WFCA Child Protection Policy (update 10/01/2007) CPP/005/07

1.      The Welsh Federation of Coarse Anglers is the recognised governing body for coarse angling within Wales and as such is committed to developing policies that are deemed essential for the good of our sport and that of our affiliated member clubs/associations/society or other.

As part of our commitment towards angling we are committed to the development and implementation of a Child Protection Policy that will ensure that those who are at a vulnerable age can participate within angling knowing that they can do so freely without fear of abuse.

2.      The Child Protection Policy is designed to prevent abusers of children coming into our sport and to reduce the risk of harm to those of a vulnerable age. It is also designed to help protect those that work with children, through coaching or from other activities associated with angling.

W.F.C.A. CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER:

1.     The point of contact for all matters relating to child protection such as;

(a)     complaints

(b)    concerns

(c)     advice

(d)    procedures

Shall be directed to;

            Robin Darker

            Penceilogwydd Farm

            Llwynhendy

            Llanelli

            SA14 9SH

            Tel:   01554 759444

            E-Mail:   robindarker@aol.com

2.     Role and responsibilities of the Child Protection Officer:

(a)     The CPO will be responsible for updating the child protection policy on a six monthly basis and circulate such amendments/additions etc to every club affiliated to the WFCA.

(b)     The CPO will ensure that all clubs with a junior membership base affiliated to the WFCA are made aware of their responsibilities and to ensure that such clubs operate within the principal guidelines as set down in this policy.

(c)     To ensure all persons responsible for coaching within a club structure are vetted through the CRB and registered with the FWA Coaching Foundation as licensed angling coach.

(d)     To ensure that the WFCA receives from the FWA Coaching Foundation details of such registered licensed angling coaches.

(e)     To circulate to all clubs details of any coaching courses held by the FWA Coaching Foundation.

3.     Responsibilities of affiliated angling clubs/associations/society or others:

(a)       Every club/association/societies management committee shall ensure that any person or persons involved with coaching children or working with children are registered licensed angling coaches with the FWA Coaching Foundation.

(b)      To ensure that every coach submits full details of such coaching activities within a club/association/society that he/she/they are affiliated.  And each coach must registers such activities with the FWA Coaching Foundation along with proof of risk assessment for such coaching activities.

(c)       No affiliated angling club/association/society or other shall permit persons to coach/teach/work with children unless they are registered licensed coaches. Or to work along side or with coaches unless a self- declaration has been completed.

4.     Responsibilities of Angling Coaches:

(a)        Every person involved with working with children must be a registered licensed angling coach through the FWA Coaching Foundation.

(b)        You must ensure that such details of all coaching activities undertaken are submitted to both your management committee and to the FWA Coaching Foundation.

(c)        Risk assessments should be carried out in advance of any such coaching activities and such proof of a risk assessment should be submitted to both your management committee and to the FWA Coaching Foundation.

(d)        Letters of consent must be completed by parents to authorise their children to participate in any such coaching activities organised by you as the coach.

(e)        Coaches should inform parents of certain requirements before a child can be accepted onto any coaching activity such as;

(1)   What suitable clothing to wear or bring and suitable footwear.

(2)   Inform parents if food and drink is required.

(3)  Give details of what time children are to be at the venue and at what time parents should pick up their children. (if possible encourage parents to stay)

(4)  Ensure you have contact details of parents or legal guardian.

(5)  Ensure parents inform you of any medical conditions that the child may have or as to any medication.

(f)         Coaches must never work alone and must ensure that the correct pupil coach ratio is maintained. The pupil coach ratio is 2 angling coaches for every six children. Or 1 licensed angling coach and 1 assistant that have completed a self-declaration form for every six children.

(g)        Coaches may draft in assistance to help run such coaching activities from none registered angling coaches provided such helpers complete a self-declaration form. (As supplied by the FWA Coaching Foundation to all licensed coaches).

(h)        Coaches must never work alone or transport children to and from the venue alone. Try and avoid providing transport.

(i)         Prior to the start of every coaching activity you must outline to the group that you are coaching what is expected from them and what they can expect from you. Covering such things of importance;

(1)     Health and safety

(2)     Behaviour

(3)     Content of  coaching session

(j)         All coaches must complete a coaching activity returns form and give copies to both his/her/their club management committee and to the FWA Coaching Foundation after each and every event. ( such forms are supplied by the FWA coaching Foundation)

5.     What to do in relation to children who are behaving badly or cause a threat to the safety of others:

Every licensed coach must follow the guidelines as outlined by the FWA Coaching Foundation.

The use of physical force to restrain a child from harming others or themselves is permitted provided all other alternatives have been applied.

The use of physical force is not to be confused with hitting/punching/slapping etc. On no account must a coach use these techniques.

We define the use of physical force as simply grabbing hold of the child in such a way that it restricts their movements.

In the event that you have to adopt this approach you must immediately contact the parents or guardian of the child and inform them of the situation and ask them to collect the child. You must also inform your club/association/society or other about the incident. Also report the incident to the WFCA child protection officer or directly to the FWA Coaching Foundation.

Collect the names and details of all witnesses and complete an incident statement and forward it on to all concerned parties.

6.     What to do if a child informs you they have been abused:

Every Licensed coach will have been informed of the procedures to adopt in relation to child telling them about an act abuse being committed. On no account are coaches to deviate from the guidelines laid down by the FWA Coaching Foundation. Every Coach will have a coaches manual that informs them of the correct procedures to adopt. Coaches should be familiar with such protocol.

7.     Child Protection Policy Statement

Clubs and associations etc should draw up a child protection policy statement that reflects the name of the club and that they are committed to ensuring a safe environment for children from being abused while in your care.

Guidelines can be obtained from the FWA Coaching Foundation or the WFCA.

8.     Standards and discipline.

Every coach is committed to maintaining high standards of coaching and discipline while engaged in such coaching activities. Coaches must at no time use bad language or permit the drinking of alcohol at any event. Coaches must ensure the use of any form of drugs are not taken during any activity other than for medication.

9.     Recognition of abuse.

It is not the role of clubs or coaches to determine if a child has or is being subjected to any form of abuse and question every cut, bruise, or the way a child is dressed etc. However a case may arise when it is clearly evident that a child is being subjected to a form of abuse then the responsible person should report the concern to either the local Social Services or Police.

Every coach will have such guidelines included within his/her/their coaching manual and therefore should be familiar with such procedure.

10.  Junior Welsh Nationals

The WFCA shall ensure that regions hosting the junior Welsh Nationals shall carry out a risk assessment of the venue being selected to host such events.

The hosting region or regions shall ensure that all entrants are made aware of the health and safety issues.

The hosting region or regions shall ensure proper adult supervision is supplied.

11.  Junior International Events

The Junior International Manager shall ensure that any adult attending such events as helpers are vetted through the CRB system.

On no account is an adult to share the same room as a child or team member.

Parents must give written consent for a child to participate and must declare any illness the child has or medication that the child has or take.

The Team manager will ensure proper supervision at all times.

The Team Manager shall also ensure each participant has adequate travel insurance.

The drinking of alcohol or participating in illegal drugs is strictly prohibited by junior team members while on international duties.

No adult is to use threatening behaviour, abusive language or physical force against any person within the team.

No adult is permitted to get intoxicated while associated with the team on international events.