Safeguarding means promoting the safety and welfare of young people. Safeguarding is a term used to incorporate good practice and is wider than “Child Protection”. Child protection is still an essential element of this policy and is about acting on concerns about a young person or individual.

This policy has been formulated in accordance with guidance from the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and in line with Government guidance.

Central Principles

1. The Young person’s welfare is paramount.
2. All Junior section members, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
3. All suspicions and allegations of abuse must be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

Young people are defined as being “under 18 years of age".

Please click on this link to England Hockey’s Policy Documents on Safeguarding. Sevenoaks Hockey Club understand the National Governing Bodies policy on safeguarding, and adheres to the documents in part fulfilment to satisfy the Clubmark award.

In addition the club will:

• Provide a membership form for young people providing details of any medical condition or allergy relevant to potential medical treatment, and parental medical consent for necessary emergency treatment.
• Adopt procedures which should ensure that all their coaches are suited to working with children.

NB: If any coach has concerns that abuse may have taken place they should complete a Child Welfare Incident Report Form.

welfare@sevenoakshockey.club