SAC Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Policy Child Protection - who and why?  A glance at the correspondence columns of the archery press over the last year will show that “Child protection” has replaced dress standards as the hot topic of the moment. What's it all about? Sadly, the abuse of young people is not a new phenomenon, but easier access to transport, and better communications have allowed the problem to grow – and we are all aware of the horrendous cases recently in the press. So the sports community, encouraged by the government is making its small contribution to making it more difficult for the wrong sort of people to get access to their targets. We are doing this in two ways. Firstly by adopting a set of guidelines that make clear our determination to keep our sport from contamination, and secondly by ensuring that no-one in our club with an position of influence over young people has the wrong sort of past. Peter Sweetman and Julia Power have been appointed Child Protection officers, and are the first point of contact for any suspicion of an abusive relationship. Will we have to act differently? Have a look at the guidelines. I'm sure everyone in the club will recognise them as common sense. And we just want it to stay that way. Will this do anything to solve the problem? Maybe not a great deal, and no system is perfect. But if there is a way we can minimise the risk of abuse happening in OUR club, then it's the least we can do. The Guidelines We, the members of Stortford Archery Club will adhere to the policies laid down by the GNAS in the Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Policy, a summary of which is detailed below: We will not tolerate bullying.. A parent or guardian should always be present whilst a junior is shooting. Supervision of juniors will always remain the responsibility of the parent or guardian. It is not reasonable to expect another member of the club to assume responsibility for any junior other than their own child. All coaches and those responsible for the Child Protection policies within the club will undergo a screening process. Any complaint made about a member of the club will be dealt with in a sympathetic and confidential manner. If a junior has a medical condition that may interfere with their being coached, they should please inform one of the coaches who will be able to advise the best course of action. This will be dealt with confidentially. Any photography taken at the club that may include the photographs of juniors should be logged, and a record kept by the Secretary, as there is evidence to suggest that photographs of juniors at sporting events are sometimes later manipulated and added to child pornography sites. We will not allow the use of offensive language, and will always challenge it. A junior should not be taken alone on a car journey by any member of the club, other than by that child's parent or guardian. The personal life of club members should be respected, regardless of their age. A member should not engage in rough, physical or sexually suggestive games with a junior member. Any physical contact between a member of the club and a junior should be performed in an open and non threatening manner and kept to an absolute minimum. Physical contact should only be performed when absolutely necessary and with the express permission of both the junior and the parent or guardian. We will not make sexually suggestive comments – especially not to or in the presence of juniors.. A junior should not be reduced to tears as a form of control. All allegations of abuse irrespective of how trivial they may seem must be reported to either the Child Protection Officer or deputy as soon as possible - Peter Sweetman or Julia Power, respectively. Any accident should be reported. There are two qualified first aiders within the club, Phil Lambert and Paul Mitchell. It is the responsibility from every member of the club, to ensure the safety and well being of every other member whilst participating. If you suspect that a young or vulnerable person is being abused either within the club or outside, please inform someone. The worse possible thing that you can do is to ignore it. Some useful contact numbers in the event of not being able to contact Peter or Julia are: The Albany Trust 020 8767 1827 NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 ChildLine 0800 1111 Police - Bishop's Stortford 01279 508908 Police – Headquarters 01707 354000 Or 999 Child Protection in Sport Unit 0116 234 7278/7280 Return to Home page Pages maintained by: Peter Watson Last updated 7 December, 2007