Stay Safe In Sport

Sport can and does have a very powerful and positive influence on people – especially young people. Not only can it provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement, it can also develop valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. These positive effects can only take place if sport is in the right hands – in the hands of those who place the welfare of all young people first and adopt practices that support, protect and empower them.

The reality is that abuse does take place in sport and in some cases coaches and other trusted adults in sport have been convicted.

Your child will be offered lots of sports opportunities throughout their lives. In order to ensure that your child is as safe as possible in every sports activity they undertake, ensure that the coach/ provider of the sports session whether it be football, gymnastics, martial arts or pony trekking has the following:

The relevant qualification to lead the session independently e.g Level 2 Football Association Coaching award:

Assistant coaches have a national governing body award to assist in the session e.g level 1 Football Association Coaching award
Public Liability insurance
An enhanced disclosure through the Criminal Records Bureau
A first aid certificate

All of the above can be checked through Dudley Council’s Coaches Association SEAL. Ask the coach if they a member of SEAL. This ensures all the relevant checks have been undertaken.

Also ensure that you given written consent for your child to participate in the activity and separate consent for photography. The sports coach should give you a consent form to complete prior to the activity starting which includes an emergency contact number and gives you the opportunity to inform the coach of any medical conditions or special needs your child may have. This information is used to safeguard your child.

Sports Clubs

If your child belongs to a sports club ensure that the club has achieved or is working towards Sport England’s Clubmark or the National Governing Body of Sport equivalent e.g.

Swimming – Swim 21
Football – Charter Mark
Hockey – Clubs 1^st
Rugby – Seal of Approval
Gymnastics – Gym mark
Cricket - Clubmark

This ensures clubs have reached a recognised national standard to be a ‘safe, effective and child friendly club'.The club personnel e.g coaches, umpires and officials as members of Seal if they are within Dudley Borough

For more information about Clubmark please visit http://www.blackcountryconsortium.co.uk/sports/page.asp?PageRef=46

go to menu

go to homepage