I do not follow the code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by 100% Active:
I may:
- Be required to apologise to other children taking part
- Receive a formal warning from one of the coaches
- Be required to leave the 100% Active sessions
100% Active staff have an important responsibility to model high standards of behaviour, both in their dealings with the children and with each other, as their example has an important influence on the children.
In football alone, a survey of 37,000 grassroots participants highlighted that behaviour was the biggest concern in the game. This included the abuse of match officials and the unacceptable behaviour of over competitive parents, spectators and coaches on the sideline.
Our staff have to play their part and observe a Code of Conduct in everything they do. In order to be part of the 100% Active team the staff have to agree to the following.
I will:
- Encourage relationships based on kindness, respect and understanding of the needs of others;
- Ensure fair treatment for all regardless of age, gender, race, ability and disability;
- Understand the importance of fair play & sportsmanship;
- Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
When working with children, I will:
- Show appreciation of the efforts and contribution of all;
- Create a positive climate with realistic expectations;
- Emphasize the importance of being valued as an individual within groups;
- Provide a caring and effective learning environment;
- Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each child above everything, including winning;
- Explain exactly what I expect of children and what they can expect from me;
- Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying;
- Develop mutual trust and respect with children to help build their self-esteem;
- Encourage each child to accept responsibility for their own behaviour;
- Ensure all activities I organise are appropriate for the children’s ability level, age and maturity;
I understand that if I do not follow the code, any/all of the actions below may be taken by 100% Active:
- Required to meet with the 100% Active management team;
- Monitored by another 100% Active team member
- Required to leave or be sacked by 100% Active