Brian P. Begley 

 Safeguarding Officer  NIPBA.

44, Ferndale Park, Portstewart, BT55 7JB

Tel: (H) 028 708 33053  (Mob) 07733100978

E-mail: brianbegley@tiscali.co.uk

Other Contacts:- 

David Kavanagh - IBA Safeguarding Officer  E-mail: dkavanagh53@hotmail.com

                                                                                     blileaguesecretary@gmail.com

Paul Stephenson - Child Protection in Sport Unit NSPCC  Tel 028 90 351135

Bronagh McKee - Child Protection Specialist                     Tel 028 276 69848

Latest Update !!

At a special meeting of the Association on Wednesday 15th April in Coleraine B.C. Brian Begley, in a thorough and informative presentation, outlined current developments regarding Child Protection and its implication in the sport of Bowls.  Brian, in his capacity as NIPBA Child Protection Officer, also made recommendations to all clubs within the Association.  Highlights of Brian's presentation are outlined below.  Further information and advice can be obtained by contacting Brian directly.  Everyone associated with the NIPBA are indebted to Brian for his tireless efforts as he, on our behalf, tackles this delicate and controversial issue.

• All clubs with members who are under 18 years and/or vulnerable adults have a responsibility for their protection and well being - "a duty of care."

• Each bowling club should have a Child Protection Officer (CPO) in place.

• Because of the nature and age group of members of bowling clubs (few under 18 and possibly more vulnerable adults) the title of Child Protection Officer should be changed to Safeguarding Officer (SO).

• The Safeguarding Officer should be elected at the club's AGM and it is recommended he be a member of the club's Management Committee.

• Elected Safeguarding Officers need to complete a Child Protection Course and should be vetted  and registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

• Each club should have a Child Protection Policy in place.

• Consent forms should be completed by parents or guardians for members under 18 years.

• For both home and away games, it is deemed good practice that the Safeguarding Officer has responsibility for ensuring the safety of under-18's and/or vulnerable adults in their charge.  He should ensure safe travelling arrangements are made.  He would also be acting "in locoparentis" for under-18's.

• If the Safeguarding Officer is not a member of a particular team a nominated representative of that team should take on the responsibility for under-18's and/or vulnerable adults in their charge.

• Implementation of the Vetting and Barring Scheme will commence from 26th July 2010.

• It is highly recommended that all clubs have these arrangements in place by this date if they have not already done so.

   Information for sports leaders

    Introduction

Coaches and volunteers involved in young people’s sport have a great opportunity to be a positive role model and help build an individual’s confidence. This summary explains what you should do to keep young people safe.  It also helps you think about what responsibilities you have.

Transport

There is an extra responsibility on adults and leaders when they transport young people to events.

Adults in club’s should:

·      ensure there is adequate insurance on their car and that they follow the rules of the road

·      ensure they do not carry more than the permitted number of passengers

·      avoid being alone with one passenger, put young passengers in the back seat, have central drop off locations or seek parental permission when transporting on a regular basis.

·      parent’s should check with young people about the transport plans, listen to what the young people are saying, be sure they are happy with the transport arrangements.

·      keep parent’s informed who will be transporting their child, why and how long the journey will take.

·      alternate driver and which child is dropped off last

·      ensure the driver should have a point of contact/mobile phone

·      ensure the drivers is vetted

·      ensure seatbelts are worn at all times and booster seats are used when required

·      make sure there is supervision in the rear of minibuses and coaches

Physical Contact

Physical contact during sport should always be intended to meet the child's needs, NOT the adult's. The adult will probably use appropriate contact when the aim is to assist in development of the skill or activity or for safety reasons, e.g. to prevent or treat an injury. This should be in an open environment with the permission and understanding of the participant.

 In general:

·  Contact should be determined by the age and developmental stage of the participant - don’t do something that a child can do for themselves

·  Never engage in inappropriate touching such as touching of groin, genital areas, buttocks, breasts or any other part of the body that might cause a child distress or embarrassment

There are a number of principles that should be followed when the activity involves physical contact:

·      The adult should only use physical contact if their aim is to:

-      Develop sports skills or techniques

-      To treat an injury

-      To prevent an injury or accident from occurring

-      To meet the requirements of the sport

·  The adult should seek to explain the nature and reason for the physical contact to the child reinforcing the teaching or coaching skill. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask the child for permission.

·   Any form of physical punishment of children is unlawful, as is any form of physical response to misbehaviour unless it is by way of physical intervention to prevent a young person from:

-      Harming themselves

-      Harming other

-      Damaging property.

It is particularly important that adults understand this to ensure the safety of their youth members and to protect their own position as well as the overall reputation of the organisation in which they are involved.

 Photography & Videoing

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on sports websites and other publications.  Photographs can be used as a means of identifying children when they are accompanied with personal information but it is important to remember that the desire to take photos is perfectly normal and many young people are keen to promote their success, but there are a few key points to remember to reduce any risk:

·      If the child is named, avoid using their photograph.

·      If a photograph is used, avoid naming the child.

·      Remember to seek permission to take photographs of children, from the parents and young  person

·      Appoint designated photographer

·      Parental photos are fine it is about having an understanding of the risks and being vigilant, do not allow strangers to take photos of children

·      Consider what is appropriate dress

·      Manage the use of 3G mobile phones