|
This Scottish Clay Target Association Limited (SCTA) "Health and Safety Policy" document is issued only for the guidance of affiliated Grounds and Members with a view to assisting and encouraging the maintenance of a safe clay target shooting environment. It must not be considered as a definitive interpretation of the "Health and Safety" legislation. It is specifically incumbent on every Affiliated Ground and Member involved in the management of any clay target shooting event to be fully aware of the legislation as it applies in their particular circumstance. Grounds and Members must seek the necessary professional advice and the SCTA assumes no responsibility in this regard. CHILD PROTECTION This is an Introduction to the responsibilities of Coaches, Members and everyone associated with Clay Shooting in Introduction The Scottish Clay Target Association Ltd. considers that this introduction to the Child and vulnerable Adults protection Policy should be understood by every member of the SCTA. This document should be read in conjunction with the full policy and implemented at every clay target club in It is unfortunately a situation of modern life that children are sought out by some people simply to abuse them and the SCTA believes that it has a responsibility to look after the interests of children and vulnerable adults, particularly when participating in our sport. There is both a moral and legal obligation to do what is reasonable in all the circumstances for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore the SCTA wishes to impress upon all associated with shooting that each individual has a duty of care in relation to this legislation. Remember; The Child’s welfare comes first. All children, regardless of age, any disability they may have, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity have a right to be protected from abuse. The SCTA fully understands the implications of this legislation and the impact it has upon our Coaches and Members, Therefore, the SCTA asks all concerned to ensure that there is a general understanding at individual, Club, and National levels. The instruction of the Policy should be included at all courses held by the SCTA. If there is any doubt you should contact; The SCTA Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Office (CPO) is Mr David Gillies “The Scottish Clay Target Association Ltd. has developed the policy document in conjunction with sportscotland to enable our affiliated grounds and individual members to provide and promote a safe and secure environment for children and vulnerable adults. We are very proud of our sport and place the future of it in the hands of today’s children in the hope and expectation that they will one day be great ambassadors for every sport.” Policy statement “The Scottish Clay Target Association Ltd is dedicated to the promotion and implementation of appropriate procedures to safeguard the well-being of children and vulnerable adults and protect them from abuse. Requiring all members to implement this policy and procedures.” Policy aims • Providing children and vulnerable adults with appropriate safety and protection whilst involved in shooting. • Allow all SCTA members to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection or vulnerable adult issues. Good Practice When Dealing With Children In Shooting Avoid situations where the coach or official and the child are alone. And the SCTA stresses that one to one contact should never be allowed. When coaching on or off the firing point avoid physical contact as much as possible. If physical contact is necessary (for example when teaching new shooting positions etc.) ascertain the child's and the parent's or carers views on this. It is often best to explain exactly what you are going to do before starting the lesson. Ask parents/carers and/or nominated club officials to be responsible for children in changing rooms or overnight accommodation. Get teachers/coaches/club officials to work in pairs if classes or groups of children have to be supervised in a changing room or overnight accommodation. It may sometimes be necessary for members to do things of a personal nature for children or vulnerable adults, particularly if they are very young or vulnerable. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of the child or vulnerable adult and where possible their parents/guardians. It is important to respect their views. If a person is fully dependent on you, talk with him/her about what you are doing and give choices where possible, particularly so if you are involved in any dressing or undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical contact, lifting or assisting a child or vulnerable adult to carry out particular activities. Do not take on the responsibility for tasks for which you are not appropriately trained. Ensure that mixed teams are always accompanied by both male and female coaches, managers etc. If the procedures and guidance contained in the policy are implemented properly, they can offer safeguards to everyone involved in shooting and in doing so help to maintain the credibility of the SCTA and it's constituent bodies. Most of all, though, they can help to prevent children being abused • Requesting written parental consent to transport children in their cars. • Ensure that at event where overnight accommodation is required, adults should not enter children's rooms or invite children into their rooms. • Secure parental consent in writing to act in “loco parentis”, if the need arises to administer emergency first aid or other medical treatment. • Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given. • Make themselves familiar with the relevant practice guidelines of the appropriate local Area Child Protection Committees. If You Have Concerns About The Welfare Of A Child If you do not know who the club Child Protection officer is then you should inform a club official for example; the club secretary, chairperson, coach or any committee member, or at an event the Club Safety Officer - unless, of course, you suspect them of being involved. Or; If you are a club official or at an event the Club Safety Officer you can: • Talk to the child's parents/carers about the concerns if you think there may be an obvious explanation such as a bereavement or pressure from studies or exams. • Contact SCTA “CPO” • If you're working with shooters away from home, at a training camp perhaps or a national or regional competition, tell the team manager or the chief coach. • If you're working with a school - tell the head teacher. • If you're working with a local authority, refer to your local Child Protection procedures. • If you're working with, Scouts, CCF etc. refer to their Child Protection procedures. Again, please remember to make a detailed note of what you've seen or heard but don't delay passing on the information. It is also advisable to write to your member governing body and/or SCTA to advise them of your concern and to whom you have reported it. If A Child Tells You He or She Is Being Abused • Stay calm. • Don't promise to keep it to yourself. • Listen to what the child says and, please, take it seriously. • Only ask questions if you need to clarify what the child is telling you - don't ask the child about explicit details. • Make a detailed note of what the child has told you but, as advised in the previous section, please don't delay in passing on the information. Allegations Refer to section 7.5 to 7.56 of the SCTA Child Protection Policy for guidance in this matter. It should be remembered that in Minimum Requirements SCTA Affiliated Clubs who provide coaching to young persons should be aware of the Protection of Children Act 1999, and are advised to adopt the SCTA Child Protection Charter as per appendix 2, and hold the appropriate qualifications and insurance as specified there-in. Appendix 1 Contacts Ethics Manager Tel:0131 317 7200 www.sportscotland.org.uk child.protection@sportscotland.org.uk CHILDREN 1ST Child Protection in Sport Development Worker Learning and Teaching Tel:0141 339 4005 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000 Childline 0800 1111 Child Protection in Sport Unit NSPCC 3 Gilmour Close Tel:0116 234 7278 sportscoach http://www.sportscoachuk.org/ The SCTA Clubs and Coaches Charter on Child Welfare
1. Coaches must respect the rights and dignity of every person and treat them equally within the context of their sport. Safety before Development 2. Coaches must place the well being and safety of their pupil(s) above the development of performance. They should follow all guidelines laid down by the SCTA as described in the SCTA Child and Vulnerable Adult protection Policy and hold appropriate insurance cover.
3. Coaches must develop a working relationship with their pupils based on mutual trust and respect. Coaches must never exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. Pupils Responsibilities 4. Coaches must encourage and guide shooters to accept responsibility for their own behaviour. Personal Standards 5. Coaches should hold up-to-date a minimum of SCTA Level One coaching qualification. Abilities 6. Coaches must ensure the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual.
7. Coaches should at the outset clarify with pupils, and where appropriate their parents, exactly what is expected of them and what pupils are entitled to expect from their coach.
8. Coaches should always promote the positive aspects of their sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.
9. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance. This charter is reproduced with amendments by courtesy of Sportscoach Undernoted are the criteria for electing members with Specific Responsibility for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults” at Association and Club level. SCTA Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer; The Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer (Child Protection Officer) (CPO) has the main responsibility for managing child and vulnerable adult protection issues within The Scottish Clay Target Association Ltd. The role and responsibilities of the Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer are detailed below. Specific responsibilities in relation to allegations against members are detailed in the Procedure for Managing Suspicions and Allegations of Abuse of a Child or Vulnerable Adult against Members (Section 7.5). Role and Responsibilities of the Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer; Within the S.C.T.A. the Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer (CPO) will: • Implement and promote the S.C.T.A.’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and • Regularly report to the S.C.T.A.’s management Board. • Act as the main contact within the S.C.T.A. for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. • Provide information and advice on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. • Support and raise awareness of the protection of children and vulnerable adults. • Communicate with members on issues of child and vulnerable adult protection. • Keep abreast of developments and understand the latest information on data protection, confidentiality and other legal issues that impact on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. • Encourage good practice and support of procedures to protect children and vulnerable adults. • Establish and maintain contact with local statutory agencies including the Police and Social Work • Maintain confidential records of reported cases and action taken and liaise with the statutory agencies and ensure they have access to all necessary information. • Organise training for members and Affiliated Club CPO’s • Regularly monitor and review he S.C.T.A.’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures. Within SCTA Affiliated Clubs the Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer will: • Implement and promote the S.C.T.A.’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures. • Regularly report to the Management Board of the SCTA. • Act as the main contact within the Club for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. • Encourage good practice and support of procedures to protect children and vulnerable adults. • Keep abreast of developments and understand the latest information on data protection, confidentiality and other legal issues that impact on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. • Communicate with the S.C.T.A.’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer. • Maintain confidential records of reported cases and action taken and liaise with the statutory agencies and ensure they have access to all necessary information. • Report cases, concerns and action taken to the S.C.T.A.’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer. • Attend training on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. • Establish and maintain contact with local statutory agencies including the Police and Social Work • Monitor and review the Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures for their club Guidance The Roles and Responsibilities of the Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer provide the basis of a job description for this position. Within any governing body affiliated or independent club it is recommended that the Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer be a member of the Board of management, Administration, Committee and still maintains the necessary independence to ensure there are no conflicts of interest. Recommended Characteristics of the Child and Vulnerable Adult Officer: • Have an understanding of the issues affecting children and vulnerable adults and the sensitive way in which they must be managed. • Be able to communicate the implications of protecting children and vulnerable adults to all members. • Be able to communicate with children and vulnerable adults. • Be supportive of the introduction of Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy. • Have an understanding and appreciation of the need to respect confidentiality. • Be able to follow procedures and recognise when to seek advice and not rely solely on their own • Be willing to challenge members who do not comply with the SCTA or Club’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy The SCTA is grateful to Sportscotland for their assistance in preparing this policy |