CITY OF NEWCASTLE GOLF CLUB
Child Protection Policies and Guidelines
Policy Statement
The City of Newcastle Golf Club acknowledges its responsibilities in matters relating to the protection of children and is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all children attending the club. The club also expects that those who have contact with children will observe and be guided by the procedures contained in this document.
The club is committed to the following:-
a. The right of children to take part in club activities safely, with the club taking all reasonable measures to provide and maintain a safe and caring environment.
b. A swift and thorough investigation of any allegations of abuse or inappropriate behaviour, including such matters as alleged bullying, harassment, neglect, mistreatment and violence. The club undertakes to treat all such allegations seriously and investigate the matter with understanding and sensitivity to all concerned.
c. All members of the Committee, professional coaches and volunteers have recourse to the services of the Committee where allegations are made against them.
d. All who wish to work with children, in the care of the club, will be subject to procedures which aim to protect the children. The process is likely to include, for example, a CRB check, using the services provided by the EGU, a Self Disclosure Form, or any other means thought necessary to protect children.
e. The training of all personnel to enable them to deal with such child protection issues as might arise with the Manager maintaining records of the recruitment of personnel and of the training courses attended.
f. The safety of children relies upon a pro-
PRINCIPLES
The Club policy is based upon the following principles:
a. The safety and wellbeing of the children is central to all considerations. The club has a duty of care to seek to protect children at all club activities.
b. All children can expect to be treated with respect and dignity by those representing the club.
c. Children should have the confidence to rely upon members of the Committee, PGA professionals and volunteers and to be able to trust them whatever the circumstances.
d. Parents/carers should be informed of the club’s policies, and understand and appreciate the club’s Child protection policies and procedures. They have the right to be informed of any matter which may impinge upon the welfare of their child.
e. All working with children are expected to set a good example to the children in their charge.
POLICIES IN PRACTICE
Members of the Committee, PGA professionals and volunteers have responsibilities and are expected to:
1. Take their responsibilities seriously, knowing that the welfare of children and their protection from harm is the paramount concern.
2. Be conscious of the fact that adults are role models for the children. Those who have contact with children should conduct themselves appropriately at all times. They are required to set high standards in such matters as behaviour, attitude, appearance, fairness, moderation, organisation and punctuality.
3. Treat all children fairly and equally. This should hold true, no matter what the children’s age, culture, ability or disability, gender, language, racial origin,, and/or sexual orientation.
4. Build a sound working relationship with the children based on mutual respect and trust.
5. Inform parents of any matters relating to their child’s welfare, either directly or through the Childs Welfare Officer (The Club Manager).
6. Report to the Welfare Officer (Club Manager) any instance of alleged “poor practice” or inappropriate physical contact, or abuse. The facts of the situation must be recorded on an Incident Report Form. Depending on the circumstances of the allegation, the Welfare Officer will investigate and, if necessary, may refer the matter either to the Committee or an appropriate agency. Confidentiality will be strictly observed at every stage. All who have contact with the children should seek to ensure that their behaviour cannot be compromised.
7. Ensure, as far as is reasonable, that no child is placed in danger or potential harm. Activities should be organised with safety in mind, and the children should be kept informed of any Health and Safety procedures, risks or hazards on the course.
8. Avoid situations where there is possibility of misinterpretation of any physical contact of behaviour. Contact with children should be generally be in an open environment, especially, for example, whilst waiting for parents to arrive to pick up their child. No child should be left alone or be left to make their own way home. Transporting children alone should be avoided if at all possible. If it is absolutely necessary to transport a child alone, parental consent should be sought with a colleague being informed of the route, details and estimated time of arrival being communicated. All safety measures should be observed.
9. Ensure that any child who suffers accidental injury or temporary illness at any activity organised by the club is treated by a person competent and qualified to do so. If no qualified person is immediately available, the criterion is to respond to that situation by using common sense, as would a caring parent or carer, until professional help arrives. The matter should be recorded on an Accident Report Form, which should be passed to the Club Manager. Parents/carers must be informed of the action that has been, or is intended to be taken.
PARENTS/CARERS HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING
To know the club’s policy on child protection and seek to support the club’s officials in creating and maintaining a safe environment for children to enjoy their golf. They should be at ease with the system in place for the protection of their child, but be ready to raise any matters which may give cause for concern.
They should complete the Consent and Player Profile Form.
Signify that they accept the conditions of the club’s procedures relating to their child’s participation in an activity. Occasionally, for training, coaching or publicity purposes, children may be photographed or videoed. Parents/carers who do not wish for their child to be photographed for these purposes should inform the club on the consent form.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
It is understood that these procedures are merely guidelines for the protection of all who participate in activities organised by the club
The procedures will be reviewed on a regular basis. However, not all circumstances may be covered in this document. It is important to recognise that, while every effort will be made to ensure the well being of every child, things can go wrong, by accident or human error.
CITY OF NEWCASTLE GOLF CLUB