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Your Responsibilities

This section gives you information about the responsibilities that you as a coach should be following and putting into practice.

Child Protection Policies

Prior to the start of your activity, it is essential that you are aware of the activity organiser’s child protection policy and procedures and the relevant person to contact should you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child.

It is also important that you follow the guidelines and minimum operating standards laid down by your relevant NGB or employing organisation.

NGB Qualifications

You must hold an up to date nationally recognised governing body coaching qualification which is appropriate to the level and the sport being coached.

Training

You must have attended recognised child protection training through the appropriate NGB, Sports Coach UK or Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. This should be updated at least every three years.

Tyne & Wear Sport run a Club, Coach and Volunteer Training Programme, which provides opportunities for coaches and volunteers to access relevant qualifications and training locally. For further information please click on the 'Club', 'Coach' or 'Volunteer' link on the left hand side. The relevant NGB and sports coach UK also offer a number of coach education courses and workshops.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks

You must undergo an enhanced CRB check to certify your suitability to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are working for more than one organisation, you may be checked by each one.

Insurance Cover

You must have appropriate and valid insurance cover.

Other responsibilities

The following lists some of your key duties and responsibilities:

• Before the activity commences, you should undertake a risk assessment, inspecting the activity area and the equipment, and take the necessary steps to minimise health and safety risks
• Ensure that a First Aid Kit is available and that there is access to a telephone
• Ensure that you and the participants are aware of emergency fire exits, extinguishers, telephone points and vehicle access
• Ensure that your sessions are organised in accordance with current National Governing Body (NGB) recommendations, including the supervision ratios
• Register the participants prior to the start of the activity, and obtain consent forms, medical details and emergency contact numbers
• Put the safety and welfare of each child, young person or vulnerable adult first at all times
• Ensure that the participants are supervised at all times
• Be aware of, and adhere to, the deploying organisation’s or NGB’s relevant policies, procedures and good practice guidelines on child and vulnerable adult protection i.e. Child Potection Policy, Code of Conduct, Health & Safety Policy, Equity Policy etc
• Make sure that the activities are fun and promote the values of fair play
• Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward
• Complete relevant incident or accident report forms if necessary
• Contact the relevant agencies if you have concerns about the safety of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, or if you are made aware that they are at risk from harm elsewhere. Please visit the 'Useful Contacts' section for further information.