Questions to Consider
Some key questions that you should consider when choosing sporting activities for your children.
Are the staff and volunteers appropriately qualified?
All coaches and leaders must have an up to date, recognised National Governing Body (NGB) coaching qualification(s) which is appropriate for the sport and level of ability being coached.
Do they have appropriate training?
All staff and volunteers, including club personnel, should have attended recognised child protection training through the appropriate NGB, Sports Coach UK or Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.
It is also important that relevant staff have also undertaken appropriate first aid, equity and coaching disabled performers training, and these should all be updated at least every three years.
Are they suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults?
All staff and volunteers, including club personnel, who have direct contact with children and vulnerable adults should have been through an appropriate recruitment process which includes successful completion of an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check (i.e. police check), and reference checks.
Is there appropriate insurance cover in place?
All coaches should have appropriate and valid insurance cover.
All sports clubs/organisations should have public liability insurance.
Is the club/organisation working towards formal NGB accreditation?
Sports clubs/organisations should have, or be working towards NGB accreditation, or equivalent. You might see or hear reference to Clubmark, a national accreditation scheme which recognises sports clubs that have fulfilled criteria to demonstrate they are committed to providing a safe, effective and child friendly environment.
Does the club/organisation have appropriate policies and procedures in place?
All sports clubs/organisations should have a Child Protection Policy which outlines the procedures for dealing with possible abuse, disclosures or poor practice.
They should also have a written Code of Conduct for coaches, club staff/volunteers, parents/carers and participants.
There should be health and safety procedures in place, which will include the premises having passed fire regulations, and all participants being required to complete registration forms, and consent forms as appropriate.
A good sports club/organisation will welcome questions about their activities and issues around safety.
