Thanet Swim Club
Child Protection - Procedures and Guidelines

These procedures and guidelines were produced from advice given in respect of Swim 21 and various other resources such as the ASA website. The term "child" or "children" refer to all young people under the age of 18 years.

Thanet Swimming Club has an ongoing commitment to the safety and protection of children in sport.
The welfare of children is everyone's responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse. Everyone in Thanet Swim Club – committee member, club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone - can help.

Abuse can occur anywhere there is children -at home, at school, in the park, at the club. Sadly, there are some people who will seek to be where children are simply in order to abuse them. Everyone in Thanet Swim Club has a part to play in looking after the children with whom they are working with. This is both a moral and, arguably, a legal obligation. The Children Act 1989 indicates that anyone who has the care of a child should "do what is reasonable in all the circumstances for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare."

These child protection procedures stem from the following principles:
• The child's welfare is the paramount consideration
• All children, regardless of age, any disability they may have, gender, racial origin,
Religious belief and sexual identity have a right to be protected from abuse.

What is Child Abuse?
The Children Act (1989) and Working Together to Protect Children (1999) state that there are four main types of abuse -Physical, Sexual, Emotional and Neglect. Abuse may be the action or inaction by, for example, a coach, volunteer or paid helper, family member or another young athlete.

Physical Abuse is just what the term implies -hurting or injuring a child, for example, by hitting, shaking, burning or scolding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm. In a swimming context it might also occur if a child is forced to train beyond his/her capabilities, or the intensity of training disregards a disabled person's impairment.

Sexual Abuse includes forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts.

In a sporting context it could involve inappropriate photography or videoing, for the sexual gratification of the viewer.

Emotional Abuse occurs when a child is not given love, help and encouragement and is constantly derided or ridiculed or, perhaps even worse, ignored. Conversely, it can also occur if a child is over-protected. It is the persistent emotional ill treatment such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development.

In a swimming context this is present in the unrealistic expectations of parents and coaches over what a child can achieve, or the undermining of an athlete through ridicule. Bullying is likely to come into this category. Racially and sexually abusive remarks constitute emotional abuse and it can be a feature of bullying.

Neglect usually means the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and psychological needs, resulting in the serious impairment of the child's health or development. It may involve failing to provide food, warmth adequate clothing, medical attention etc. It could also mean failing to ensure they are safe or exposing them to harm. In a swimming context it may be when an athlete's personal or intimate requirements are ignored, particularly if they are disabled.

Some Indicators

Recognising child abuse is not always easy -even for the experts. The examples listed below are not a complete list and they are only indicators -not confirmation:
• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, bites or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries.
• The child says that she or he is 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 or which has not been adequately treated
• The child's behaviour changes, either over time or quite suddenly; and he or she becomes quiet and withdrawn, or alternatively becomes aggressive
• Refusal to remove clothing for normal activities or keeping covered up in warm weather
• 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
• Pain or itching, bruising or bleeding in or near the genital area
• The child shows inappropriate sexual awareness for his/her age and sometimes behaves in a sexually explicit way.

Bear in mind that physically disabled children and young people are particularly vulnerable to abuse and may have added difficulties in communicating what is happening to them. Dependency on others for
primary needs such as feeding, clothing and intimate care may make a young person feel powerless to report abusive treatment. A fear of retribution for "telling" can be a powerful "silencer"; Difficulty in identifying abusive situations or behaviour may allow it to continue.
If you have concerns about the welfare of a child.

Please remember, it's not your responsibility to decide whether a child is being abused but we are asking you to act on your concerns. Make a detailed note of what you've seen or heard but don't delay passing on the information to an appropriate person. Your information should include:
• The nature of the suspicion or allegation .a description of any visible injury
• The athlete's account of what has happened
• Dates and times and any other factual information .the distinction between fact, opinion or hearsay
If you are a Thanet Swim Club member, or the parent/carer or friend of a member, you should
• Tell a club officer such as the welfare officer, club secretary; chairperson, coach or any committee member, or team manager - unless, of course, you suspect them of being involved or.
• Ring the Swimline 0808 100 4001 or NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 500
If you are a club officer or team manager 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 studies/exams
• Ring the Swimline 0808 100 4001 or NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 500
• Contact your local Social Services Department or, in an emergency, the Police.

If you are working with athletes away from home, at a training camp perhaps, or a national or regional competition, tell the Team Manager or the Chief Coach. Again, please remember to make a detailed note of what you've seen or heard but don't delay passing on the information.

For more information contact:
Paula Piper – TSC Disability Liaison/welfare Officer