Aim of the Policy:

Our aim here at the club is to create an environment in which the young athlete (child) and their parent(s), guardian(s), responsible adult, carer, closest relative; can feel confident that our Athletic Club is providing a safe and wholesome environment for all participants in the sport of athletics.

As a club we can support and offer advice to every club member e.g. athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and officers of the club in order to protect them from neglect, exploitation and abuse.

All suspicions and allegations of abuse against young athletes will be responded to, and followed up appropriately in accordance with this policy and local area Child Protection Policy guidelines and procedures.

Key Principles:

1. All people under the age of 18 years are defined as children for the purposes of this policy.

2. All children regardless of their gender, racial origin, culture, religion, ability and sexual orientation have the right to protection from abuse.

3. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and will be responded to by any officer of the club, who through the Club's child protection officers will refer the matter to the Social Services Department in who's area the incident or suspicion occurred.

4. All coaches, club officers and volunteers who come into active contact with children will be subject to a police reference and CRB check.

Code of Practice for People Working in Athletics with Children

• Avoid when possible, situations when you and an individual child are alone.

• Avoid physical contact, where possible and teach techniques by demonstration.

• Coaches are expected to hold appropriate qualifications recognised by UK Athletics. Otherwise they must work under direct supervision of a qualified coach (Level 2 upwards).

• Adults should never over-criticise young athletes, or use language or actions which may cause children to lose self-esteem or confidence.

• Coaches and adults should not take unrelated children to their (i.e. the coach or adults) home. Permission must be obtained from the child's parent or guardian for car journeys (See separate permission slip). The presence of a further person should be sought and it is sensible to seat any child in the rear of the car for over all safety.

• Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in all conversations; so coaches and adults must not give children a promise or expectation of confidentiality.

Actions to be taken by the Clubs Child Protection Officers of Burnley Athletic Club, or in their absence any officer of the club.

1. Be honest straight away and tell the child that you cannot make promises that you will not be able to keep, advise the child that you will not be able to maintain confidentiality.

2. Listen to the child rather than question him/her. Keep any questions to a minimum but clarify facts or words that you do not understand - do not speculate or make assumptions.

3. Never stop a child who is freely recalling significant events. Listen and believe the child; take them seriously.

4. Do not allow your shock or distaste to show.

5. Do not probe for more information than is offered as this may prejudiced any actions taken later.

6. Do write down accurately what the child is saying, do not add your own interpretations to what the child is saying. To help you where possible use the clubs form. Ensure the written information is dated and signed by all people present.

7. Do not make any negative comments about the alleged abuser.

8. At the end the disclosure and ensure that the child is either being collected or is capable of going home on their own. Remember it may not be safe for the child to go home and Social services will need to be involved.

9. Any person with a suspicion or allegation of child abuse shall report it to the Child Protection Officers or any club official who should without delay, refer the matter to the Social Services Department where the alleged incident occurred

10. The person reporting the suspicions or making the allegation must be prepared to speak to the Social Services to clarify their concerns.

11. Telephone Numbers for Lancashire County Council Social Services:

12. Another member of the Club concerning the abuse issue should not approach any persons suspected of abusing a child.

13. Other club officials should deal with matters if the person who would otherwise deal with the matter is compromised by a relationship or friendship with the person against whom the suspicions have emerged.

14. Any child, parent or person is encouraged to contact Social Service or the Police local to them, directly, without referring the matter to the Child Protection Officers of the Club.

15. Any coach or member of the club who has been accused of abusing a child will be suspended by the club "without prejudice" pending the investigation.

Definitions of Child Abuse:

• Physical Abuse - Occasions when adults or other children deliberately inflict injuries upon a child, or knowingly do not prevent such injuries. This could include the nature of the intensity of training or competition. Offering alcohol or drugs.

• Emotional Abuse - Where adults or other children fail to show due care or attention or threaten, use sarcasm, taunt or shout at a child causing them to lose confidence, self-esteem and become nervous or withdrawn.

• Neglect - Where adults fail to provide help and care to the child. This also includes leaving a child without proper supervision or placing the child at risk of injury.

• Sexual Abuse - Where adults or other children use children to fulfil their sexual needs.

The coach, volunteer, official or Officer of the Club may be placed in a position of trust by the child who may feel able to disclose incidents which have occurred at school or at home. These must be taken seriously and referred immediately to the Social Services Department.

Club Child Protection Officers: Julie Wall & Karen Vaughan