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Welfare
The Club takes the welfare of all its members very seriously. However,
the position of Welfare Officer, which is independent of
the Management Committee, is currently unfilled.
THE ASA ROLE
The Club has a responsibility to:
1. Safeguard and promote the interests and well-being of children with whom it
is working;
2. Take all reasonable practical steps to protect them from harm,
discrimination, or degrading treatment;
3. Respect their rights, wishes and feelings.
Child protection procedures can:
1. Offer safeguards to the children with whom we work, and to our members of
staff, volunteers and those in affiliated organisations;
2. Help to maintain the professionalism and the standards of practice, which are
associated with the member of the ASFGB (Amateur Swimming Federation of Great
Britain).
Guiding Principles:
1. The Child’s welfare is paramount.
2. All Children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language,
racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to
protection from abuse.
3. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously; and
responded to appropriately.
4. Anyone under the age of 18 years should be considered as a child for the
purposes of this document.
The abuse of children falls into one of four categories. The areas that are most
likely to occur in a swimming environment are:
1. Physical Abuse
The commonly known symptoms are children being hit, shaken, squeezed,
burned, bitten, given alcohol, inappropriate drugs or poison.
This can also include the inappropriate nature and intensity of training
disregarding the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body.
2. Sexual abuse
This has been well documented and we endeavour to maintain good practices
that prohibit this happening.
3. Emotional abuse
Unrealistic pressures on children by a parent or coach, or constantly bullied in
order to consistently perform to high expectations.
4. Neglect
This is where a child may be ignored, not looked after, or let get unduly
cold. It can also include the ignoring of a child’s needs or even their
potential (e.g. negative favouritism).
If any member of the Club feels that they are being abused, or they know of any
other person being abused then they should contact me immediately.
THE CLUB ROLE
Every adult member of the Club should consider it their responsibility to look
after the welfare of each member of the Club, and to bring to the attention of
the management team or myself anything that is considered to be putting anyone
into danger. This would include; abuse, bad practices, dangerous incidents, and
anything potentially dangerous. The safety of the swimmers is of primary
importance.
The officer keeps a record of all Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency
Action Plans for each Swimming Pool used by the Club and the latest ASA
guidelines for coaches and teachers, for which the Coaches and teachers are
appraised of any changes.
The officer also has ASA guidelines for:
1. Poolside Helpers Guide: Do's and Don'ts.
1. Guide to Parents giving lifts.
The Welfare Officer is also responsible for maintaining the Club Register
with the ASA of Club Management, Coaches, Teachers, Officials and Helpers.
It is our policy that only those people who are registered with the ASA and
have undergone the CRB checks are allowed to officiate for the Club in any
capacity. It is not an arduous procedure so parents who are willing to help
out, please get registered quickly!
DISCIPLINE
The Welfare Officer will be asked to adjudicate when incidents occur between
our young swimmers, where the difference in age, size or character of the
problem, might be construed as a form of victimization or bullying (a form
of abuse). The Club is aware that this is a major problem within many
schools, but is determined that it will not happen at WSC.
MEDICAL WELFARE AT SWIMMING GALAS/COACHING SESSIONS
Children will often be left unattended by a Parent/Guardian during a training
session; and the competitive swimming policy of the Club will mean that most
children will participate in Galas. It is assumed that, unless the
Parent/Guardian accompanies the child, the Club officials have the authority to
authorize any immediate medical care that might arise whilst at the Gala or
during the coaching session. It is, therefore, imperative that the Club is
informed of any changes in medicines that the child is using and any medical
problems before every Gala or Teaching Session. A contact number should
also be given whenever a Parent/Guardian is not in attendance.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SWIMMERS/PARENTS
The basic responsibilities of Swimmers are set out in the
code of conduct.
The responsibilities of parents are:
1. Stopping, where possible, any dangerous activities you see going on. If not
possible, then make the Coach/Teacher/Lifeguard aware of it.
2. Making sure that your child has been delivered to the Coach poolside. The
Club only takes responsibility for swimmers at this point.
3. Letting the Coach/Teacher know of any problem, which may affect the swimming.
4. Letting us know of any interaction problems before they become a crisis.
5. Getting the swimmers to sessions on time. The warm up is a very important
part of the session and a way of avoiding injuries.
6. Helping with the setting up and taking down of pool equipment.
7. Participating in club activities.
8. Endless.
contact details to be advised
Email:
welfare mailbox
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