Child Protection
Camp Hill RFC Child Protection Policies
It is the responsibility of all adults at Camp Hill to ensure that all young people, whatever their age, gender, culture, ability, language, racial origin and/or sexual identity can play in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Coaches/helpers should try to make sure that:
All players get equal opportunity to play.
The young people play for fun and winning is only part of it.
They motivate youngsters through positive feedback and constructive criticism.
Contact skills are taught in a safe secure manner.
The children don’t play/train when injured.
The equipment is safe and appropriate to the child’s age/ ability.
CHILD ABUSE
Being involved with children means coaches/helpers must be aware that child abuse does happen. It is generally acknowledged that there are five main types of abuse.
Physical Abuse - causing physical harm to a child.
Sexual Abuse - forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.
Emotional Abuse - making them feel they are inadequate, worthless, frightened or in danger. It can also occur if unrealistic expectations are made of a child.
Neglect - the most common form of child abuse - not meeting a child’s basic needs such as food, warmth, medical attention. Also not ensuring they are safe.
Bullying - Deliberate hostility and aggression towards a weaker victim- can be physical (hitting, theft) verbal (threats, racist remarks) and emotional (isolating an individual )
Recognition of Abuse
Recognising abuse is not always easy even for the experts. The examples given are not a complete list they are only indicators- not confirmation:
The child says they are being abused or someone else says they believe ( or actually know ) that abuse is occurring.
The child has an injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent.
The child’s behaviour changes, either over time or quite suddenly, they could become quiet and withdrawn or alternatively become aggressive.
Someone else; a child or an adult, expressing concern about the welfare of another child or young person.
The child appears to not trust adults e.g. a parent or coach with whom they would be expected to have or once had a close relationship.
Having difficulty in making friends and being prevented from socialising with other children or young people.
They become increasingly neglected-looking in appearance or lose/gain weight for no apparent reason.
The child shows inappropriate sexual awareness for their age or behaves in a sexually explicit way.
This list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more indicators is not proof that abuse is taking place. All children and young people will suffer cuts, bruising and grazes from time to time and their behaviour may sometimes give cause for concern. There may well be reasons for these factors other than abuse. If, however you are concerned about the welfare of a child or young person YOU MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY! Do not assume someone else will.
Also, please bear in mind that children with disabilities/learning difficulties are more vulnerable to abuse and may have added difficulties in communicating what is happening to them.
GOOD PRACTICE
The following are a few good practice procedures for coaches/helpers to follow so they and the children they work with can enjoy the game in a safe environment.
Do not depart until all the children have been collected or are with a parent/guardian.
Always be publicly open - avoid situations where you and an individual child are completely unobserved.
Do not take children alone on car journeys, but if unavoidable to keep the child safe notify parents and/or the club.
Physical handling/touching should only be used for safety reasons or where there is no other way of coaching the technique. (It is recognised that some children may need help with things like lace tying, fitting head guards etc.)
If supervising in changing rooms individuals should always be in pairs and of the appropriate gender.
Coaches/ helpers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all and treat everyone with equality.
Carol Perrigo
Club Safeguard Officer
01217452175
07952044969
It is the responsibility of all adults at Camp Hill to ensure that all young people, whatever their age, gender, culture, ability, language, racial origin and/or sexual identity can play in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Coaches/helpers should try to make sure that:
All players get equal opportunity to play.
The young people play for fun and winning is only part of it.
They motivate youngsters through positive feedback and constructive criticism.
Contact skills are taught in a safe secure manner.
The children don’t play/train when injured.
The equipment is safe and appropriate to the child’s age/ ability.
CHILD ABUSE
Being involved with children means coaches/helpers must be aware that child abuse does happen. It is generally acknowledged that there are five main types of abuse.
Physical Abuse - causing physical harm to a child.
Sexual Abuse - forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.
Emotional Abuse - making them feel they are inadequate, worthless, frightened or in danger. It can also occur if unrealistic expectations are made of a child.
Neglect - the most common form of child abuse - not meeting a child’s basic needs such as food, warmth, medical attention. Also not ensuring they are safe.
Bullying - Deliberate hostility and aggression towards a weaker victim- can be physical (hitting, theft) verbal (threats, racist remarks) and emotional (isolating an individual )
Recognition of Abuse
Recognising abuse is not always easy even for the experts. The examples given are not a complete list they are only indicators- not confirmation:
The child says they are being abused or someone else says they believe ( or actually know ) that abuse is occurring.
The child has an injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent.
The child’s behaviour changes, either over time or quite suddenly, they could become quiet and withdrawn or alternatively become aggressive.
Someone else; a child or an adult, expressing concern about the welfare of another child or young person.
The child appears to not trust adults e.g. a parent or coach with whom they would be expected to have or once had a close relationship.
Having difficulty in making friends and being prevented from socialising with other children or young people.
They become increasingly neglected-looking in appearance or lose/gain weight for no apparent reason.
The child shows inappropriate sexual awareness for their age or behaves in a sexually explicit way.
This list is not exhaustive and the presence of one or more indicators is not proof that abuse is taking place. All children and young people will suffer cuts, bruising and grazes from time to time and their behaviour may sometimes give cause for concern. There may well be reasons for these factors other than abuse. If, however you are concerned about the welfare of a child or young person YOU MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY! Do not assume someone else will.
Also, please bear in mind that children with disabilities/learning difficulties are more vulnerable to abuse and may have added difficulties in communicating what is happening to them.
GOOD PRACTICE
The following are a few good practice procedures for coaches/helpers to follow so they and the children they work with can enjoy the game in a safe environment.
Do not depart until all the children have been collected or are with a parent/guardian.
Always be publicly open - avoid situations where you and an individual child are completely unobserved.
Do not take children alone on car journeys, but if unavoidable to keep the child safe notify parents and/or the club.
Physical handling/touching should only be used for safety reasons or where there is no other way of coaching the technique. (It is recognised that some children may need help with things like lace tying, fitting head guards etc.)
If supervising in changing rooms individuals should always be in pairs and of the appropriate gender.
Coaches/ helpers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all and treat everyone with equality.
Carol Perrigo
Club Safeguard Officer
01217452175
07952044969
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