Tri 3 Sleaford Triathlon Club Safeguarding Policy

Tri 3 Sleaford upholds the guidance as set out by British Triathlon and implements this within the club’s training practices. All risk assessments undertaken are designed to follow BTF guidance as well as club rules and local safeguarding policy relating to children and vulnerable adults.

The club is inclusive to both junior members with a physical or learning disability as well as vulnerable adults. The safeguarding guidelines are designed to minimise risk and encourage inclusivity.

The club has a designated welfare officer who is a member of the committee and any concerns relating to safeguarding are to be reported to them in the first incident. If it is felt that the issue cannot be dealt with within this remit, it may be that a referral is needed to the local authority and safeguarding board. If appropriate, it will be referred to the local police. Any reports of safeguarding concerns or allegations will be treated with the upmost respect and the appropriate level of action will be taken. BTF notified immediately of any allegations made.

The club will provide all club members and parents of members with the opportunity to raise concerns in a safe and confidential manner if they have a concern about a child’s welfare or protection. This can be through the Welfare Officer or any of the coaching staff.

The Club Welfare Officer is advertised to club members through the Club website, social media and via club events.

All coaches at the club have enhanced disclosure and barring checks (DBS) reflecting their work with junior members of the club as well as vulnerable adults. All coaches are made aware of any potential safeguarding risks and potential identifiers of abuse and are aware of the procedure to follow should a disclosure be made to them.

The club welfare officer monitors DBS and safeguarding expiry dates and ensures coaches always remain in date. If junior coaches are not in date with safeguarding or DBS checks, they will not be permitted to coach. 

The club has relevant risk assessments in place relating to any events that are organised by the club that involve junior members and the relevant safeguards that need to be in place to ensure safety and full participation and enjoyment. There are further safeguards in place relating to junior members in mixed swim sessions involving adult members. The club will uphold the guidelines set out by BTF and formulate a risk assessment always based on the ability of the junior member and minimising risks.

The club has a designated social media page for junior members which has member approval, limited access and parental consent is obtained before any images of children are added to the site in line with data protection and local and national safeguarding policy. 

The club has a zero-tolerance policy to bullying harassment and intimidation and any reports or allegations will be taken seriously and investigated and where necessary their membership will be revoked this is for both junior and adult members.

The club will ensure that confidentiality is maintained appropriately and in line with the best interests of the child and that all papers relating to child safeguarding matters are held in a safe and secure manner.