Policy owner: Diyana Kasabova Tennis Coaching

Safeguarding Lead: Diyana Kasabova, email: dikas.tennis@gmail.com

Based on: LTA Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedure (approved by LTA Board, Feb 2023, next review Feb 2026)

Effective date: July 2025 Review date: July 2028

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1. Policy Statement

We are committed to safeguarding all children under 18 and adults at risk participating in our coaching services. In accordance with LTA’s national strategy and its policy owner - David Humphrey - the welfare of the child is paramount. Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility, and we aim to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment in all our tennis activities.

 

2. Policy Principles

We follow the LTA principles that:

- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

- The welfare of the child is paramount.

- All are entitled to equal protection, regardless of identity or background.

- Concerns are taken seriously and responded to swiftly.

- A safeguarding culture should empower people to protect themselves and others.

- Working together across sport is essential to keep children and adults at risk safe.

 

3. Scope and Application

This policy applies to:

- All children (under 18) and adults at risk engaging with us.

- Coaches, assistants and contractors.

- Parents, carers, and spectators at our sessions.

- Activities within or outside official tennis venues (e.g. camps, tournaments, transport).

We adopt the LTA’s broad definition of participants, aligned with the LTA Disciplinary Code.

 

4. Roles & Responsibilities

- Safeguarding Lead: overall responsibility for policy implementation and being the designated point of contact.

- Coaches and assistants: required to have valid DBS checks, complete safeguarding training every three years, and follow the LTA Code of Conduct.

- Everyone involved must promptly report concerns, including low-level concerns or unsafe behaviour, to the Safeguarding Lead and refer upward if needed.

 

5. Safe Recruitment & Positions of Trust

- We follow a Safe Recruitment process: verifying identity, references, work history, qualifications, and ensuring DBS or equivalent checks are in place for those working with children.

- Coaches and staff in a position of trust must understand their legal responsibilities. Under the 2003 Sexual Offences Act amendment, any sexual activity with a child under 18 in a position of trust is illegal, even if consensual.

 

6. Education, Awareness & Culture

- We promote LTA campaigns such as Safe to Play and support awareness tools like the Young Person’s Welfare Ambassador (YPWA).

- We distribute education materials, engage parents, and ensure children know how to raise concerns.

- We commit to developing a positive safeguarding culture aligned with LTA’s objectives: awareness, education, standards, and victim care.

 

7. Standards of Practice & Behaviour

- Children should not be left alone with coaches in private or unobserved settings.

- Physical contact must only be used when necessary and with consent.

- Parental consent is required for photography, transport, or offsite events.

- We uphold the LTA’s Code of Conduct and ensure respectful, fair and honest behaviour.

 

8. Recognising Abuse & Vulnerability

- Coaches and staff are trained to identify and respond to physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect, as defined in LTA policy Appendix C.

- We are mindful of children more vulnerable due to disability, mental health needs, ethnicity, or elite athletic pressures.

 

9. Reporting & Responding

Low-level concerns: must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead, who will refer to the LTA where needed.

 

Serious concerns or disclosures:

- Call 999 if there is immediate danger.

- Report to the Safeguarding Lead or LTA Safeguarding Team.

- Follow LTA escalation flowcharts (Appendices A and B).

 

Disclosures by a child:

- Stay calm, reassure, do not ask leading questions.

- Do not promise confidentiality—explain you must report.

- Record and report to LTA or police appropriately.

 

10. Confidentiality, Information Sharing & Whistleblowing

- Concerns are handled confidentially and shared only when necessary in line with the 7 Golden Rules of Information Sharing.

- Secure record keeping of what was shared, with whom and why.

- Whistleblowing options include Safeguarding Lead, LTA, NSPCC, or Safecall.

 

11. Monitoring & Review

- Policy reviewed annually or in line with LTA updates or legislative changes.

- Safeguarding practice is reviewed via training feedback and annual reviews by Sport England and CPSU.

- We track concerns, training completions and improvements.

 

12. Key Contacts

Safeguarding Lead: Diyana Kasabova  – dikas.tennis@gmail.com

LTA Safeguarding Team – 020 8487 7000

NSPCC Whistleblowing – 0800 028 0285

Safecall – 0800 915 1571