CHILD
WELFARE & PROTECTION
POLICY

2008/2009

POLICY STATEMENT

We at Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club aim to promote the participation of children in our club by creating a culture of safety and fun.

"Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence; they must be kept safe from harm, and they must be given proper care by those looking after them "
(Article 19 ; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)

All children's sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. Ireland and the UK have adopted and are committed to the European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as:

"much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing within the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialism and corruption."
(European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993)

The Children (Northern Ireland) Order (1995) is based on a clear and consistent set of principles designed with the common aim of promoting the welfare of children.
Children have the right to be safe. All coaches should ensure that this fundamental principle takes precedence over all other considerations.

Standards set by Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club will be achieved through ensuring the: -

• Development of awareness of the issues which lead to children being harmed.
• Safe recruiting procedures for volunteers/coaches
• Provision of training for volunteers/coaches (National Governing Body Approved Courses)
• Application of codes of behaviour for volunteers/coaches
• Application of codes of behaviour for children/ young people
• Application of codes of behaviour for parents
• Application of good and safe working/playing practices
• Establishment of procedures for dealing with/ recording of complaints/accidents.
• The club have procedures relating specifically to bullying, away trips, transport and use of photography
• Identification and maintenance of parental responsibility
• Availability of information
• An induction document for parents, coaches and children will be made available clearly outlining the rights and responsibilities
• Regular review and monitoring of Child Protection procedures by the management committee
• That all children are treated equally

This policy applies to all those involved in Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteer drivers, parents and young people.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. Children, irrespective of ability or disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way, whenever possible, thus allowing them to participate to their full potential alongside other children (Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport 2000)

Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club recognises the additional vulnerability of some children and the extra difficulties they may face when seeking help, i.e.

· Dependency due to disability may make some children feel powerless
· On occasions possible limited ability to communicate their feelings
· A negative self image can make children vulnerable to manipulation by others

To address this vulnerability coaches will seek guidance on working with children with a disability from external agencies, parents / guardians and the children themselves.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

We at Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club will never promise to keep secrets. However, information of a confidential nature will only be communicated on a "need to know" basis, with the welfare of the child paramount.

Considerations of confidentiality will not be allowed to override the rights of children or young members to be protected from harm.

A full Child Protection policy document is available on request for all interested parties to read.