Child Safety Policy
BY-LAW
A child can only attend the club if in the presence of their parent.
They must not be left in the care of a coach or another adult.
A parent can also include another adult who is recognised as in the care of the child. Such as another adult relative, or a friend who is bringing the child on an arrangement with the parent.
The exception is that the adult CAN NOT be a person that has been met at the club or a coach, official or adult from the club. If unsure check with the committee.
A person between the age of 16 and 18 can attend the club without parent supervision, however must not supervise someone under the age of 16.
We recognise that there are situations where is is safe for the child and parent to be separated.
These situations will be:
• Organised club events such as weekend tournaments.
• Week night indoor leagues
• Weekend leagues
Situations not acceptable will be
• Private coaching sessions
• Private practice sessions with an adult or coach
• Practising at the club on their own or with another child.
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CONDUCT
The coach must not engage in physical contact with the child.
If the child initiates the contact then the coach must make the child aware that that contact is not acceptable.
If the coach must make contact in order to demonstrate an action they must
• Explain to the child what they wish to do and what they wish to accomplish
• Ask permission
• Make sure the parent is aware of what is happening and why and that they witness the
interaction.
• The coach or another adult is not to transport the child to and from the club. The parent must transport the child to and from the club.
• The coach must make sure they use age appropriate language around the child. Swearing and sexual innuendo is not tolerated.
Sexually explicit jokes, innuendo and comments are not tolerated.
• The coach must not get involved in the personal life of the child. Comments and opinions about their relationships with other children is not acceptable. Even in a ‘teasing’ or ‘joking’ way.
• The coach must not play other children against each other. It’s not the coaches place to set a competitive environment. Encouraging children to compete and beat each other is not acceptable.
• A coach must be careful not to ‘play favourites’ with one student over other students.