These procedures and guidelines were produced in conjunction with the ASA. The term

"child" or "children" refer to all young people under the age of 18 years. Wandsworth

Abuse can occur anywhere there are children - at home, at school, in the park, at the club.

Sadly, there are some people who will seek to be where children are simply in order to abuse

them. Everyone in WSC has a part to play in looking after the children with whom they are

interacting. This is both a moral and, arguably, a legal obligation. The Children Act 1989

indicates that anyone who has the care of a child should "do what is reasonable in all the

circumstances for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare."

religious belief and sexual identity have a right to be protected from abuse.

The Children Act (1989) and Working Together to Protect Children (1999) state that there are four

of, for example, a coach, volunteer or paid helper, family member or another young athlete.

shaking, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm. In a swimming

context it might also occur if a child is forced to train beyond his/her capabilities, or the intensity of

training disregards a disabled person's impairment.

whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact,

including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. In a sporting context it could involve inappropriate

photography or videoing, for the sexual gratification of the viewer.

protected. It is the persistent emotional ill treatment such as to cause severe and persistent adverse

effects on the child's emotional development. In a swimming context this is present in the unrealistic

expectations of parents and coaches over what a child can achieve, or the undermining of an athlete

through ridicule. Bullying is likely to come into this category. Racially and sexually abusive remarks

constitute emotional abuse and it can be a feature of bullying.

resulting in the serious impairment of the child's health or development. It may involve failing to

provide food, warmth adequate clothing, medical attention etc. It could also mean failing to ensure

they are safe or exposing them to harm. In a swimming context it may be when an athlete's personal

or intimate requirements are ignored, particularly if they are disabled.

Recognising child abuse is not always easy - even for the experts. The examples listed below are not

a complete list and they are only indicators -not confirmation:

part of the body not normally prone to such injuries.

know) that abuse is occurring

adequately treated

quiet and withdrawn, or alternatively becomes aggressive

expected to have, or once had, a close relationship, and does not seem to be able to make

friends

for no apparent reason

sexually explicit way.

Bear in mind that physically disabled children and young people are particularly vulnerable to abuse

and may have added difficulties in communicating what is happening to them. Dependency on others

for primary needs such as feeding, clothing and intimate care may make a young person feel

powerless to report abusive treatment. A fear of retribution for "telling" can be a powerful "silencer";

Difficulty in identifying abusive situations or behaviour may allow it to continue.

Please remember, it's not your responsibility to decide whether a child is being abused but we are

asking you to act on your concerns. Make a detailed note of what you've seen or heard but don't delay

passing on the information to an appropriate person.

If you are a WSC member, or the parent/carer or friend of a member, you should

member, coach or team manager - unless, of course, you suspect them of being involved.

who understands both swimming and the requirements of child protection. If you need urgent

advice you have the option to transfer to the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline.

If you are a club officer, coach or team manager you can:

explanation such as a bereavement or pressure from studies/exams

If you are working with swimmers away from home, at a training camp perhaps, or a national or

regional competition, tell the Team Manager or the Head Coach.

information to someone trusted to deal with it appropriately.

explicit details. Don’t ask leading questions (a leading question is one that pre-supposes the

answer e.g. “Did Jim hit you?”).

please don’t delay passing on the information.

It is never easy to respond to a young person who tells you that they are being abused and you may

feel upset and worried yourself. Make sure that you are offered adequate support and an opportunity

for debriefing, bearing in mind confidentiality.

that occasionally there may be no alternative - for example, a child may fall ill and have to be

taken home.

this issue is contained in the ASA Code of Ethics.

need this kind of help particularly when they are in the water.

disabled, make sure you have another adult accompanying you. Get the child’s consent if at

all possible and certainly get consent from the parent/carer. Let the child know what you are

going to do and why.

rooms.

supervised in the changing room.

touching by anyone, in any group for which you have responsibility.

children who are swimming but, nevertheless, seem to spend a lot of time videoing or

photographing them. Report these incidents to the organisers or the pool management

immediately.

protection, the requirement for coaches and helpers to be registered with the ASA and