Please take the time to read this, but be balanced in your decision about discussing aspects of this with your child.   CHILD PROTECTION POLICY Basic tenets of the policy: A child’s welfare is the primary consideration All children, regardless of age, any disability they have, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity have a right to be protected from abuse This Club actively promotes SwimLine to members, parents, carers and club officials through newsletters, a poster on the club notice board and information in the Parents book.  Types of Abuse: Physical – hurting or injuring a child.  This may also be compelling a child to train beyond his or her capabilities.  Bullying is likely to come into this category. Sexual – when a child knowingly takes part in something which meets the sexual needs of the other person or persons involved – it could range from sexually suggestive comments to full intercourse. Emotional – when a child is not given love, help and encouragement and is constantly derided or ridiculed or ignored.  Conversely, it can also occur if a child is over-protected.  It present in the unrealistic expectations of parents and teachers/coaches over what a child can achieve.  Racially and sexually abusive remarks are also emotional abuse and can be a feature of bullying. Neglect – this usually means failing to meet a child’s basic needs such as food, warmth, adequate clothing, medical attention, etc.  It could also mean failing to ensure that they are safe or exposing them to harm.    Indications Recognising abuse is not easy, even for experts and is an emotive subject.  The following are examples that are only indicators, not confirmation: The child says that they are being abused, or another person says they believe (or actually know) that abuse is occurring The child has an injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent The child’s behaviour changes, either over time or suddenly, and he or she becomes quiet or withdrawn or alternatively becomes aggressive The child appears not to trust adults, e.g. a parent or coach with whom she or he would be expected to have, or once had, a close relationship, and does not seem to be able to make friends He or she becomes increasingly neglected looking in appearance, or loses or puts on weight for no apparent reason The child shows inappropriate sexual awareness for his or her age and sometimes behaves in a sexually explicit way  Children with physical disabilities and learning difficulties are particularly vulnerable to abuse and may have added difficulties in communicating what is happening to them.  As teachers, coaches, poolside helpers, etc, we have a responsibility to act on our concerns, but remember it is NOT your responsibility to decide whether a child is being abused.   If you are a member, or the parent/carer or friend of a member of a swimming club, and you have concerns about the welfare of a child, you should: Tell a club officer such as the Child Protection Officer, Teacher, Committee member, or at event, the referee, unless, of course, you suspect them to be involved OR Ring SwimLine on 0808 100 4001 – This is the ASA’s own helpline where you can talk to someone who understands both swimming and the requirements of Child Protection.  If you need urgent advice you have the option to transfer to the NSPCC Child Protection hotline  If you are a club officer, teacher, poolside helper, etc, you can: Talk to the child’s parents/carers about the concerns if you think there may be an obvious explanation such as a bereavement or pressure from their studies/exams Tell the Head Teacher or Child Protection Officer of your concerns Ring SwimLine on 0808 100 4001 - This is the ASA’s own helpline where you can talk to someone who understands both swimming and the requirements of Child Protection.  If you need urgent advice you have the option to transfer to the NSPCC Child Protection hotline Contact your local Social Services Department, or in an emergency, the Police  If you are working with swimmers away from home, maybe at a competition – tell the team manager of the chief coach If you are working with a school – tell the head teacher If you are involved in a swim scheme such as local authority swim lessons, refer to your local Child Protection procedures.   Remember to make a detailed note of what you have seen or heard but don’t delay passing on the information   You should also write to the ASA Legal Department to advise them of your concern and to whom you have reported it.  Address the letter to: ASA Legal Affairs Dept, Harold Fern House, Derby Square, Loughborough LE11 5AL If you have the appropriate action above, but still feel that the situation has not changed, contact SwimLine on 0808 100 4001 and tell them about your concerns.   If a child tells you that he or she is being abused: Stay calm Don’t promise to keep it a secret Listen to what the child is telling you and, please, take it seriously Only ask questions of you need to identify what the child is telling you – don’t ask the child about explicit details Make a detailed note of what the child has told you but don’t delay in passing the information Good Practice which may help prevent Child Abuse Avoid situations where the teacher/coach/club official and swimmer are alone.  Sometimes this may be unavoidable, but should not occur on a regular basis. Further guidance can be found in the ASA Code of Ethics. Ascertain the child’s parents/carers views about manual support for children who need this kind of help, particularly when they are in the water If it is necessary to do things of a personal nature for children who are young or disabled, make sure you have another adult with you.  Get the child’s consent if possible and get consent from the parent/carer.  Let the child know what you are doing and why. Ask responsible adults and/or nominated club officials to be responsible for children in changing rooms.  Teaching staff have no normal role in the changing rooms. Work in pairs in changing rooms if supervising children there Ensure that mixed teams are always accompanied by male and female club representatives Do not allow any physically rough or sexually provocative games, or inappropriate touching or talking by anyone, in any group for which you have a responsibility In competitions, look out for people who do not appear to be relatives or friends of competitors but who spend a lot of time videoing or photographing them.  Report these people to the organisers or the pool management immediately.  This Club does not allow any recording of the gala or during swim sessions, whether by video, camcorder, still photography or images sent by mobile phone.  If you are organising a meet, arrange an accreditation system for parents/relatives and friends and genuine press photographers - see the ASA website for current guidance.