Safeguarding

Brentwood Tennis Club - Safeguarding Policy

Copies of the Safeguarding Policy Document in full, are kept behind in a folder in the  reception area and encourage adult and junior members and parents to ask to see the policy and make themselves of the procedures that are in place for your Safeguarding.

Brentwood 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 summary and full safeguarding policy and a can be found here.

Brentwood Safeguarding Summary

Brentwood Full Safeguarding Policy

The club recognises 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 Brentwood in a safe and inclusive environment
  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis.

Brentwood has a duty of care to all of the children/adults at risk who play tennis within the club. Safeguarding children and adults at risk requires everyone to be committed to the highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability.

The club is committed to encouraging and maintaining a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously.

Code of Conduct

All adult Brentwood 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, Denise Milnes.
  • 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)
  • 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
  • Behave, respect and listen to your coach and adult members and accept their decisions
  • 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
  • Talk to the club Welfare Officer, Denise Milnes 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, coaches and officers with respect
  • Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
  • Accept the coach’s/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 any essential medical history
  • Ensure your child properly uses and takes care of the courts and clubhouse.

Concern Reporting Procedure -  the 3 Rs.

Anyone who is concerned about the well-being of a child/ adult at risk, or has a disclosure of abuse or neglect made to them must:

RESPOND

If you have a concern about a child/adult at risk, or have a disclosure of abuse or neglect made to you, look in the Safeguarding Policy.

You can not just ignore it - you must do something.

REFER

If someone is in immediate danger: Call the police on 999

and

Speak to our Welfare Officer, Denise Milnes 07763 357649

If unavailable, call the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000,

the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) 0114 2734850 or NSPCC for advice.

If someone is in NOT immediate danger:

Speak to our Welfare Officer, Denise Milnes 07763 357649

If unavailable, call the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000,

the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) 0114 2734850 or NSPCC for advice.

Inform the parent/carer of your concern, unless of course it will put the child, the adult or yourself at risk

RECORD

Make a detailed account of the facts and the action taken as soon as possible so it is fresh in your mind and ready to hand to the appropriate person or agency.