Code of Practice and Procedure

The 1989 Children’s Act defines children as persons of less than 18 years of age.
Vulnerable Adults are defined as persons aged 18 or over who:
a) are in need of assistance by reasons of mental, physical or learning disability, age or illness, and who
b) are unable to take care of themselves or to protect themselves against significant harm or serious exploitation which may be occasioned by the acts or omissions of other people.
References to Children in this document should be taken to include vulnerable adults.

1. Policy Statement
The child’s welfare is paramount and the club is committed to provide a safe place for them.
The Club member with responsibility for Child protection is Pamela Mason.

2. Recognising Abuse
Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults.
a) Physical abuse
- where children are hurt or injured.
- given substances such as alcohol or drugs
b) Sexual abuse
- inappropriate touching
- taking pornographic photographs
- unlawful intercourse
c) Mental cruelty
- subjected to undue criticism
- put under unreasonable pressure to perform
- taunted or unnecessarily shouted at
d) Bullying
- deliberately hurtful behaviour usually repeated over a period of time
- usually victims are shy, sensitive, anxious and insecure.
e) Neglect
- leaving children unsupervised
- failing to ensure they are safe or exposing them to unnecessary risk or injury

3. Scrutiny of Members
All members who have or are likely to have significant contact with under 18s will be subject to scrutiny and must provide to the Club Child Protection co-ordinator:
a) a statement indicating whether of not they have any conviction for criminal offences against children
b) their consent to checks being made with the police and social services.

4. Prevention of Abuse - Good Practice Guide
The club will point out to parents (carers) of under 18s who take part in club activities that the club will take every possible care of the children but they cannot be deemed to be in loco parentis in respect of children using club facilities.
i) Club members do not
- take children alone in their car
- take children to their own homes
- spend time alone with children except for essential training purposes or in exceptional cases to treat or prevent an injury.
ii) Club members should never
- allow children to use inappropriate language
- make suggestive comments to a child
- do things of a personal nature for children
- engage in physical or sexually provocative games
- engage in inappropriate touching
All allegations made by a child must be acted on.

5. What to do if there are allegations of abuse
- there may be three types of investigations:
i) A criminal investigation (police)
ii) A child protection investigation (social services)
iii) A disciplinary or misconduct investigation (club/CA)
If a child complains she/he is being abused
- ensure the child is safe and feels secure
- tell the child you are taking the complaint seriously
- document what the child has said as soon as possible but do not start an investigation
- tell the child you will have to tell somebody else on a need to know basis but emphasise confidentiality
- do not take sole responsibility or ask inappropriate questions, try to ensure another adult is present.
- avoid touching the child

6. Good Practice for clubs
Plan the club’s programme to minimise the situation where abuse can occur.
Publicise guidelines on how to deal with abuse.
Members who have concerns should tell the club’s Child Protection co-ordinator immediately.
Disciplinary procedures will be established through a sub-committee of the Chairman or Vice Chairman and two other members, with the Child Protection co-ordinator in attendance.
Ensure children’s complaints are listened to.

7. Web site
The club will not include details of names, addresses, e-mails or telephone numbers of any child on the web site or in printed publications.

8. Parental Consent form:
A consent form must be completed by a parent or carer for any child attending an individual session or course of lessons if the child is left on their own at the club.

P. Mason July 2005
Adopted by the Committee :
SUSSEX COUNTY CROQUET CLUB
Victoria Road
Southwick
BN42 4DJ
Tel: 01273 591874

PARENTAL CONSENT FORM

Croquet is an everyday fun activity and the Sussex County Croquet Club aims to make it safe and enjoyable for all participants. The club has a policy on prevention of Child Abuse, a copy of which is available on the notice board, from a club coach or club official.

Participant details

Name………………………………………………………………… Age………………..

Disability Yes No

If yes, what is the nature of the participant’s disability………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please provide medical information relating to any medication or allergies that your child may have and we need to be aware of:………………………………………………………………

Parent or Carer details

Address………………………………………………………………… Post Code…………

Contact Tel:……………………………….Mobile……………………………………

I understand that while every precaution will be taken to ensure that accidents do not happen, the croquet coaches cannot necessarily be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury suffered by my child.

Signature……………………………………………..

Your name in block capitals…………………………………… Date……………………