Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
Policy Guidelines
The welfare of vulnerable members, both adults and children, is the first consideration.
All members have the right to be protected from bad practice, neglect, bullying and all forms of emotional and physical abuse.
Suspicions and allegations of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. It is the duty of all members suspecting inappropriate behaviour and actions to act on any concern.
As defined in the Children Act 1989, anyone under the age of 18 years should be considered as a child for the purposes of this Policy
To treat all members fairly, equitably and without prejudice.
Not to participate in or tolerate behaviour that frightens, degrades, embarrasses, demoralises or negatively affects a members' self esteem
Not to tolerate acts of aggression
Photography - Members should be aware that the recording of photographic images might be inappropriate.
The members of Rounders England should not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, colour, disability, sexuality, age, occupation, religion or political opinion.
Coaches and Officials, Club or Centre Officers will be made aware of good practice with a specific Welfare course available, together with appropriate documentation, coaching and support from HQ, to ensure that Clubs or Centres are able to implement the Welfare Policy.
Awareness of these issues, and the adherence to these simple guidelines, will help maintain professionalism and safeguard good practice, secure the protection of both the vulnerable and those responsible for them, from accusations arising from misinterpretation of innocent actions
Welfare of Vulnerable People - Procedures and Guidelines
If the application of these principles is to be successful, Rounders England would ask all Clubs or Centres to ensure that they are distributed and discussed at both committee and general meetings.
Any Club or Centre may decide upon the type of coaching offered and to what age groups but to ensure the welfare of children (this shall also relate to all vulnerable people) Rounders England asks that all members observe and promote its policies with regard to the "Welfare of Vulnerable People".
Finally, please remember that Rounders England will support any member who, in good faith, reports his or her concerns that a child is at risk of, or may actually be, being abused.
This document has been developed to highlight the areas for potential abuse in the instruction & Conduct of Rounders. It is aimed both at providing the child (and adult member) with a safe environment in which to enjoy the sport and also to protect those responsible for their care from the risk of accusation of abuse.
It should also be remembered that adulthood is not an absolute cure for vulnerability.
Many sports environments provide a relaxed and "safe" place for those who are abused outside of the sport. Rounders Clubs or Centres may develop such a relationship of mutual trust and respect with their player that they may hear of abuse occurring outside of the direct influence of the Club or Centre. As responsible citizens it is our duty to protect our friends from abuse wherever it may occur. The information and guidance given within this document therefore applies to situations that occur outside the Club or Centre but come to our attention as a result of our Club or Centre activities as much as to situations that occur within the Club or Centre. Indeed the information provided here also applies to our everyday lives outside of Rounders England.
Extracted from Rounders England Document ‘Welfare of Vulnerable People in Rounders’