Child Protection Policy Statement

(adapted from Scottish Swimming)

We, East Kilbride Amateur Swimming Club, believe that Good Practice at the Club is as follows;

1. The welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse. Everyone in swimming – administrator, Club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, – can help. Children and young people have a lot to gain from swimming. Their natural sense of fun and spontaneity can blossom in positive sporting environments. Swimming provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn new skills, become more confident and maximise their own unique potential. The Club will place the needs of the child first and winning and competition second.
2. The underlying principles with respect to Child Protection are that: The child’s welfare is the first consideration. All children, regardless of age, any disability they have, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity have a right to be protected from abuse. Children and young people must be treated with integrity and respect. Children and young peoples programmes and competitions will be relevant to their ages and stages of development.
3. We are committed to following the current Scottish Swimming’s Child Protection guidelines. All our adult helpers are members of Scottish Swimming.
4. The Club:
   • aims to create an enjoyable environment, where young people have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat
   • acknowledges that young people have the right to be treated with respect and for their concerns to be listened to and acted upon
   • will aim to ensure that junior members have specific programmes designated for them, with adequate supervision
   • is committed to ensuring that all helpers, whatever their role, complete a Club Registration Form, sign a Code of Conduct and complete a Self Declaration Form in relation to Child Protection
   • provides clear, comprehensive, easily understood procedures for dealing with:
     • allegations of abuse
     • requests for help and support on a confidential basis
   • is committed to an equitable recruitment selection policy for coaches
   • will always emphasise fair play.
5. Current Child Protection Officers (CPOs) can be found in the Contact section, they are here to offer help and advice to any club member or parent/carer who has concerns about child protection issues mentioned above. The main duties of Club CPOs are:
   • to raise awareness of policy and procedure
   • to implement and monitor procedures
   • to process Self Declaration and Enhanced Disclosure Forms
   • to provide information and advice to the Club on child protection issues
   • to consult with other professionals as and when necessary
   
   For the full Child Protection policy, and many other useful documents, click on http://www.scottishswimming.com/index.php?id=47 and follow the links.
6. Safe Surfing: all Club members, parents or carers are reminded of the need to be careful when using the Internet, in particular be aware of unsuitable content, unsuitable contacts, eg in e-mails or chat rooms.

Scottish Swimming recommend the guidelines set out in the following website: http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk

South Lanarkshire Swimming Development