Good Practice and Child Protection

1.0 Introduction

Everyone who participates in Triathlon is entitled to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment and to be given the chance to experience the feelings of joy, challenge and achievement that are inherent to the sport. To ensure this, the Welsh Triathlon (WT) is committed to devising and implementing policies and procedures to ensure all those involved comply with the WT code of good practice.

In addition, all young people are entitled to a duty of care and to be protected from abuse. Abuse can occur anywhere – at home, at school, in the park and in sport. Sadly some people will seek to be in the company of children simply in order to abuse them. The WTA is committed to devising and implementing policies and procedures to ensure everyone in the sport accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means taking action to safeguard children and to report any concerns about their welfare. It is not their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place; this is the domain of child protection professionals; the social services and the police force.

This document sets out the WT's policies and procedures in fulfilment of its belief in and commitment to good practice and child protection.

1.1 Policy Statement

The Welsh Triathlon Association (WT) fully accepts its legal (Children's Act, 1989) and moral obligation to provide a duty of care, to protect all children (and vulnerable adults) and safeguard their welfare, irrespective of age, any disability they have, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity.

In pursuit of this, the WT is committed to ensuring that:

• The welfare of young people (and vulnerable adults) is paramount and children have the right to protection from abuse.
• All young people who take part in Triathlon should be able to participate in a fun and safe environment.
• It takes all reasonable practical steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and respects their rights, wishes and feelings.
• All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately; WT will implement suitable suspension, disciplinary and appeals procedures.
• All BT affiliated clubs in Wales are required to sign up to WT procedures for good practice and child protection that clearly state what is required of them.
• All employees and volunteers are carefully selected, informed about their responsibilities and provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures.
• High standards of behaviour and practice are demanded through compliance with WT codes of conduct produced for coaches, team managers and volunteers.
• Everyone knows and accepts their responsibilities and works together: parents, triathletes, coaches, team managers, volunteers and professional staff.

1.2 Terms and Abbreviations

The following terms and abbreviations are used in this document:

• Anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be a child/young person.
• All policies and procedures described refer to vulnerable adults as well as children.
• The term parent is used as a generic term to represent parents, carers and guardians.
  • ACPC: Area Child Protection Committee
  • WT: Welsh Triathlon
  • BT: British Triathlon
  • NCPO: Child Protection Officer (of the WT)
  • CWO: Club Welfare Officer (of the BT affiliated club)
  • CEO: BT Chief Executive Officer

2: Good Practice, Poor Practice and Abuse

2.0 Introduction

To provide young people with the best possible experience and opportunities in Triathlon, it is imperative that everyone operates within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrates exemplary behaviour. This not only ensures that Triathlon makes a positive contribution to the development of young people and safeguards their welfare, but also protects all personnel from false allegations of abuse or poor practice.

It is not always easy to differentiate poor practice from abuse, albeit intentional or unintentional. It is not, therefore, the responsibility of employees or volunteers in Triathlon to determine whether or not abuse is taking place. It is, however, their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and to act if they have concerns about the welfare of a child. This section will help you identify what is meant by good and poor practice and some of the indications of possible abuse. Guidance on what to do if you are concerned about poor practice or possible abuse is provided in Section 4.

2.1 Good Practice

The following principles should be adhered to by all personnel:

• Ensure experience of Triathlon is fun and enjoyable; promote fairness, confront and deal with bullying and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.
• Be an excellent role model, do not drink alcohol or smoke when working with young people
• Treat all young people and vulnerable adults equally; this means giving both the more and less talented in a group similar attention, time, respect and dignity.
• Respect the developmental stage of each young person and place their welfare before winning, club or personal achievements. This means ensuring that the training intensity is appropriate to the physical, social and emotional developmental stage of the triathlete and that all BT guidelines for training intensity and competition distances are followed. Ensure training and competition schedules are based on the needs and interests of the child, not those of the parents, coaches or club where, it is imperative that these coaches monitor the overall training intensity and recovery times. It is strongly recommended that where single discipline coaches are responsible for devising training schedules for a triathlete, a lead coach is nominated to take responsibility for monitoring the overall training intensity and liasing with the other coaches.
• Conduct all coaching and meetings in an open environment; avoid one
• to
• one coaching in unobserved situations.
• Maintain a safe and appropriate relationship with athletes; it is inappropriate to have an intimate relationship with a young person. WT supports the Home Office guidelines that recommend that people in positions of authority should not have sexual relationships with 16
• 17 year olds in their care. One adult should never share a room with one young person. It is accepted that situations may occur where a number of young people and adults share a common sleeping area. Always ensure that parents' permission is gained in writing beforehand and athletes are given an opportunity in advance to discuss this, air any concerns and agree the logistics of the sleeping arrangements.
• Build relationships based on mutual trust and respect in which young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own development and decision
• making. Avoid situations in which the coach or team manager uses their position and power to dictate what the triathlete should and should not do.
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people; if contact is required in teaching technique, follow the specific guidelines laid down by that sport governing body. Touching can be okay and appropriate as long as it is neither intrusive nor disturbing and the athlete's permission has been given.
• Ensure separate changing facilities are available for junior and senior triathletes. Where supervision is required, involve parents wherever possible and ensure that adults work in pairs.
• Communicate regularly with parents, ensure they have a copy of the BT Guidance for Parents leaflet, involve them in decision
• making and gain written consent for travel arrangements. Secure their consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid and/or other medical treatment
• Be aware of any medical conditions, existing injuries and medicines being taken. Keep a written record of any injury or accident that occurs, together with details of any treatment given. Ensure you are qualified and up
• to
• date in first aid or that there is a someone with a first aid qualification in attendance.
• Keep up to date with the technical skills, qualifications and insurance issues in Triathlon. Maintain your registration status with the BTA for this ensures adequate and continuous insurance cover.
• When triathletes travel away from home, ensure the guidance contained in the BT Safe Away leaflet is followed. In particular, if mixed teams are taken away, ensure they are accompanied by a male and female member of staff and safeguard them from the potential of same gender abuse. Adults should not enter children's rooms or invite children on their own into their own rooms.

2.2 Poor Practice

The following is deemed to constitute poor practice and should be avoided by all personnel:

• Avoid spending excessive amounts of time alone with one child away from the others.
• Avoid taking children to your home where they will be alone with you.
• Never engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay.
• Never share a room with a child.
• Never allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching.
• Never allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
• Never make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.
• Never reduce a child to tears as a form of control.
• Never allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
• Never do things of a personal nature for children or vulnerable adults that they can do for themselves.
• Never invite or allow children to stay with you at your home unsupervised.

If cases arise where these situations are unavoidable, they should only occur with the full knowledge and consent of the person in charge, the WTA or the child's parents. If any of the following incidents should occur, you should report them immediately to another colleague, make a written note of the event and inform parents of the incident:

• If you accidentally hurt a triathlete.
• If a child seems distressed in any manner.
• If a child appears to be sexually aroused by your actions.
• If a child misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done.

2.3 Codes of Conduct

WT codes of conduct are based on adherence to the principles of good practice embodied in the preceding sections and in accordance with Government guidance[1], requiring all organisations involved with caring for young people or vulnerable adults to protect them against sexual activity within relationships of trust. As part of its BT registration and incorporated insurance cover, coaches and managers are required to sign up to the Sportscoach UK code of conduct. A code of conduct for club officials and volunteers can be found in Appendix A.

2.4 Photography

There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerable positions. WT, therefore, requires that all personnel and event organisers adhere to the guidelines detailed in Appendix B.

2.5 Indicators of Abuse and Bullying

Definitions of what constitutes abuse and bullying are described in Appendix C. Indications that a child may be being abused include the following:

• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries.
• An injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent.
• The child describes what appears to be an abusive act involving him/her.
• Someone else (a child or adult) expresses concern about the welfare of another child.
• Unexplained changes in behaviour (e.g. becoming very quiet, withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper).
• Inappropriate sexual awareness.
• Engaging in sexually explicit behaviour.
• Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected.
• Difficulty in making friends.
• Is prevented from socializing with other children.
• Displays variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss of appetite.
• Loses weight for no apparent reason.
• Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt.

Although anyone can be the target of bullying, victims are typically shy, sensitive and perhaps anxious or insecure. Sometimes they are singled out for physical reasons (e.g. being overweight, physically small, having a disability or belonging to a different race, faith or culture). Although bullying often takes place in schools, it can and does occur anywhere where there is inadequate supervision (e.g. on the way to and from training, in the changing rooms). The competitive nature of Triathlon provides a potentially ideal environment for a bully to gain power over others. The bully might be:

• A parent who pushes too hard
• A coach who adopts a win
• at
• all costs philosophy
• A triathlete who intimidates inappropriately
• An official who places unfair pressure on a person. Signs of bullying (dealing with bullying is dealt with in Appendix J) include:
• Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go to training or competitions
• An unexplained drop
• off in performance
• Physical signs such as stomach
• aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed
• wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes and bingeing for example on food, cigarettes or alcohol
• A shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions.

3: Recruitment, Selection and Training

3.0 Introduction

To ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with young people, the following steps should be taken when recruiting paid staff or volunteers in a full or part-time capacity:

3.1 Recruitment Draw up a job description identifying roles and responsibilities and a person specification clarifying the required and recommended skills and qualities of an applicant. Where the job involves working with young people, specify WT's policy with regard to child protection and working with children.

3.2 Application

All applicants must complete an application form (see example in Appendix D) that includes:

• Name, address and National Insurance Number (to confirm identity and right to work)
• Relevant experience, qualifications and training undertaken
• Listing of past career or involvement in sport (to confirm experience and identify any gaps)
• Any criminal record
• Whether the applicants are known to any social services department as being an actual or potential risk to children or young people, a self
• disclosure question to establish whether they have ever had action taken against them in relation to child abuse, sexual offences or violence
• The names of at least two people (not relatives) willing to provide written references that comment on the applicant's previous experience of, and suitability for, working with children and young people (previous employer)
• Any former involvement with the sport
• The applicant's consent to criminal record checks being undertaken.
• The applicant's consent to abide by the BT's Code of Ethics for the position sought (e.g. coach, team manager)
• A statement explaining that failure to disclose information or subsequent failure to conform to the Code of Ethics will result in disciplinary action and possible suspension from the WT/BT.

3.3 Checks and References

A minimum of two written references should be taken up and at least one should be associated with former work with children/young people. If an applicant has no experience of working with children, training is strongly recommended. Written references should always be followed up and confirmed by telephone. If there are any concerns over the information supplied on the application form or from the referees, advice should be sought from the WT NCPO.

A criminal record check from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in line with the Protection of Children Act (1999) should also be undertaken. Details of how this can be done are available form the WT NCPO.

3.4 Interview and Induction

All employees (and where possible volunteers) will be required to undergo an interview carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations[2]. All employees and volunteers should receive a formal or informal induction, during which:

• A check should be made that the application form has been completed in full (including sections on criminal records and self
• disclosures)
• Their qualifications should be substantiated
• The job requirements and responsibilities should be clarified
• They should sign up to the appropriate WT code of conduct and good practice and child protection procedures
• Their child protection training needs should be confirmed (see section on training).

3.5 Training

While checks are a part of the process to safeguard children, training is required to help people to:

• analyse their own practice against what is deemed good practice in Triathlon and to ensure their practice is likely to protect them from false allegations
• recognise their responsibilities and report any concerns about suspected poor practice or possible abuse
• deal with disclosure
• work safely and effectively with children.

The WT requires:

• All employees to undergo police checks and attend a recognised 3
• hour good practice and child protection awareness training workshop to ensure their practice is exemplary and to
• Facilitate the development of a positive culture towards good practice and child protection in Triathlon in Wales
• All affiliated clubs to appoint a Club Welfare Officer responsible for good practice and child protection, a person and job specification is provided in Appendix E; this officer must undergo a police check and attend a recognised 3
• hour good practice and child protection workshop
• All coaches and team managers to receive training either through a recognised 3
• hour good practice and child protection workshop or through a special element integrated into a workshop and complemented by self
• study and assessment using the NCF home study pack
• All personnel (coaches, team managers, medics, event organisers, parents, club officials, senior club members, junior members) to receive advisory information outlining good practice and informing them about what to do if they have concerns about the behaviour of an adult towards a young person
• All coaches and team managers working with children to attend the BT one
• day top
• up course on children that comprises good practice and child protection awareness training, guidance on child
• centred coaching styles and information on child growth and development and its implications in Triathlon. All coaches strongly advised to gain a national first aid qualification.

3.6 Monitoring and Appraisal

All employees will annually receive formal feedback through an appraisal at which any issues over poor practice can be identified and addressed, training needs related to children can be identified and new goals set.

Following every junior training camp or team event, all team managers and head coaches will be required to provide feedback on the event, the provision made to safeguard children and the practice of all those involved (Appendix F). In addition, all junior participants will be required to complete anonymously a questionnaire that will ascertain their perceptions about the event (Appendix F). This will be collected by a nominated attendee (nominated by the CWO for club events and the WT for national events), sealed in front of the group and returned to the CWO for club events and WT personnel for national events. The same monitoring process is recommended for all senior events.

3.7 Complaints, Appeals and Disciplinary Procedures

The WT's complaints and appeals procedures will be used to deal with any formal complaints and/or appeals (see Section 4.5/6 and Appendix I). Guidance on these procedures will be available to all team managers, coaches, affiliated clubs, registered members and parents.

4: Responding to Disclosure, Suspicions and Allegations

4.0 Introduction

While it is not the responsibility of WT personnel to identify abuse, it is their responsibility to report any concerns about the welfare of a child. These concerns may arise because:

• a young person discloses s/he is being abused
• of the behaviour of an adult towards a child
• of a cluster of indicators observed in a child over a period of time.

All suspicions and disclosures must be reported appropriately. It is recognised that strong emotions can be aroused particularly in cases of possible sexual abuse or where there is a misplaced loyalty to a colleague. It is important to understand these feelings but not allow them to interfere with your judgement about any action to take. Because of the multi