Safeguarding Policy Statement

Musselburgh Tennis Club acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk. The Club is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and LTA requirements. A copy of the Club’s full safeguarding policy is available here - MTC Safeguarding Policy

The club’s safeguarding policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children and adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children:

• Have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at Musselburgh Tennis Club in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis. Musselburgh Tennis Club acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy Musselburgh Tennis Club will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and adults at risk.
• Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults at risk.
• Encourage and maintain a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously.
• Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
• Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.
• Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals.
• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

The Club’s Welfare Officer, Simon Stone can be contacted in person or by email (welfare@mtc.scot). The Club’s policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Musselburgh Tennis Club. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed and may result in dismissal/exclusion from the Club.

Whistleblowing

Anyone who does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer should contact the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. Further details about whistleblowing can be found in the club’s safeguarding policy.

Monitoring

The Club’s safeguarding policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance.
• As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board or LTA.
• As a result of any other significant change or event.

(Adopted November 2018)

Health & Safety

Musselburgh Tennis Club is committed to ensuring the Health & Safety of our members and guests. To support this aim, we are committed to the following duties:

• Discuss Health & Safety matters at all Board meetings.
• Undertake regular, recorded Risk Assessments of the Club premises and activities undertaken by the Club.
• As far as reasonably practical, create a safe environment by putting measures in place as identified by the Risk Assessment.
• Ensure that all accidents and injuries sustained during any Club activity or whilst on the Club premises are reported (using our Accident & Incident Form) and further action taken, if necessary.
• Ensure courts are maintained in accordance with recommendations made by the surface manufacturer and maintenance agreements in place through East Lothian Council.
• Provide access to adequate First Aid facilities at the Club.

Risk Assessment

Musselburgh Tennis Club will carry out an annual risk assessment of the Club facilities to identify potential hazards. We will consider the results of the Risk Assessment at a Board meeting and implement appropriate actions to ensure that we maintain a safe environment for our members.

Sun Safety

Musselburgh Tennis Club recognises the importance of protection against the potential harmful effects of the sun. While this is relevant to all players, it is particularly important for our junior members. We recommend reading and following the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code and the following simple guidance is extracted from that code:

• Clothing is the best form of defence - children should wear long sleeved shirts, caps and sunglasses.
• We recommend the use of SPF30+ sunscreen - don't forget the hard to reach places.
• All children should bring water bottles and should be encouraged to drink regularly.
• Avoid playing in extremes of heat, for example temperatures over 30 degrees celsius.
• Look out for signs of heat exhaustion - fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or hot, red and dry skin.
• Coaches should lead by example.