Meadows Croquet Club Child Wellbeing and Protection Policy

We, Meadows Croquet Club (MCC) believe that Good Practice at the Meadows is as follows:

1. The wellbeing of children and young people is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse. Everyone in croquet – club members, coaches, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone – can help. Children and young people have a lot to gain from croquet. Their natural sense of fun and spontaneity can blossom in positive sporting environments. Croquet provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn new skills, become more confident and maximise their own unique potential. The Club will place the needs of the child first and winning and competition second.
2. The underlying principles with respect to Child Wellbeing and Protection are that:
   • The child’s wellbeing and protection is the first consideration.
   • All children, regardless of age, any disability they have, sex, racial origin, religious belief and gender identity have a right to be protected from abuse.
   • Children and young people must be treated with integrity and respect.
   • Children and young peoples’ programmes and competitions will be relevant to their ages and stages of development.
3. We are committed to following the current Scottish Croquet Association’s Child Wellbeing and Protection guidelines. All our volunteers who with work with children are members of Scottish Croquet Association.
4. The Meadows Croquet Club:
   • Aims to create an enjoyable environment, where young people have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat.
   • Acknowledges that young people have the right to be treated with respect and for their concerns to be listened to and acted upon.
   • Will aim to ensure that junior members have specific programmes designated for them, with adequate supervision.
   • Is committed to ensuring that all helpers, whatever their role, complete a Club Registration Form, sign a Code of Conduct and complete Disclosure Application (if in a childcare / adult at risk role) and a Self Declaration Form in relation to Child wellbeing and protection.
   • Provides clear, comprehensive, easily understood procedures for dealing with: Allegations of abuse; requests for help and support on a confidential basis.
   • Is committed to an equitable recruitment selection policy for coaches.
   • Will always emphasise fair and expeditious play.

Our Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer is

The Meadows Croquet Club (MCC) will:

• Adopt the SCA Club Child Wellbeing and Protection Policy and associated procedures
• Adhere to the guidelines and procedures contained within this policy
• Appoint a Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer
• Implement any recommendations of Scottish Croquet Association
• Maintain confidentiality of any alleged child wellbeing and protection issues that arise.
• Maintain confidential records of reported cases and action taken.
• Accept that all Office and Committee members have a responsibility in this area and be prepared to respond to any indication of abuse in line with the child wellbeing and protection procedure
• Require all those who are deployed by the SCA to work with children to attend child wellbeing and protection training
• Recruit club volunteers in accordance with SCA’s recruitment policy
• Be prepared to challenge and alter practice.

The MCC Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer will:

• Ensure all persons working with children and young people at the club are fully aware of what is required of them within the protocols of the Policy / Codes of Conduct
• Conduct the administrative work associated with processing of information on coaches/volunteers
• Liaise closely with coaches and volunteers to ensure that agreed procedures for the prevention of risk are followed
• Advise on opportunities for volunteers and coaches to undertake training
• Act as the contact person on matters relating to Child Wellbeing and Protection at the Club
• Ensure all incidents are correctly recorded and reported in accordance with SCA policy and procedures
• Encourage all those in regular contact with children and young people playing croquet to attend the Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport workshop

Further information:

• Scottish Croquet Association Child Welfare and Protection Policy
• Children 1st 0131 446 1156
• Safeguarding in Sport 0141 419 1156

This policy was approved by the Committee and Board of the Club on 27 April 2021.