child protection policy
Introduction
Throughout this document Byrne Black Belt Academy is referred to as BBBA.
BBBA has developed a Child Protection Policy for implementation throughout its member
Associations throughout the United Kingdom.
BBBA recognises the need to make provision for children and young persons, and
acknowledges its moral and legal responsibility to ensure that:
• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin
religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse;
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to
swiftly and appropriately
• All staff (paid /unpaid) working within our sport have a responsibility to report
concerns to the appropriate officer
The Children’s Act 1987 defines a child as a person under the age of 18.
This Child Protection Policy has been accepted by the BBBA Executive Committee and is
mandatory for all BBBA member Associations.
BBBA is committed to working in partnership with all agencies to ensure best practice when
working with children and young people, the majority of our membership
Adopting best practice will help to safeguard those participants from potential abuse as well as
protecting coaches and other adults in positions of responsibility from any potential allegation of
abuse.
This document is binding for our entire member Associations and provides procedures and
guidance to everyone in BBBA, whether working in a voluntary or professional capacity.
About
Policy Statement
Martial Arts as a sport and pastime has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in all
forms of Martial Arts from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the needs of
disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account.
BBBA will strive to ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in our sport through
adherence to the Child Protection guidelines adopted by the BBBA Executive Committee and
approved by Sport England and the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit.
BBBA is dedicated to achieving Intermediate standard of Policy.
The policy will be implemented by our entire member Associations and is applicable to all
Association Officers, club Instructors and officials as well as all officers and staff of BBBA
Sport can and does have a very powerful and positive influence on people especially young
people. Not only can it provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement; it helps to develop
and enhance valuable qualities such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. We have to
ensure that for those positive experiences to take place that sport in the hands of those who
have the welfare of young people uppermost in their mind and that we have proper procedures
and practices to support and empower them.
Policy aims
The aim of the BBBA Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice:
• Providing children and young persons with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the
care of Martial Arts clubs and instructors affiliated to BBBA.
• Ensure that all incidents of poor practice and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously
and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Allow all staff /volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child
protection issues.
• The policy recognises and builds on the legal and statutory definition of a child.
• The distinction between ages of consent, civil and criminal liability are recognised but in
the pursuit of good in the delivery and management of BBBA, a young person is
recognised as being under the age of 18 years [Children’s Act 1989].
• BBBA recognises that persons above the age of 18 are vulnerable to undue influence by
adults in positions of responsibility, for example Junior International athletes aged Under
21years and provision is made for this instance within the BBBA World Class programmes
Athlete Charter, included as an appendix
• Through BBBA implementation plan (attached as an appendix) each of our member
Associations will provide a suitably experienced and qualified individual to act as their
Child Protection Officer and commit to a series of awareness raising and training
seminars and workshops to assist them in fulfilling their role and will use BBBA template
forms and reporting sheets.
• Confidentiality will be upheld in line with the Data Protection Act 1984,the Human Rights
Act 2000 and the BBBA Whistle Blower’s Policy (attached as an appendix).
• The Policy will be overseen by the BBBA Lead Child Protection Officer, the Chief
Executive Officer, and in turn by the BBBA Executive Committee through quarterly
reporting procedures. Periodic reviews are built into BBBA Implementation policy included
within the appendices.
Promoting Good Practice with Young People
Introduction
Child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, can arouse strong emotions in those facing such a
situation. Abuse can occur within many situations including the home, school and the sporting
environment. It is a fact of life that some individuals will actively seek employment or voluntary
work with young people in order to harm them.
A coach, instructor, teacher, official or volunteer may have regular contact with young people
and be an important link in identifying cases where a young person needs protection.
All cases of poor practice should be reported to BBBA and or relevant authorities following the
guidelines in this document.
When a child enters the club having experienced abuse outside the sporting environment, sport
can play a crucial role in improving the child’s self esteem. In such instances the club must work
with the appropriate agencies to ensure the child receives the required support.
Good Practice Guidelines
All those involved in Martial Arts should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in
order to safeguard children and young people and protect themselves from false allegations.
The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate
within Martial Arts:
Good practice means:
• Always working in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations
and encouraging an open environment i.e. no secrets).
• Treating all young people/disabled adults equally, and with respect and dignity.
• Placing the welfare and safety of the child or young person first above the development
of performance or competition.
• Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with players (e.g. it is not appropriate to
have an intimate relationship with a child or to share a room with them).
• Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust, which empowers children to share
in the decision-making process.
• Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.
• Where any form of manual or physical support is required, it should be provided openly
and in accordance with BBBA Club Guidelines
• Keeping up to date with the technical skills, qualifications and insurance within Martial
Arts.
• Involving parents/carers wherever possible (e.g. for the responsibility of their children in
the changing rooms). If groups have to be supervised in the changing rooms, always
ensure parents/teachers/coaches/officials work in pairs.
• Ensuring when mixed teams are taken away, they should always be accompanied by
male and female member of staff (NB however, same gender abuse can also occur).
• Ensuring that at tournaments or residential events, adults should not enter children’s
rooms or invite children into their rooms.
• Being an excellent role model – this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the
company of young people.
• Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
• Recognising the developmental needs and capacity of young people and disabled adults
– avoiding excessive training or competition and not pushing them against their will.
• Securing parental consent in writing to act in loco parentis, if the need arises to give
permission for the administration of emergency first aid.
• Keeping a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of any treatment
given.
• Requesting written parental consent if club officials are required to transport young
people in their cars.
Within our coaching portfolios, we make particular reference to children and young people
practising together and this guidance in now included here.
�� Martial Arts Instructors need to understand the added responsibilities of teaching
children and also basic principles of growth and development through childhood to
adolescence. Exercises should be appropriate to age and build. Instructors should
not simply treat children as small adults, with small adult bodies.
�� There is no minimum age for a child beginning Martial Arts, as the build and
maturity of individuals varies so much. However the nature of the class must be
tailored to consider these factors.
�� In general, the younger the child, the shorter the attentions span. One hour is
generally considered sufficient training time for the average 12 year old or below.
Pre-adolescent children have a metabolism that is not naturally suited to
generating anaerobic power, and therefore they exercise better aerobically, that is,
at a steadily maintained rate. However, they can soon become conditioned to
tolerate exercise in the short explosive bursts that more suit Karate training.
�� Children should not do assisted stretching - they generally don’t need to, and
there is a real risk of damage with an inconsiderate or over-enthusiastic partner.
�� Children should be carefully matched for size and weight for sparring practice.
�� Great care must be taken, especially where children train in the proximity of
adults, to avoid collision injury.
�� Children should not do certain conditioning exercises; especially those, which are
heavy, load bearing, for example weight training or knuckle push-ups. Children
should not do any heavy or impact work but should concentrate on the
development of speed, mobility, skill and general fitness.
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Within our coaching portfolios, we make particular reference to children and young people
practising together and this guidance in now included here.
�� Martial Arts Instructors need to understand the added responsibilities of teaching
children and also basic principles of growth and development through childhood to
adolescence. Exercises should be appropriate to age and build. Instructors should
not simply treat children as small adults, with small adult bodies.
�� There is no minimum age for a child beginning Martial Arts, as the build and
maturity of individuals varies so much. However the nature of the class must be
tailored to consider these factors.
�� In general, the younger the child, the shorter the attentions span. One hour is
generally considered sufficient training time for the average 12 year old or below.
Pre-adolescent children have a metabolism that is not naturally suited to
generating anaerobic power, and therefore they exercise better aerobically, that is,
at a steadily maintained rate. However, they can soon become conditioned to
tolerate exercise in the short explosive bursts that more suit Karate training.
�� Children should not do assisted stretching - they generally don’t need to, and
there is a real risk of damage with an inconsiderate or over-enthusiastic partner.
�� Children should be carefully matched for size and weight for sparring practice.
�� Great care must be taken, especially where children train in the proximity of
adults, to avoid collision injury.
�� Children should not do certain conditioning exercises; especially those, which are
heavy, load bearing, for example weight training or knuckle push-ups. Children
should not do any heavy or impact work but should concentrate on the
development of speed, mobility, skill and general fitness.
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BBBA follows the specific guidance of the NSPCC Safe Sports Events document and
Sportscheck document regarding our events and also events our members and we will be
travelling to.
And our guidance covers –
Transport arrangements, travel checklists, supervision and staffing, emergency procedures,
insurance special overnight arrangements and any special health requirements.
Within our provision for young talented athletes we follow, Sport England, UK Sport and BOA
guidelines as detailed within our Athlete Charter.
Practice never to be sanctioned
The following should be avoided except in emergencies. If cases arise where these situations
are unavoidable they should only occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in
charge in the club or the child’s parents. For example, a child sustains an injury and needs to go
to hospital, or a parent fails to arrive to pick a child up at the end of a session.
�� Avoid spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from
others
�� Avoid taking children to your home where they will be alone with you.
Practice never to be sanctioned
�� Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay
�� Share a room with a child
�� Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching
�� Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged
�� Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun
�� Reduce a child to tears as a form of control
�� Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted
upon
�� Do things of a personal nature for children or disabled adults that they can do
for themselves
�� Invite or allow children to stay with you at your home unsupervised
NB. It may sometimes be necessary for staff or volunteers to do things of a personal nature for
children, e.g. if they are young or are disabled. These tasks should only be carried out with the
full understanding and consent of parents and the players. If a person is fully dependent on you,
talk with him/her about what you are doing and give choices where possible. This is particularly
so if you are involved in any dressing or undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical
contact, lifting/assisting to carry out particular activities. Avoid taking on the responsibility for
tasks for which you are not appropriately trained.
If any of the following occur you should report this immediately to another colleague and record
the incident. You should also ensure the parents of the child are told if:
�� You accidentally hurt a child or young person
�� He/she seems distressed in any manner.
�� A student appears to be sexually aroused by your actions.
�� A child or young person misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done.
Contained within the BBBA Club guidelines document (Appendix 1) are some practical ways in
which you should help safeguard children and young people who take part in Karate training
within your Association:
• Coach Ratios
• Changing room awareness
• Dealing with injuries and Illness
• Collection of children by Parents/carers
• Discipline issues
• Physical contact issues
• Sexual Activity issues
• Participants in your Association or club with disabilities
Guidelines for Use of Photographic Filming Equipment at BBBA and other Martial Arts
Events
There is no intention to stop people photographing their children, cub mates, or photography
and video been used as an educational tool but this is in the context of appropriate safeguards
being in place.
There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take
inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerable
positions. It is advisable that all clubs be vigilant with any concerns to be reported to the Club
Child Protection Officer. Any parent who wishes to photograph their child must seek permission
from the instructor or competition organiser.
Official photographers must be registered with the event organiser and wear identification.
See BBBA Photography Policy (APPENDIX 2)
BBBA has a policy of recording authorised camera operators and this is implemented at our
National junior and senior championships.
There is a charge for the pass of £5 per pass one pass covers both items (camera & video).
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All
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If any of the following occur you should report this immediately to another colleague and record
the incident. You should also ensure the parents of the child are told if:
�� You accidentally hurt a child or young person
�� He/she seems distressed in any manner.
�� A student appears to be sexually aroused by your actions.
�� A child or young person misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done.
Contained within the BBBA Club guidelines document (Appendix 1) are some practical ways in
which you should help safeguard children and young people who take part in Karate training
within your Association:
• Coach Ratios
• Changing room awareness
• Dealing with injuries and Illness
• Collection of children by Parents/carers
• Discipline issues
• Physical contact issues
• Sexual Activity issues
• Participants in your Association or club with disabilities
Guidelines for Use of Photographic Filming Equipment at BBBA and other Martial Arts
Events
There is no intention to stop people photographing their children, cub mates, or photography
and video been used as an educational tool but this is in the context of appropriate safeguards
being in place.
There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take
inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sportspeople in vulnerable
positions. It is advisable that all clubs be vigilant with any concerns to be reported to the Club
Child Protection Officer. Any parent who wishes to photograph their child must seek permission
from the instructor or competition organiser.
Official photographers must be registered with the event organiser and wear identification.
See BBBA Photography Policy (APPENDIX 2)
BBBA has a policy of recording authorised camera operators and this is implemented at our
National junior and senior championships.
There is a charge for the pass of £5 per pass one pass covers both items (camera & video).
All passes must be worn while filming or taking snap shots. Where an operator is asked to
produce a valid pass and fails to do so, they may be required to leave the premises. This pass
is for use in the spectator seating or Balcony areas. It is not for permission to use photographic
equipment around the Areas. If this privilege is abused and contradicts the well being, ethics
and integrity of which it was intended, the operator will be held responsible and will be required
to leave the Sports Hall. Their details will be reported to the proper authority.
Videoing as a coaching aid: there is no intention to prevent club coaches and teachers using
video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid. However, performers and their parents/carers
should be aware that this is part of the coaching programme and care should be taken in the
storing of such films.
BBBA also follows closely the guidance issued by the Child Protection in Sport Unit advising
that:
• Where athletes are used in promotional material the appropriate consent is obtained or
models and or illustrations are used.
• Avoid using the first name and surname together, of individuals in a photograph
• If the athlete is named, we do not use their photograph without first obtaining the
appropriate consent,
• If the photograph is used, we do not name the individual, without first obtaining the
appropriate consent.
• Seek parental permission and that of the participant to use any image of any such
participant. Our parental consent form is enclosed as an appendix
• Parental and or Player permission has been sought via our Photography Policy
Recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers
BBBA recognises that anyone may have the potential to abuse children in some way and that all
reasonable steps are taken to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with
children.
It is essential that the same procedures be used consistently for all posts whether staffs are
paid or voluntary, full time or part time.
Under the Protection of Children Act 1999, all individuals working on behalf of, or otherwise
representing, an organisation are treated as employees whether working in a paid or voluntary
capacity.
New staff –
When undertaking recruitment, the BBBA will undertake the following:
All applicants will be subject to the conditions and requirements of the BBBA recruitment Policy
Ensure there is a job description and person specification for all roles
All volunteers /staff involved in Martial Arts will complete an application form. The application
form will elect information about the applicants past and a self-disclosure about any criminal
record.
Consent should be obtained from an applicant to seek information from the Criminal Records
Bureau and the appropriate check will be carried out – an enhanced disclosure.
Advertising will reflect the aims of the BBBA key responsibilities of the role and necessary
experience and our open and positive stance on child protection and equity will be implicit.
Pre-application information will be sent and an application form is necessary for all posts.
Following short-listing formal interviews will be held and the successful applicant will only be
allowed to take up their post and duties once BBBA has cleared their CRB check
There will be a period of induction, on going training and support plus monitoring and appraisal.
A minimum, of two confidential references, including where possible, one regards previous work
with children.
These references must be taken up and confirmed through telephone contact.
Evidence of identity is required (Passport or driving licence with Photo, not utility bills).
Existing Staff -
All current BBBA employees and officers shall complete a declaration of self-assessment
and a CRB enhanced disclosure.
It is a requirement of all new Associations that their officers have been CRB checked
before they are accepted into membership and this is contained within our application
and information pack enclosed as an appendix.......
Defining Child Abuse
Child abuse is when an adult harms a child or young person. There are four main type of abuse:
Physical abuse:
This includes being hit, kicked, shaken or punched, or given harmful drugs or alcohol.
Emotional abuse:
This includes being called names all the time, being threatened or being shouted at or made to
feel small.
Sexual abuse:
This includes being touched in a way you don't like by an adult or young person, being forced to
have sex, or being made to look at sexual pictures or videos.
For some disabled children, it includes if a person helping them to use the toilet touched them
more than was needed.
Neglect:
Is when a child is not looked after properly, including having no place to stay, or not enough
food to eat, or clothes to keep them warm. It also includes if the child is not given medical care
when they need it, including medication.
For some disabled children, it could include if their carer took away the things they needed for
everyday life - like their wheelchair or communication board.
Or not helping a disabled child who needed help using the toilet.
Bullying
Is also a form of abuse
Bullying includes hitting or threatening a child with violence, taking their things, calling them
names or insulting them, making them do things they won't want to do, and deliberately
humiliating or ignoring them.........13
Defining Child Abuse
Child abuse is when an adult harms a child or young person. There are four main type of abuse:
Physical abuse:
This includes being hit, kicked, shaken or punched, or given harmful drugs or alcohol.
Emotional abuse:
This includes being called names all the time, being threatened or being shouted at or made to
feel small.
Sexual abuse:
This includes being touched in a way you don't like by an adult or young person, being forced to
have sex, or being made to look at sexual pictures or videos.
For some disabled children, it includes if a person helping them to use the toilet touched them
more than was needed.
Neglect:
Is when a child is not looked after properly, including having no place to stay, or not enough
food to eat, or clothes to keep them warm. It also includes if the child is not given medical care
when they need it, including medication.
For some disabled children, it could include if their carer took away the things they needed for
everyday life - like their wheelchair or communication board.
Or not helping a disabled child who needed help using the toilet.
Bullying
Is also a form of abuse
Bullying includes hitting or threatening a child with violence, taking their things, calling them
names or insulting them, making them do things they won't want to do, and deliberately
humiliating or ignoring them.
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Common Signs of Abuse
Every child is unique, so behavioural signs of abuse will vary from child to child. In addition, the
impact of abuse is likely to be influenced by the child's age, the nature and extent of the abuse,
and the help and support the child receives. However, there are some behaviours that are
commonly seen in children and young people who have been abused:
• The child appears distrustful of a particular adult, or a parent or a coach with whom you
would expect there to be a close relationship.
• He or she has unexplained injuries such as bruising, bites or burns - particularly if these
are on a part of the body where you would not expect them.
• If he or she has an injury which is not explained satisfactorily or properly treated.
• Deterioration in his or her physical appearance or a rapid weight gain or loss.
• Pains, itching, bruising, or bleeding in or near the genital area.
• A change in the child's general behaviour. For example, they may become unusually
quiet and withdrawn, or unexpectedly aggressive. Such changes can be sudden or
gradual.
• If he or she refuses to remove clothing for normal activities or wants to keep covered up
in warm weather.
• If he or she shows inappropriate sexual awareness or behaviour for their age.
• Some disabled children may not be able to communicate verbally about abuse that they
may be experiencing or have witnessed. It is therefore important to observe these
children for signs other than 'telling'.
The above signs should be seen as a possible indication of abuse and not as a confirmation.
Changes in a child’s behaviour can be the result of a wide range of factors.
Visible signs such as bruising or other injuries cannot be taken as proof of abuse. For example
some disabled children may show extreme changes in behaviour, or be more accident prone,
as a result of their impairment.
AMA has a responsibility to act on any concerns.
A child or young person may also try to tell a person directly about abuse. It is very important to
listen carefully and respond sensitively.......Responding to suspicions or allegations
It is not the responsibility of anyone working in Martial Arts, in a paid or unpaid capacity to take
responsibility or to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. This is the role of the
child protection agencies. However there is a responsibility for all involved in Martial Arts to act
on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities.
Advice and information is available from the local Social Services Department, The Police or the
NSPCC 24 hour Help line 0800800 5000
BBBA assures all staff/volunteers that it will fully support and protect anyone, who in good faith
reports his or her concern that a colleague is, or may be, abusing a child.
Where there is a complaint against a member of staff there may be three types of investigation
• A criminal investigation,
• A child protection investigation,
• A disciplinary or misconduct investigation.
The results of the Police and child protection investigation may well influence the disciplinary
investigation, but not necessarily.
Action to take if there are concerns about a child’s safety or welfare
The following action should be taken if there are concerns:
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YES
Record what the child
has said, or what has
been seen. Include dates
and times and if possible
send a copy to Social
services
Report your concerns to the Club
Chid protection Officer if the club
CPO is not available you should
contact Social Services or the
Police immediately.
Social Services will decide how to
involve the parents/carers
Are you concerned about the Behaviour of a Member of
staff a parent or a carer?
The Association Child Protection Officer should always inform the BBBA Lead Child
Protection Officer on the appropriate form provided within 24 hours of receipt......15
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Poor Practice
If, following consideration and consultation with BBBA Lead Child Protection Officer the
allegation is clearly about poor practice: the Club Child Protection Officer will deal with it as a
misconduct issue. A final report or update must be forwarded directly to BBBA Lead CPO within
1 month of the initial allegation report.
Allegations should be reported to the AMA Lead Child Protection Officer in the first instance for
BBBA to guide action by the club and to enable BBBA to maintain central records and for
monitoring purposes. If the allegation is about poor practice by the Association Child Protection
Officer, or if the matter has been handled inadequately and concerns remain, the BBBA Lead
Child Protection Officer in consultation will decide how to deal with the allegation and handle the
situation.
Suspected Abuse
Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be
reported to the Association Child Protection Officer, who will take such steps as considered
necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.
The Association Child Protection Officer will refer the allegation to the social services
department who may involve the police, or go directly to the police or Social Services out-ofhours
duty service.
The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from
the social services department. [In cases of suspected abuse within the family, Social Services
department and or the Police must give advice on who should be contacted and when]
The Association Child Protection Officer will also notify the BBBA Lead Child Protection Officer
Mrs Michelle Byrne contact number 01726 861341 within 24hours of the report being received, who
will within 24 hours of such a report, advise or and deal with any procedural issues and media
enquiries.
If the Association Child Protection Officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the report
must be made direct to the BBBA Child Protection Officer who will refer the allegation to Social
Services......
Confidentiality
Every effort will be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned.
In so far as is practicable, confidentiality will be maintained at all times in respect of all persons
involved, by any means, in any enquiry or investigations following a disclosure being made or
concern being raised, unless, there is an overriding obligation whereby, in the interests of the
safety, protection or overall welfare of any child or young person, such information, shall be
shared with other interested parties. Any such information shall only be shared on a strict NEED
TO KNOW BASIS
Interested parties might include the following:
�� The Association Child Protection Officer
�� The parents of the person who is alleged to have been abused
�� The person making the allegation
�� Social services/police
�� The AMA Lead Child Protection Officer
�� The alleged abuser and parents if the alleged abuser is a child.
*Seek social services advice on who should approach alleged abuser.
Information will be storied in a secure place with limited access to designated people, in line
with data protection laws (e.g. that information is accurate, regularly updated, relevant and
secure).
BBBA Data Recording Document (APPENDIX 3)
If you do not know whom to turn for advice or are worried about sharing your concerns with a
senior colleague, you can contact the BBBA‘Whistleblower’ Designated person Mr E.Byrne or you should contact the social services direct (or the NSPCC on 0808 800
5000, or Child line on 0800 1111........
Information
Information passed to the social services or the police must be as helpful as possible, hence the
necessity for making a detailed record at the time of the disclosure/concern. Information should
include the following:
�� Name of child
�� Age of child and date of birth
�� Race and Ethnic origin of the child
�� Relevant disability or special needs
�� Home address and telephone number
�� Is the person making the report expressing their own concerns or those of someone
else?
�� If it is not the child making the report has the child concerned been spoken to? If so
what has been said?
�� What is the nature of the allegation? Include dates, times, any special factors and
other relevant information.
�� Make a clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay.
�� Describe any visible bruising or other injuries. Behavioural and indirect signs
�� Record the details of witnesses to the incident/s.
�� The child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or
other injuries occurred.
�� Have the parents been contacted? If so what has been said?
�� Has anyone else been consulted? If so record details.
�� Has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record details.......Responding to the Child:
�� Do not panic – react calmly so as not to frighten the child
�� Acknowledge that what the child is doing is doing is difficult, but that they are right to
confide in you.
�� Reassure the child that they are not to blame.
�� Make sure that, from the outset, you can understand what the child is saying.
�� Be honest straight away and tell the child you cannot make promises that you will not be
able to keep.
�� Do not promise that you keep the conversation secret. Explain that you will need to
involve other people and that you will need to write things down.
�� Listen to and believe the child; take them seriously.
�� Do not allow your shock or distaste to show.
�� Keep any questions to a minimum, but do clarify any facts or words that you do not
understand – do not speculate or make assumptions.
�� Avoid closed questions (i.e. questions which invite yes or no answers).
�� Do not probe for more information than is offered.
�� Encourage the child, to use its own words.
�� Do not make negative comments about the alleged abuser.
�� End the disclosure and ensure that the child is either being collected or is capable of
going home alone.
�� Do not approach the alleged abuser......False allegations of abuse do occur, but they are rare. You should always take immediate
action if a child says or indicates that he or she is being abused, or you have reason to suspect
that this is the case. This may involve dealing with the child, his parent or carer, colleagues at
your club / organisation, teachers, external agencies or the media.
The following guidelines are included in the BBBA Child Protection Policy and Procedures, and it
is strongly recommended they be incorporated into the framework of your own club /
organisation
Children who are being abused will only tell people they trust and with whom they feel safe. As
a coach you will often share a close relationship with students and may therefore be the sort of
person in whom a child might place their trust. Children want the abuse to stop. By listening
and taking what a child is telling you seriously, you will already be helping to protect them.
It is useful to think in advance about how you might respond to this situation in such a way as to
avoid putting yourself at risk.
Timing and Location:
It is understandable that the child may want to see you alone, away from others. The child may
therefore approach you at the end of a session when everyone is going home, or may arrive
deliberately early at a time when they think you will not be busy. However, a disclosure is not
just a quick chat, it will take time and usually has further consequences. Bear in mind that you
may also need to attend to other students / children, check equipment or set up an activity – you
cannot simply leave a session unattended. Therefore, try to arrange to speak to the child at an
appropriate time.
Location is very important. Although it is important to respect the child’s need for privacy, you
also need to protect yourself against potential allegations. Do not listen to the child’s disclosure
in a completely private place – try to ensure that other members of staff are present or at least
nearby.
All records should:
�� Be written as soon as possible, signed and dated.
�� Clearly distinguish between fact, observation, allegation and opinion
�� Note the name, date, the event, a record of what was said, and any action taken in cases
of suspected abuse
�� Be held separately from main records
�� Be exempt from open access..........
Allegations of Previous Abuse
Allegations of abuse may be made some time after the event (e.g. by an adult who was abused
as a child or abused by a member of staff who is still currently working with children).
Where such an allegation is made, the club should follow the procedures as detailed above and
report the matter to the social services or the police. This is because other children, either within
or outside sport, may be at risk from this person.
Anyone who has a previous criminal conviction for offences related to abuse is automatically
excluded from working with children. This is reinforced by the details of the Protection of
Children Act 1999.
Suspension and Internal Enquiries
The BBBA Chief Executive Officer on advice from the Lead Child Protection Officer will make an
immediate decision about whether any individual accused of abuse or concerns relating to
matters which fall within child protection and good practices, should be temporarily suspended
pending further Police and or Social services inquiries.
Where such a temporarily suspension is imposed, the suspension shall be from any
participation or activity connected in any way with Martial Arts and or BBBA which will include but
are not limited to the following: coaching, refereeing, judging, time keeping, scoring,
chairmanship, presidency, management, board membership, teams, captaining, competing,
secretarial duties or functions, treasurer, patron, first aiding, event organiser or assistant event
organiser, administrative duty, Child Protection Officer, volunteer work and any other activity
relating to Martial Arts, where there is a likelihood of contact with children or young persons.
Where a person is temporarily suspended and during the time of the suspension BBBA are
informed that a breach or abuse of the suspension is or has took place, that person will be
served a written warning.
Failure to comply with or adhere to the terms of the written warning may result in the permanent
disqualification of the said person from any and or all BBBA activities.
Initial Action and Enquiries
Upon receipt of any concerns complaints or disclosure an investigation into the concern
complaint or disclosure may be necessary.
This might be in the form of a criminal investigation conducted by the Police and/or Social
Services and also an internal investigation by BBBA
If such an investigation discloses a breach of law then the BBBA investigations will cease at that
time and a referral made to the Police and/or Social Services...........Enquiries may fall within either of the following categories and as a result any one of, or all, may
be instigated:
Child Welfare
I. An investigation by BBBA may be instigated
II. The individual concerned may be temporarily suspended, the extent of the suspension
will be given, and in order to ensure the safety and welfare of children the individual has
or may come into contact with.
III. The individual may be informed of the suspension either verbally or in writing but if given
verbally, confirmation in writing will be given within 48hours.
IV. BBBA membership and any associated benefits may be temporarily suspended.
V. The individual may be required to undergo a specific CRB check.
VI. The matter may be referred to a discipline committee for their consideration.
Child Protection / Poor Practice
I. Upon receipt of any concern or allegation referral will be made to the Police and /or
Social Services for consideration as to whether a criminal or civil investigation into the
concern/s or allegation is required.
II. An investigation by BBBA may be instigated
III. The individual concerned may be temporarily suspended from any or all Martial Arts
activities under the auspices of BBBA, pending the outcome of any such Police, Social
Services and or BBBA investigation where such a suspension is warranted or deemed
necessary by BBBA to ensure the welfare and safety of any children or young people,
where they are directly, or likely to, come into any contact with the individual in question.
IV. The individual may be informed of the suspension either verbally or in writing but if given
verbally, confirmation in writing will be given within 48hours. BBBA membership and any
associated benefits may be temporarily suspended.
V. The individual may be required to undergo a CRB check.
VI. The matter may be referred to a discipline committee for their consideration........Irrespective of the findings of the Police or Social services inquiries, AMA Disciplinary
Committee will assess all individual cases to decide whether a member of staff or volunteer can
be reinstated and how this can be sensitively handled.
This may be a difficult decision; particularly where there is insufficient evidence to uphold any
action by the police. In such cases, BBBA Disciplinary Committee will reach a decision based
upon the available information which could suggest that on a balance of probability it is more
likely than not that the allegation is true. The welfare of children should always remain
paramount.
Action if bullying is suspected
The same procedure should be followed as set out in the Section relating to responding to
suspicions or allegations, if bullying is suspected. All settings in which children are provided with
services or are living away from home should have rigorously enforced anti-bullying strategies
in place.
Remember: In all Child Protection issues –
Maintain confidentiality on a NEED TO KNOW basis only.
Ensure the Association Child Protection Officer follows up with Social services.
The Association Child Protection Officer will also report the incident to the
BBBA Lead Child Protection Officer who will advise, support and report as
necessary.
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