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Child Protection Policy
Child Protection Policy
- Microsoft
word version (right click to download)
Risk Assessment Policy
Risk Assessment Policy - Microsoft word version (right click
to download)
Blyth
Kayak Club - Child Protection Policy
Introduction
Blyth Kayak Club is fully committed to safeguarding
the well-being of all of its members and visitors. All
members should show respect and understanding for the
rights, safety and welfare of others and conduct themselves
in a way that reflects the principles of the club.
This policy is concerned
with ensuring that good practice and sensible conduct are
adhered to, and the prevention, recognition and procedures
to deal with any form of unacceptable behaviour particularly
between adults and those under 18. It is expected that all
adults will set a good example in their relationships with
one another within the club.We believe that participating in
paddlesport should be a positive and rewarding experience
for all those taking part, and the aims of the club are to
achieve this through good practice.
Principles of Good Practice
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All people should be treated with respect as individuals.
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Inferior remarks should never be addressed to anyone.
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Avoid physical contact unless it is necessary, and where
this is the case, explain clearly what is going to happen
and the reason why.
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Try to avoid groups where only one male/female is present.
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Where possible, ensure that an adult of each sex is
present where a mixed sex group is being coached.
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Avoid games which are physically rough or sexually
provocative.
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Allow people to participate at a level with which they
feel comfortable.
Specific Guidelines for Coaches and Group Leaders
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All coaches, helpers and group leaders must follow the
Child Protection Policy.
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The club will screen all those working with young people.
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Written, relevant medical information must be obtained on
all members of a group before an activity is undertaken,
where this is deemed necessary and/or appropriate.
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Written parental consent must be obtained before taking
those under the age of 18 on kayaking trips.
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The club will use qualified BCU coaches.
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Unqualified coaches will only work alongside qualified BCU
coaches.
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All claims of abuse by a child must be taken seriously and
must be dealt with by the appropriate person or body.
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The BCU guidelines for photography should be followed.
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A risk assessment should be carried out before undertaking
any kayaking activity.
Child Protection Procedures
It is generally accepted that there are 4 main types of
abuse –
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Physical
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Emotional
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Sexual
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Neglect
It is likely that within the confines of the club, a
possible suspicion of abuse may arise either where a child
complains of an incident which has occurred within the club,
or a club member suspects that a child has been abused
outside of the club.
If there is concern for the welfare of a child, the
following actions should be carried out -
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Inform a member of the club committee, ultimately the
chairperson.
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Discuss concerns with the parents unless it is felt that
this would lead to further abuse.
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Communicate serious concerns to the Social Services
department.
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Urgent advice is available on the NSPCC Child Protection
24 Hour Helpline 0800 800 500
If a child confides in a club member they should –
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Stay calm and listen
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Avoid asking questions
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Make a record of what has been said
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Pass on the information to the club chairperson.
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Never promise the child that the information will remain a
secret.
If an allegation has been made against a club member, direct
action should be taken. It may be that a reminder of the
principles of good practice is all that is needed. The club
chairperson should be informed and an immediate
investigation carried out.
If an allegation is made against a coach, impartial advice
can be obtained from the BCU Coach Advisor
Tel – 0115 9821100.
All club members should be aware of this policy and
must communicate any concerns or suspicions to the
chairperson at the earliest opportunity.
This policy is to be reviewed on an annual basis at the
Annual General Meeting.
Date of next review – September 2003
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Blyth Kayak Club - Risk Assessment Policy
Introduction
It is the aim of Blyth Kayak Club to enable people
of all ages and abilities to enjoy kayaking at both
recreational and competitive levels. It must be accepted
that as a water sport there are hazards and risks involved.
This policy will identify both general and specific hazards
and will state procedures to minimise the risks and to
ensure the safety of club members and visitors. The
procedures outlined within this policy must be carried out
by members involved in club activities at all times. It
should be noted that the Child Protection Policy forms an
integral part of this policy.
Potential Hazards and Risks
Hazards and risks will be grouped into four main categories-
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Those generated by the individual and affecting the
individual (medical conditions, lack of skill/experience,
lack of confidence).
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Those generated by the external environment (water
conditions, weather conditions, swimming pool).
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Those generated by members of the public with who club
members may come into contact (other water craft,
fishermen swimmers/surfers, onlookers, events organisers).
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Those generated by club members, which may affect others
(foolhardy behaviour, disregarding rules/procedures).
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The precautions which are outlined in the following part
of this document are to be followed in order to ensure
that reasonable care has been taken to reduce the risks
created by such hazards.
General
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All members of the club should have current membership
when taking part in club activities. Visitors may attend
one taster session before becoming members.
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All members will be asked to adhere to a code of conduct.
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All members must read and sign copies of the Risk
Assessment Policy and Child Protection Policy. Parents or
guardians will be requested to sign copies for under 18s.
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The club must be informed of any medical conditions which
may place an individual at risk, however slight, when
contact is first made with the club. This information will
be treated with the strictest confidence.
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Different levels of activities will be offered to club
members in order to best meet levels of ability and
confidence.
Swimming pool activities
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All participants must be able to swim a minimum of_______
metres.
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A qualified lifeguard will be present at all sessions.
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Participants will be placed in coaching groups according
to ability.
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Capsize drill will be practiced at the earliest
opportunity.
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A first aid kit is readily accessible.
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Safe methods of carrying kayaks to and from the poolside
will be demonstrated.
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All activities will be monitored by coaches and/or
experienced club members.
Outdoor kayaking activities
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All activities will be monitored by coaches and/or
experienced club members.
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There should never be less than 3 in a kayaking group.
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Safety equipment should be worn at all times (helmet,
buoyancy aid, spray-deck).
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All equipment must be checked for defects which would make
it unsafe.
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Participants should wear suitable clothing suggested by
the group leader.
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Participants should carry items specified by the group
leader (e.g. additional clothing, warm drink, food).
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Participants should be aware of capsize drills and rescue
procedures.
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First aid kits should be carried by the group and at least
one member should hold a current first aid certificate.
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Leaders should ensure that the river/sea conditions are
within the capabilities of the group.
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Weather and water conditions should be checked before the
activity is undertaken.
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Leaders should make participants aware of potential
hazards.
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If conditions change, the group leader must make an
assessment as to whether it is safe to continue or whether
the activity should be halted.
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The activity should be undertaken at the pace of the
slowest participant.
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Emergency contacts and contact points should be
established.
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Where transport is shared, i.e. cars, it must be
understood that individuals do so at their own risk.
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A warm-up should be carried out before any physical
activity is undertaken.
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An activity plan should be left at base with a responsible
adult.
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Throughout the activity, participants should be aware of
other water users and treat them both with caution and
respect.
Competitions and other externally organized
activities
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All participants must abide by the rules of the event.
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Members of the public and fellow competitors should be
treated with respect.
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Members of the club take part at their own risk.
Residential trips
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Members are responsible for their own accommodation
arrangements, unless a block booking has been made by the
club.
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Under18s should be accompanied by a parent, unless by
special arrangement, in which case a consent form must be
signed.
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Where transport is shared, members do so at their own
risk.
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All participants should be fully aware of the nature of
the activities to be carried out.
Parent and other volunteer helpers
Specific Risks and Hazards on Individual Activities
It is recognized that on some expeditions there will be
specific risks and hazards, which will be identified on a
risk assessment identification sheet by the person planning
to lead the activity.
Acceptance of the Risk Assessment Policy
All members of the club must read and accept this
policy when they initially become members.
The policy will be reviewed annually and amendments, if any,
will be circulated to all club members.
Members will retain one copy and return another signed copy
to the club secretary.
Name of club member
___________________________________________________
I have read the Risk Assessment and Child Protection
policies.
I accept that there are hazards involved in the sport of
kayaking and that the Risk Assessment Policy identifies
procedures by which reasonable care has been taken to
minimise the risks caused by these.
I will agree to follow the stated procedures of the club.
(Under18s must have read this policy and discussed it with
their parents.)
*Signed ________________________________________(Parent or
guardian if under18)
* Please note that for under18s, this signed form will
signify consent for day excursions.
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Contacts Email Lee Robinson at
blythkc@yahoo.com |
