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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.
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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."
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Each
bowling club should have a Child Protection Officer (CPO) in place.
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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).
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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.
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Elected Safeguarding Officers need to complete a Child Protection
Course and should be vetted and registered with the
Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
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Each
club should have a Child Protection Policy in place.
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Consent forms should be completed by parents or guardians for
members under 18 years.
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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.
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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.
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Implementation of the Vetting and Barring Scheme will commence from
26th July 2010.
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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:
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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 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
·
The adult should only use physical contact if their aim
is to:
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Develop sports skills or techniques
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To treat an injury
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To prevent an injury or accident from occurring
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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:
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Harming themselves
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Harming other
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Damaging property.
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:
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If the child is named, avoid using their photograph.
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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
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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
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Consider what is appropriate dress
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Manage the use of 3G mobile phones
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