The Armley Tennis Club is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and adults at risk, promoting safeguarding in our club at all times, including all programmes and events we run. All activities, events and trips arranged by the club run in accordance with the LTA’s Safeguarding at Events and Competitions Guidance. This Policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive tennis experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY: NOT RESPONDING TO A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN IS NOT AN OPTION.

• Our club’s committee has overall accountability for this Policy and its implementation
• Our club Welfare Officer Kate Hoggard is responsible for updating this Policy in line with legislative and club developments 
• All individuals involved in/present at the club are required to adhere to the Policy and Code of Conduct
• The LTA Safeguarding Team and Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and Tennis Foundation Safeguarding Leads can offer support to help clubs proactively safeguard.

Codes of Conduct

All volunteers and members agree to:

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times
• Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
• Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court
• Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language
• Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer
• Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk
• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
• Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
• Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
• Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)
• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions
• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
• Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances
• Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle
• Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
• Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for
• Be acutely aware of the power that coaches and coaching assistants develop over players in the coaching relationship and avoid any intimacy (sexual or otherwise) with players

All children agree to:

• Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
• Play fairly and honestly
• Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions
• Behave, respect and listen to your coach
• Take care of your equipment and club property
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
• Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
• Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
• Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events
• Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others

All parents and carers agree to:

• Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis
• Use appropriate language at all times
• Be realistic and supportive
• Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match
• Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect
• Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
• Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
• Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
• Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
• Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
• Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct
• Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations
• Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history