Douai Park Tennis Club

Safeguarding Policy

Douai Park 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.  This policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive tennis experience for all and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/ disclosures.

The full policy can be found here

You can report a concern to the Lawn Tennis Associaation here

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The Club is equally committed to ensuring that tennis at the Club is inclusive and diverse. 

The full policy can be found here

Policy on Unsupervised Children

We recommend that children under the age of 10 are supervised by their parents/carer whilst at this tennis venue and outside of any venue sessions, such as coaching lessons or tennis camps.

Children under the agreed age of supervision should never be left unsupervised by a parent/carer even if there are other adult venue members or staff present. If the parent/carer is unable to supervise their child, arrangements need to be made by the parent/carer to designate an alternative adult to supervise. The venue and child must be aware of any such arrangements.

Arriving and leaving a venue alone.

Children under the agreed age of supervision should not be allowed to arrive at or leave the venue alone unless you have written consent from the parent/carer.

Safe and Inclusive Code of Conduct

All employees, those under contractual arrangements, Club officials, volunteers, members and others using the Club facilities are required to abide by this Code of Conduct. This is required in order to support the Club in providing a welcoming and safe environment for all children and young people and in the implementation of its child protection policy and procedures.

The Code of Conduct should be interpreted in a spirit of integrity, transparency and common sense, with the best interests of children and adults at risk as the primary consideration.

Those working in the Club should at all times:

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults.
• Treat everyone 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.
• 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.
• Ensure your own roles and responsibilities, and those of everyone you are responsible for, are clearly outlined and everyone has the information and training to carry them out.
• Where possible, do not be alone with a child or adult at risk (N.B. LTA guidance does allow for public 1 to 1 coaching as defined within the good practice guidelines).
• Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone or act in a way that may be interpreted as such.
• Doing nothing is NOT an option: report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, to the Club Welfare Officer. If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (999).

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 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, intimate 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 Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others.

All parents 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 everyone at the Club with respect.
• Behave responsibly at the Club.
• Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules.
• Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue.
• Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
• Ensure your child understands their code of conduct.
• Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history.

Contact details

Club Welfare Officer

Catharine Deller

07551 903374

catharinedeller@yahoo.com

LTA Safeguarding Team

020 8487 7000

(Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

safeandinclusive@lta.org.uk

NSPCC

0808 800 5000