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Bullying is a common problem that affects many people from children to adults at sometime in their lives. It is an extremely upsetting experience for everyone involved at school or in the workplace. As with any problem it can be solved only if brought into the open and talked about. Otherwise the scars can continue for years. If you are being bullied you should not keep it to yourself. Let a coach, teacher or parent know what is going on. The web site bullying.com was created by a schoolboy who was himself bullied and now offers help and support to kids and parents, including guidance on ways of dealing with bullying.
Blackburn United Football Club exists to provide footballing facilities for boys and girls in the local area and surrounding districts and is run on a voluntary basis. At Blackburn United we operate an 'Open Door Policy' in relation to membership regardless of race, religion, disability or gender. We at Blackburn United believe it is the responsibility of those in charge to care for and develop the participants involved to the best of their individual abilities by creating an environment in which they are safe and receive the best possible coaching. Fairplay, mutual understanding and cross community aspects play an important role in the ethos of the club. The Committee and coaches after being vetted by the club are made aware of our ethos and Child Protection Policy.
To accommodate our code of conduct we institute the following practices:
It is essential for everyone involved to be made aware of the behavioural standards in place at Blackburn United and what is not acceptable and additionally that on arrival at the Club the participants are given a written brief on the general conduct code:
1. Volunteers are advised not to spend excessive time alone with children. Do not go into the toilet alone with children.
2. Meetings with individual children should take place as openly as possible. Never take or make arrangements to meet a child alone in your home. Volunteers should not meet with children outside organized activities, unless it is with the full knowledge and consent of the parents and that the club is aware of the meeting.
3. If on occasion privacy is required, other committee persons should be informed and at least one should be within earshot of the conversation. The door should be left open.
4. Volunteers should avoid unnecessary physical contact with children. On occasion when an injury occurs or a child is distressed the involved adult should explain to the child what he or she is doing but only with the consent of the injured party and in full view of as many persons as possible.
5. Coaches and committee persons should be careful of extending hugs and celebrations where bodily contact is involved. This is important not only for the coaches protection but for the children also.
6. If a child touches you in an inappropriate place record the incident and report it to another adult. While an incident could be purely innocent or horseplay efforts should be made to inform the offending child that this behaviour is not acceptable in a manner that does not intimidate the involved party.
7. Car journeys, however short should be with the full knowledge and consent of the parents and someone in charge of the club. It is not a good practice to be alone with the child in the car and if possible make your pickup point or drop-off point with at least two children.
8. Never keep suspicions of abuse by a colleague to yourself. If there is an attempt to cover up you could be implicated by your silence. Inform the appropriate person at the club of your suspicions.
9. Club outings should be well organized:
In relation to overnight stays:
10. Volunteers should never:
We encourage communications between participants and coaches in relation to coaching sessions and it is important to listen to the children's views on the merits or otherwise on matters which concern their development.
All participants and parents are made aware of the availability of the coaches or committee persons to speak to in relation to all the activities at Blackburn United. Telephone numbers are readily available in our information pack.
The club will designate a person who will be responsible for dealing with concerns at the club. This individual will be well known to volunteers, parents and participants and will make him or herself readily available to handle any inquiries of any nature concerning the personnel or the activities at Blackburn United.
If a child gives an indication that he/she may want to talk to you about a problem you should:
Record the discussions accurately and as soon as possible after the event.
Contact the designated person within the Club immediately and seek guidance in relation to the complaint. This person after the discussion may contact the Social Services and if appropriate make a direct referral. If this person is not available, contact Social Services. (The telephone number is at the end of the policy)
It is important to keep a record of ALL actions taken i.e. letters and telephone calls.
While this procedure should be followed the designated officer may consider that complaints of a lesser nature i.e. bullying, cheating and that in these cases he may decide that the matter may be handled internally without outside involvement. However it must be emphasized that each case will be thoroughly investigated and remedied to the satisfaction of the child/parent concerned. Appropriate action will be taken.
It is important to maintain confidentiality.
11. Recruitment
While the vast majority of people who work with children are well motivated there is a need to be careful in the selection procedure to screen out those who are not suitable.
In recruiting volunteers the following procedure should be carried out:
Social Services Office
Jubilee House
Blackburn
Tel: 01254 587879
The Contact Details of The Clubs Child Protection Officer Are:
Mr Mohammed Mogra 7 Finch Close Blackburn Lancashire
BB1 6EW
Tel: 07816951226
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