Kilmarnock Tennis Club is committed to prioritising the wellbeing 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 everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.
Our safeguarding policy is available in the clubhouse. The main points are noted below:
- Check that you 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, training and support to carry them out
- Where possible, do not be alone with a child or adult at risk
- Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interoperated as such
- Doing nothing is NOT an option: report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, following the Concern Reporting Procedure
- If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (999)
As an LTA registered venue, we are part of the 'Safe to Play' safeguarding awareness campaign.
Concern reporting procedure
Respond
Listen carefully to what the person is telling you. Do not interrupt; keep questions to a minimum; do not promise to keep the information secret.
Refer
If someone is in immediate danger then phone the police (999). Otherwise, talk to the club's welfare officer, Elaine Semple, who can be contacted on 07805 600937 or elainesemple@sky.com. Also, contact the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team (020 8487 7000) which is available on weekdays from 9am to 5pm. If this team is unavailable, and you require advice on child-related matters urgently, call the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) or Parent Line Scotland (0800 028 2233).
If your concern is about a child or a vulnerable adult, contact East Ayrshire Council Social Work Standby (0800 328 7758).
Hate crime can be reported through True Vision.
Record
Submit an objective account of your concerns immediately using the Registering A Concern online form on the LTA website.
Handling a concern/disclosure can be emotionally difficult. If you would like to talk to someone after making a concern/disclosure, contact the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team by phone 020 8487 7000 or email safeandinclusive@lta.org.uk.
Diversity, inclusion and whistleblowing
Kilmarnock Tennis Club has policies on diversity, inclusion and whistleblowing. The NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice line is 0800 028 0285. The LTA has a long-term strategy for inclusion.
Photography and filming policy
The club adheres to the LTA photography and filming policy (in conjunction with best practice guidelines and our livestreaming policy) to ensure that all children, young people and adults at risk are safeguarded from abuse and have an enjoyable tennis experience.
If you are the parent/carer of a child who is not a club member and attends the coaching programme, and you object to their photos/videos being shared on the club's social media platforms, please contact the welfare officer at elainesemple@sky.com.
Other club policies
The following policies are also in place:
- Online safety and communication
- Safe recruitment
- Changing rooms
- Anti-bullying
- Unsupervised children
- Guidelines for County Cup and league matches
- Safeguarding at events, activities and competitions
- Staying safe online
Fair play
The club expects all participants to adhere to the LTA's fair play pledges. These apply to juniors, adults, parents, coaches and officials.
Club welfare officer
The welfare officer for Kilmarnock Tennis Club is Elaine Semple who can be contacted on 07805 600937 and elainesemple@sky.com.