Child Protection Policy
1 - Child Protection Policy Statement
2. Travel & Hosing Policy
3 - Bullying Policy
Equality Statement
Confidentiality Statement
1. TRACKSIDE LAWN TENNIS CLUB CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. Every individual in the club should at all times show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the club and the guidelines contained in the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport.
“Children have the right to be protected from all forms of violence; they must be kept safe from harm, and they must be given proper care by those looking after them “
(Article19 ; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)
All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. Ireland and the UK have adopted and are committed to the European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as:
“much more than playing within the rules. It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing within the right spirit.
Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating, gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), exploitation, unequal opportunities, excessive commercialism and corruption.”
(European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993) The Childcare Act 1991 (ROI) and The Children’s (NI) Order (1995) are based on a clear and consistent set of principles designed with the common aim of promoting the welfare of children.
Children have the right to be safe. All coaches should ensure that this fundamental principle takes precedence over all other considerations.
Standards set by Trackside Lawn Tennis Club will be achieved through ensuring the Club: –
· Adopt and implement the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport as an integral part of its policy on children in the Club
· Have its constitution approved and adopted by club’s members at an AGM or EGM
· Permit all members over 16 years of age to vote, where possible, in the running of their junior section. One parent / guardian should have one vote for all their children under 16 years of age, where relevant
· Ensure that the Club Management Committee is elected or endorsed by registered club members at each AGM
· Adopt and consistently apply a safe and clearly defined method of recruiting and selecting Sports Leaders
· Clearly define the role of the committee members, all Sports Leaders and parents/ guardians
· Appoint/ Reappoint at least one children’s officer at the AGM as outlined in the C.o.E . In the event that a club caters for both boys and girls, one children’s officer of each gender should ideally be appointed.
· Appoint one of the Children’s Officers to act as Designated Officer to liaise with the Statutory Authorities in relation to the reporting of allegations or suspicions of child abuse. Any such reports should be made according to the procedures outlined in this Code/ Children First/ Our Duty to Care
· Ensure best practice throughout the club by disseminating its code of conduct, including the disciplinary, complaints and appeals procedures in operation within the club to all its members.
· The club’s code of conduct should also be posted in all facilities used by the club
· Have in place procedures for dealing with a concern or complaint made to the Statutory Authorities against a Committee Member or Sports Leader. Regulations should stipulate that a Sports Leader who is the subject of an allegation which has been reported to the Statutory Authorities, should stand aside while the matter is being examined.
· S/he should be invited to resume full duties immediately if s/he is vindicated
· Ensure that relevant Sports Leaders report to the Club Management Committee on a regular basis.
· Encourage regular turnover of committee membership while ensuring continuity and experience.
· Develop effective procedures for responding to and recording accidents/ incidents
· Ensure that any unusual activity (high rate of drop-out, transfers, etc.) is checked out and reported by the Designated Officer to Tennis Ireland
· Ensure that all club members are given adequate notice of AGMs and other meetings
· Ensure that all minutes of all meetings (AGMs / EGMs / Committees) are recorded and safely filed.
This policy applies to all those involved in Trackside Lawn Tennis Club, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteer drivers, parents and young people.
Copies of the full policy and detailed guidelines on recruitment, reporting, recording accidents/incidents, bullying, away trips and use of photography are available from the designated person or any club official.
CHILDREN’S OFFICERS
The Children’s Officers within the Club are:
· Ciara Darbey - 086 3705728
· Ryan Hannon - 086 8185917
Names of Children’s Officers shall be made known to young members, coaches and parents alike as the Designated Persons to whom concerns will be addressed. If the concern is about the Children’s Officer, please report to the Club Chairperson - Conrad Childs - 087 7852766
The club has procedures in place for dealing with any concern or allegation of abuse either within the club or externally, but the first point of contact for a child, parent/guardian or coach should be the Children’s Officer, although any individual has the right to contact the HSE / Social Services or the Police if they have a concern about a child’s safety.
Travel & Hosting Policy
Away, Hosting & Overnight.
This policy deals with a number of matters which come under the general heading of Travel including travel, supervision and behaviour on away matches or on club organised extended trips away. It also sets out the Club’s policy in regard to acting as a host or being hosted.
Away Matches
Similar to away trips, the level of supervision for away matches will be no more than 6 children per adult. There will be at least one adult of each gender with mixed groups. All adults who travel to away matches will be carefully chosen, using the Club’s recruitment and selection procedures. One of the adults will be appointed as Team Manager. He/she will have overall responsibility for the conduct of all members of the team (including adult supervisors).
Written permission of parents/guardians allowing their child/children to take part should be obtained for all away matches. This will include permission to travel and any medical/special needs of the child (including permission to treat the child).
Children will be reminded of their obligation to abide by the relevant Code of Conduct for Children.
Transporting Young People
The club could not operate without the goodwill of volunteers and parents ensuring that children are transported to events and returned home in a private car. Sport Ireland and Sport NI do not state that coaches/ volunteers can never transport a young person by themselves. They do, however, recommend individuals and organisations recognise the risks and put in place appropriate measures to reduce these risks
Easy rules to remember when a club are organising transport
· It is good practice to receive informed consent from parents and young people who will be transporting their child, why and how long the journey will take.
· Attempt to have more than one child in the car.
· Alternate drivers if possible and which child is dropped off last.
· The driver should have a point of contact/mobile phone.
· A person other than the planned driver should talk to the child about transport arrangements to check they are comfortable about the plans.
· The driver must ensure that they have insurance to carry others and that they follow the rules of the road including the legal use of seatbelts.
· Drivers representing and volunteering on behalf of a club should be vetted through the National Vetting Bureau if driving regularly, and therefore meeting the regulated activity criteria.
· Consider the need for booster seats.
Personal arrangements between parents
If parents make personal arrangements between themselves this is not the responsibility of the club unless there are particular concerns about a parent’s ability to drive for example due to the consumption of alcohol.
The use of booster seats
From 2006, the law in Europe requires all children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles to be carried using an appropriate child restraint until either they have reached the age of 12 years or are 150 cm (5’ in Republic of Ireland) and 135 cms (4’ 5” in Northern Ireland) or whichever comes first with very few exceptions.
The European law allowed countries to opt for a minimum height of between 135 and 150 cm. For more information visit; www.rsa.ie
Signing off on Trips Away
The club will identify a person who is responsible for signing off on the trip and to ensure that all the necessary policies and procedures are in place prior to travelling to the Event. The Children’s Officer, the Designated Liaison Officer should be the last port of call for the Club and the Branches and the National Coordinator should sign off for players travelling to events organized by our NGB.
Juniors and parents should adhere to TLTC’s Codes of Conduct when hosting teams and when playing in other clubs.
Trackside LTC Bullying Policy
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club is aware of the potential for bullying behaviour taking place within sports clubs. This document defines bullying and sets out the Club‟s anti-bullying policy, the supports to be put in place for victims of bullying and those involved in bullying, and the procedures to be followed if incidents occur.
The Club will not accept or condone bullying behaviour and encourages all members to report such instances which will be dealt promptly and in a supportive, sensitive and confidential manner. While the more extreme forms of bullying i.e. physical or emotional abuse will be reported to An Garda Síochána and/or other statutory authorities as appropriate, dealing with bullying behaviour amongst young people in the club will, in the first instance, be the responsibility of the Club‟s Children‟s Officers.
Any reported incident of bullying will be investigated objectively and will involve listening carefully to all those involved
What is Bullying?
Bullying is defined by the Department of Education and Skills guidelines as unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.
It is behaviour that is intentionally aggravating and intimidating and occurs mainly in social environments such as schools, clubs and other organisations working with children and young people.
It includes behaviours such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting and extortion against a victim.
Types of Bullying:
It is important to note that bullying involving children/young people can occur in a number of contexts:
Child-to-child: includes physical aggression, verbal bullying, intimidation, damage to property and isolation;
Adult-to-Child: includes the use of repeated gestures or expressions of a threatening or intimidatory nature, or any comment intended to degrade the child; and,
Child-to-adult: includes the use of repeated gestures or expressions of a threatening or intimidatory nature by an individual child or a group of children to degrade the adult.
Bullying can include online as well as offline behaviour.
Bullying can include:
• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc…
• Name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and emotional torment through ridicule, humiliation or the continual ignoring of individuals.
• Posting of derogatory or abusive comments, videos or images on social network sites.
• Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures, sectarianism, sexual comments, suggestions or behaviour.
• Unwanted physical contact.
Children with a disability, from ethnic minorities, young people who are gay or lesbian, or those with learning difficulties are more vulnerable to this form of abuse and are more likely to be targeted.
Bullying - The Warning Signs
All bullies operate using furtiveness, threats and fear. Bullying can therefore only survive in an environment where the victim does not feel empowered to tell someone who can help or in which it is not safe to do so.
The following indicators are warning signs that a young person might be getting bullied:
- Reluctance to come to a Club or take part in activities
- Physical signs (unexplained bruises, scratches, or damage to belongings)
- Stress-caused illness – headaches, and stomach aches which seem unexplained
- Fearful behaviour (fear of walking to scout meeting, going different routes, asking to be driven)
- Frequent loss of „subs‟ or shortage of money with vague explanations
- Having few friends
- Changes in behaviour (withdrawn, stammering, moody, irritable, upset, distressed)
- Not eating Attempting suicide or hinting at suicide Anxiety (shown by nail-biting, fearfulness, tics)
The club will:
• Recognise its duty of care and responsibility to safeguard all participants from harm.
• Promote and implement this anti-bullying policy in addition to our safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Seek to ensure that bullying behaviour is not accepted or condoned.
• Require all members of the club to be given information about, and sign up to, this policy.
• Take action to investigate and respond to any alleged incidents of bullying.
• Encourage and facilitate children and young people to play an active part in developing and adopting a code of conduct to address bullying.
• Ensure that coaches are given access to information, guidance and/or training on bullying.
Each participant, coach, volunteer or official will:
• Respect every child’s need for, and rights to, a play environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available.
• Respect the feelings and views of others.
• Recognise that everyone is important and that our differences make each of us special and should be valued.
• Show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities, contributions and progress.
• Be committed to the early identification of bullying, and prompt and collective action to deal with it.
• Ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed for all to see. • Report incidents of bullying they see to the club children’s officer – by doing nothing you are condoning bullying.
Support to the child:
• Children should know who will listen to and support them.
• Systems should be established to open the door to children wishing to talk about bullying or any other issue that affects them.
• Potential barriers to talking (including those associated with a child’s disability or impairment) need to be identified and addressed at the outset to enable children to approach adults for help.
• Children should have access to Helpline numbers.
• Anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened to carefully and be supported.
• Any reported incident of bullying will be investigated objectively and will involve listening carefully to all those involved.
• Children being bullied will be supported and assistance given to uphold their right to play and live in a safe environment which allows their healthy development.
• Those who bully will be supported and encouraged to stop bullying.
• Sanctions for those bullying others that involve long periods of isolation, or which diminish and make individuals look or feel foolish in front of others, will be avoided.
Support to the parents/guardians:
• Parents/guardians should be advised on the club’s bullying policy and practice.
• Any incident of bullying will be discussed with the child’s parent(s)/carers.
• Parents will be consulted on action to be taken (for both victim and bully) and agreements made as to what action should be taken.
• Information and advice on coping with bullying will be made available.
• Support should be offered to the parent(s) including information on other agencies or support lines.
Useful Contacts:
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC): www.ispcc.ie/shield
Anti-Bullying Centre DCU: www4.dcu.ie/abc/index.shtml
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Sticks and Stones: 087 9015199 or www.sticksandstones.ie
ChildLine UK: 0800 11 11 / www.childline.org.uk
ChildLine Republic of Ireland: 1800 66 66 66 or Text Talk to 50101, www.childline.ie
Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum: www.niabf.org.uk
Kidscape: www.kidscape.org.uk Anti-Bullying Alliance: www.antibullyingalliance.org
- Safeguarding Guidance - Tennis Ireland
EQUALITY STATEMENT
All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, sex, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion. Children, irrespective of ability or disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated and inclusive way, whenever possible, thus allowing them to participate to their full potential alongside other children (Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport 2000)
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club recognises the additional vulnerability of some children and the extra difficulties they may face when seeking help, i.e.
· Dependency due to disability may make some children feel powerless
· On occasions possible limited ability to communicate their feelings
· A negative self image can make children vulnerable to manipulation by others.
To address this vulnerability coaches will seek guidance on working with children with a disability from external agencies, parents / guardians and the children themselves.
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
We at Trackside Lawn Tennis Club recognise that the legal principle that the welfare of the child is paramount means that consideration of confidentiality should not be allowed to override the right of children to be protected from harm. Everyone in our organisation, including children, must be aware that they can never promise to keep secrets. However, information of a confidential nature will only be communicated on a ‘need to know’ basis.
A full Child Protection policy document is available within club premises.
TENNIS IRELAND CHILD SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT - May 2025
Tennis Ireland provides sporting activities and opportunities for children and young people through participation in parks, clubs, regional, provincial events and with our representative teams. Tennis Ireland is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All our affiliated stakeholders work under the guidance and policies of our Safeguarding Code. All our volunteers and staff working with children throughout the organisation, seek to create a safe environment for children and young people to participate in Tennis.
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club’s Safeguarding Risk Assessment indicates the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance or process documents required to alleviate these risks. The list of risks identified are contained in the following categories: Club and Coaching Practices; Complaints & Disciplinary; Reporting Procedures; Use of Facilities; Recruitment; Communications; and General Risk of Harm.
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club’s Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, (the Children First: National Guidance and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice) and Gateway Northern Ireland. In addition to our Risk Assessment document described above, there are further procedures that support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our services.
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club has the following procedures in place as part of the Tennis Ireland Safeguarding Code.
· Procedures for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct by staff or volunteers against a child availing of our activities
· Procedures for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers to work with children in our activities
· Procedures for access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm
· Procedure for the reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to the Statutory Authorities.
The Mandated Person for Tennis Ireland is Roger Geraghty, phone: 086 2316478.
We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. We are committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our services. This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed every 2 years.
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club
Seagrange Park
Baldoyle
Dublin D13 EY11
Phone: 0838367075
Email: tracksideltc@hotmail.com
__________________________________________________________________
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club’s Chairperson:
Name: Conrad Childs
Signed: in Club
__________________________________________________________________
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club’s Children’s Officers:
Name: Ciara Darbey
Signed: In club
Name: Ryan Hannon
Signed: In club
For any queries about this Child Safeguarding Statement, please contact the relevant Children’s Officer.
Trackside Lawn Tennis Club is not responsible for providing adult supervision for children except for formal coaching, matches and competitions. The club does not accept responsibility for independent recreational play e.g. two juniors arriving at the club on their own to play a game or children being left unsupervised while their parents/guardians are playing tennis. It is strongly recommended that if children are playing at the club
independently of the clubs organised activities that a parent/guardian stays with them for the duration of the activity
May 2025