Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC Safeguarding Policy & Code of Conduct
1. Introduction
Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, including junior and adult players. We recognise the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals involved in our club, and we are dedicated to ensuring their well-being is our top priority.
2. Photo Consent
2.1 Photo Consent Rules Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC acknowledges the importance of gaining consent before capturing or using images of any individual, especially minors. We will:
Obtain written consent from all players or their legal guardians to capture and use images of them.
Respect the wishes of individuals who do not wish to be photographed or have their images shared.
Store any images securely and ensure they are only used for legitimate purposes related to the club. Having a photo and video consent policy and process in place to safeguard children.
3. Safety of Players
3.1 Safety Measures The safety of our players, both junior and adult, is of utmost importance to Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC. We will:
Ensure that all our coaches and volunteers have undergone appropriate safeguarding training.
Provide a safe training environment for players in sport halls ensuring all hoops and equipment is available for use.
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and minimize potential hazards in our training and playing facilities.
Implement a robust first-aid protocol to respond effectively to injuries and emergencies.
Promote good hygiene and health practices, especially during the current public health challenges, and follow the guidance provided by relevant health authorities.
Ensure all activities undertaken are covered by insurance and working within the club risk assessment. Ensure the club safety procedure is kept up to date and used before sessions.
4. Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct, inspired by Sport England and Basketball England safeguarding principles, serves as a guiding framework for all members of Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC.
4.1 Be Professional
Act with integrity and professionalism in all interactions.
Set a positive example for others through your conduct and commitment.
4.2 Be Respectful
Treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
Show appreciation for diversity and inclusivity within the club.
4.3 Educate
Continuously seek to improve your knowledge and skills.
Promote a culture of learning and development within the club.
4.4 Provide Opportunity
Create an environment where everyone has equal opportunities to participate and progress.
Encourage fair competition and access to resources.
4.5 Be Enthusiastic
Share your passion for basketball with enthusiasm.
Encourage and motivate others through your positive attitude.
4.6 Safe Environment
Report any safeguarding concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding officer.
Ensure the club environment is safe and welcoming for all.
4.7 Communicate
Maintain open and honest communication with fellow club members.
Address conflicts or concerns through constructive dialogue.
4.8 Learn from Each Other
Acknowledge and learn from the experiences and insights of other club members.
Foster a culture of collaboration and mutual growth.
4.9 Encourage Growth
Support and mentor younger or less experienced players.
Help individuals achieve their personal and sporting goals.
4.10 Dream Big
Foster ambition and aspiration within the club.
Encourage individuals to aim high and work towards their dreams.
4.11 Be Brave
Encourage risk-taking and perseverance.
Promote the value of resilience in the face of challenges.
4.12 Be Brilliant
Strive for excellence in all aspects of basketball and personal development.
Celebrate the achievements of individuals and the club as a whole.
4.13 Aspire
Set clear goals and aspirations for the future.
Provide support and guidance to help individuals reach their potential.
4.14 Engage
Participate actively in club activities and initiatives.
Contribute to the positive atmosphere of the club through your engagement.
5. Review and Compliance
This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if necessary, to ensure that it remains in line with current guidelines and regulations. All members of Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC are expected to adhere to this policy and report any concerns or breaches to the designated safeguarding officer.
For further information on safeguarding in basketball, please refer to the guidelines provided by Sport England and Basketball England.
By establishing and consistently implementing these requirements, policies, and procedures, a basketball club can create a safer environment for its participants and uphold the principles of safeguarding. Regular training and communication are essential to ensure that everyone involved in the club is aware of their responsibilities and knows how to respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.
Parents, clubs, and individuals involved in basketball can access valuable resources and information related to safeguarding practices through organisations like Sport England and Basketball England. Here are references to these organisations along with links to their relevant resources:
Sport England:
Sport England is a key organisation in the United Kingdom that promotes sports and physical activity. They provide resources and guidance on safeguarding in sports. Here are some resources available on their website:
Safeguarding in Sport: Sport England provides guidance on safeguarding in sports, including policies, procedures, and best practices. Sport England Safeguarding
Club Matters: Club Matters is a Sport England initiative that offers resources and support for sports clubs. It includes guidance on governance, safeguarding, and more. Club Matters Safeguarding
Basketball England:
Basketball England is the governing body for basketball in England. They provide specific resources and information related to safeguarding in basketball. Here are some relevant resources:
Safeguarding in Basketball: Basketball England offers guidance on safeguarding in basketball, including policies, procedures, and training. Basketball England Safeguarding
DBS Checks: Information on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for individuals working with children and vulnerable adults in basketball. Basketball England DBS Checks
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children):
The NSPCC is a well-known organization in the UK dedicated to child protection. They offer resources and support for parents and clubs concerning child safeguarding.
Child Protection in Sport: NSPCC provides information and resources on child protection in sports, including policies and best practices. NSPCC Child Protection in Sport
Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU):
The CPSU is another organization focused on safeguarding children in sports. They provide resources, training, and guidance for clubs and organizations.
CPSU Resources: The CPSU offers a range of resources and tools to help clubs and organizations implement effective safeguarding practices. CPSU Resources
Parents, clubs, and individuals involved in basketball should regularly visit these websites to access the latest information, policies, and resources related to safeguarding in sports. Staying informed and following best practices is crucial for creating a safe and secure environment for all participants, especially minors.
What Parents Should Ensure:
Qualified Coaches: Parents should confirm that the club or freelance coach has appropriate coaching qualifications and certifications. Look for coaches who are affiliated with recognised governing bodies, like Basketball England, and have completed relevant coaching courses.
Safeguarding Checks: Ensure that coaches working with children have undergone the necessary background checks and hold valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificates or their equivalent in your country.
Safeguarding Policies: Check if the club or coach has clear safeguarding policies and procedures in place. Parents should ask about how safeguarding concerns are addressed and reported within the organization.
Emergency Procedures: Parents should inquire about the club's emergency procedures, including first aid and medical response plans. Coaches should be trained in basic first aid, and there should be access to necessary medical supplies.
Communication: Verify that the club or coach maintains open lines of communication with parents and guardians. Parents should be informed about schedules, changes, and any incidents involving their children promptly.
Behavioral Expectations: Understand the club's code of conduct for coaches, players, and parents. Ensure that these expectations align with your values and expectations for a positive and respectful environment.
Facility Safety: If sessions are held in a specific facility, check if the facility itself meets safety standards and has appropriate safety measures in place.
References and Reviews: Seek references or read reviews from other parents or participants who have experience with the club or coach. This can provide valuable insights into the quality of coaching and the safety of the environment.
Trial Sessions: Before committing, consider attending a trial session or observing a practice to assess the coach's teaching style, the organisation of sessions, and the general atmosphere.
Cost and Commitment: Understand the financial commitment and any obligations before signing up for a club or coach's services.
By following these best practices and ensuring that the coach-to-children ratios are appropriate for the age group, parents can help provide their children with a safe and enriching basketball experience. Effective communication and a focus on safety and quality coaching are key factors in making the right choice for a basketball club or coach.
What requirements do Club Coaches need for all ages and abilities to be licensed and able to coach in training sessions as well as competitions
Level 2 Coaching Qualification: To obtain a full coach license, coaches typically need to have completed the Basketball England Level 2 coaching qualification or its equivalent. This qualification includes both theoretical and practical components, covering various aspects of coaching basketball.
Safeguarding Training: Coaches are often required to complete safeguarding training and hold a valid safeguarding certificate. This training is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes.
First Aid Certification: Many coaching licenses require coaches to hold a valid first aid certificate. This is crucial for handling injuries and medical emergencies during basketball sessions, especially if leading the session, or having a first aider in the room.
DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or its equivalent background check is typically required to ensure that coaches are eligible to work with children and vulnerable individuals. This must be a fully enhanced DBS, with being able to work with Child Work Force on cert.
Coaching Experience: While not always mandatory, having coaching experience, especially at the grassroots level or with youth teams, can be beneficial in the application process.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Coaches may need to demonstrate ongoing professional development by attending coaching clinics, workshops, and courses to keep their coaching skills and knowledge up to date.
Membership: Coaches may need to be registered members of Basketball England or the relevant national basketball governing body.
Code of Conduct: Coaches are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that outlines their responsibilities and behavior as coaches.
Please remember that these requirements are subject to change, and Basketball England may have updated their licensing criteria since my last knowledge update in September 2021. Therefore, it's crucial to refer to the official Basketball England website or contact them directly for the most current information regarding coach licensing requirements. If you require any assistance getting your club or coaches to this level please email saba.youth.safeguarding@gmail.com today.
Note: Failure to meet these requirements will result in coaches not being able to take sessions or coach at competitions.
DBS certificates, First aid, and safeguarding certificates have expiry dates, please ensure you know your renewals, and keep them on record.
Parent Helpers and DBS requirements
It is important to ensure that parent helpers or volunteers who spend a significant amount of time with children in a club or organization have their Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks or equivalent background checks conducted. Here's why this is crucial:
1. Safeguarding and Child Protection: The primary reason for conducting DBS checks on parent helpers and volunteers is to safeguard the welfare and safety of children involved in the club. These checks help identify individuals with a history of criminal convictions, including offenses against children, which might pose a risk to the safety and well-being of children.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In many countries, including the UK, it is a legal requirement for organizations working with children to ensure that individuals who have regular contact with minors have undergone DBS checks. Failing to comply with these legal requirements can lead to legal consequences for the club and its organizers.
3. Trust and Reputation: Ensuring that all adults involved in a club's activities, including parent helpers and volunteers, have been vetted through DBS checks can enhance the trust and reputation of the club within the community. Parents and guardians are more likely to entrust their children to an organization that takes child protection seriously.
4. Peace of Mind: DBS checks provide peace of mind to parents and guardians. Knowing that all adults who interact with their children have undergone background checks helps alleviate concerns about their children's safety.
5. Consistency in Safeguarding Practices: Having consistent DBS checking procedures for all adults involved in the club, whether they are paid staff, volunteers, or parent helpers, ensures that the club maintains a high standard of safeguarding practices across the board.
6. Transparency: Conducting DBS checks on parent helpers and volunteers demonstrates transparency and a commitment to child protection. It sends a clear message that the club prioritises the safety and welfare of its participants.
In some cases, the requirement for DBS checks may depend on the level of contact and responsibility an individual has with children within the club. If parent helpers or volunteers spend a significant amount of time with children, have unsupervised interactions, or are responsible for specific tasks related to the children's well-being (such as coaching or supervising), it is particularly important to conduct DBS checks.
It's important for clubs and organisations to establish clear guidelines and policies regarding DBS checks for all adults involved in their activities and to communicate these requirements to parents, volunteers, and staff. This proactive approach helps create a safer and more secure environment for all participants.
If you have any questions about safeguarding or the code of conduct, please get in touch by emailing welfare.wwbc@gmail.com