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Policies

Policies

Our anti-bullying policy sets out how we feel about bullying as a club or organisation, what we’ll do to tackle it and how we’ll support children and young people who experience or display bullying behaviour.

Bullying

  • All forms of bullying will be acted upon
  • Everybody in the club or organisation has a responsibility to work together to stop bullying
  • Bullying can include online as well as offline behaviour
  • Bullying behaviour can include:
  • physically pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc.
  • name calling, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and humiliation or the continual ignoring of others
  • posting of derogatory or abusive comments, videos or images on social media
  • racial, homophobic, transphobic or sexist comments, taunts or gestures
  • sexual comments, suggestions or behaviour – unwanted physical contact

Our club or organisation will:

  • Recognise its duty of care and responsibility to safeguard all players from harm Promote and implement this anti-bullying policy in addition to our safeguarding policy and procedures
  • Ensure that bullying behaviour is not tolerated or condoned
  • Require all members of the club/organisation to sign up this policy
  • Take action to investigate and respond to any reports of bullying from children and young people
  • Encourage and facilitate children and young people to play an active part in developing and adopting a code of conduct for behaviour
  • Ensure that coaches are given access to information, guidance and training on bullying

Each participant, coach, volunteer or official will:

  • Encourage individuals to speak out about bullying behaviour
  • Respect every child’s need for, and right to, a play environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available
  • Respect the feelings and views of others
  • Recognise that everyone is important and equal, and that our differences make each of us special and worthy of being valued
  • Show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities, contributions and progress
  • Ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed for all to see
  • Report incidents of bullying behaviour they see – by doing nothing you are condoning the behaviour.

Supporting children

  • We’ll let children know who will listen to and support them
  • we’ll create an “open door” ethos where children feel confident to talk to an adult about bullying behaviour or any other issue that affects them
  • Potential barriers to talking (including those associated with a child’s disability or impairment) will be acknowledged and addressed at the outset to enable children to speak out
  • We’ll make sure children are aware of helpline numbers
  • Anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened to carefully and reports will be taken seriously
  • Any reported experience of bullying behaviour will be investigated and will involve listening carefully to all those involved
  • Children experiencing bullying behaviour will be supported and helped to uphold their right to play and live in a safe environment
  • Those who display bullying behaviour will be supported and encouraged to develop better relationships
  • We’ll make sure that sanctions are proportionate and fair

Support to the parents/guardians

  • Parents or guardians will be advised on the club or organisation’s bullying policy and practice
  • Any experience of bullying behaviour will be discussed with the child’s parents or guardians
  • Parents will be consulted on action to be taken (for both victim and bully) and we’ll agree on these actions together
  • Information and advice on coping with bullying will be made available
  • Support will be offered to parents, including information from other agencies or support lines

Useful contacts

NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000

Childline 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk

Kidscape www.kidscape.org.uk

Introduction:

Gymnastics is one of the most successful and fastest growing sports in Scotland. All children who takes part in gymnastics are entitled to participate in a fun and safe environment, and we believe that everyone involved in our sport can play a part to ensure the wellbeing and protection of children.

British Gymnastics (BG) and the governing bodies of gymnastics in the four home nations, are committed to establishing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe gymnastics environment.

Scottish Gymnastics and West Lothian Gymnastics Club work in partnership with Sport Scotland, Children 1st, Disclosure Scotland and Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services, to continuously improve knowledge and practice in child wellbeing and protection at all levels of our sport.

This policy and related documents reflect our commitment to providing a safe sporting environment for everyone and we will always act in the best interest of children.

Policy Statement:

All children and young people have the right to be cared for, protected from harm and abuse, and to participate in a sporting environment which is safe, and in which their rights are respected, and their needs met. Children and young people should get the help they need, when they need it and their safety is always paramount.

West Lothian Gymnastics Club recognises its responsibility to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation. Our Staff and volunteers will work together to embrace difference and diversity and respect the rights of all children and young people.

This policy and associated documents identifies West Lothian Gymnastics Club commitment to protecting children and young people and the expectations we have in the club. It reflects Scottish legislation, policy and guidance on child wellbeing and protection, and complements the BG policy and guidance on safeguarding.

Definition of a child:

For the purposes of this policy a child means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

If you have an immediate and serious concern about the safety of a child, contact the police on either 101 or 999, and/or social work services. Contact details of your local social work team can be found on the relevant local authority website.

Key principles:

  • The welfare of children is the primary concern
  • The protection and wellbeing of all children in our care is everyone’s responsibility
  • A child, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, socioeconomic status, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse
  • A child has the right to express views on all matters that affect them, should they wish to do so
  • A child’s rights, wishes and feelings should be respected and promoted
  • The best way to promote the wellbeing, health and development of a child is to work in partnership with the child, parents/carers and other relevant organisations

To keep children safe, we will:

  • Promote the wellbeing of children through opportunities to take part in gymnastics safely
  • Put in place policies and procedures to promote the wellbeing and protection of children
  • Seek to prevent and address bullying through the development and implementation of effective anti-bullying policies and practices
  • Appoint a club welfare officer
  • Recruit, train and support our volunteers/staff to prioritise the wellbeing of children who take part in our activities and protect them from harm
  • Require volunteers/staff to adopt and abide by the child protection policy and procedures including the Codes of Conduct for working with children Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of children
  • Respond to any child wellbeing or protection concerns in line with our policy and procedures.
  • Monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the child protection and wellbeing policy and procedures regularly

West Lothian Gymnastics Club will:

  • Adopt the Child Protection Policy
  • Implement national guidelines and procedures related to this policy
  • Appoint a Club Welfare Officer
  • Safely recruit club volunteers/staff in accordance with the recruitment guidance
  • Promote best practice and establish and implement club guidelines
  • Ensure all volunteers, coaches, athletes and parents agree to and sign the club’s code of conduct
  • Accept that all office bearers and committee members have a responsibility for child wellbeing and protection and are prepared to respond to any indication of abuse or poor practice
  • Challenge and change poor practice
  • Implement any recommendations of Scottish Gymnastics relating to this policy area
  • Promote an environment where all legitimate concerns can be raised without fear of victimisation or reprisal
  • Recommend to all those working with children to attend a Scottish Gymnastics

Safeguarding & Protecting Children workshop

Equality:

The Equality Act 2010 provides a basic framework of protection against direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation in services and public functions, as well as providing protection for people discriminated against because they are perceived to have, or are associated with someone who has, a protected characteristic.

West Lothian Gymnastics Club endorses the principle of equality and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in gymnastics (in all its disciplines and forms), whether as athletes, casual participants, club members, officials, volunteers, coaches, office-bearers in clubs or those within the governance structure of Scottish Gymnastics:

  • Has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, without regard to their age, sex, gender identity, disability, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, religion, race, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation; and,
  • Can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected and in particular, that they are able to enjoy their sport without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.

Policy Review:

This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed every 3 years. In all other circumstances, it will be updated in accordance with changes in legislation and guidance on the protection of children or following any changes within West Lothian Gymnastics Club. It will also be reviewed following any concerns raised about the protection of children from Scottish Gymnastics or British Gymnastics.

West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, officials, parents/guardians and spectators associated with the club should, at all times show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, all coaches associated with West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club should comply with this code of conduct.  o Consider the well-being and safety of participants above all else.

  • Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play and respect for others). Set a good example by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding good performances. o Encourage gymnasts to value their performances and not just results.
  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with gymnasts and their parents based on mutual trust and respect. Always ensure that channels of communication remain open for the benefit of the performer.
  • Be aware of your responsibilities with regards to the duty of care ‘owed’ to the gymnasts and follow child protection guidelines and recommended good practice at all times. This is particularly important if you are taking children away to an event or training session – especially if this includes an overnight stay.
  • Obtain prior agreement from the parent/guardian of the gymnast before transporting them anywhere (training/competitions).
  • Ensure the gymnasts in your care are ‘handed’ back to their parents before you leave the premises.
  • Report any incidents of poor practice, bullying or potential abuse by following the appropriate guidelines set out in SG Child Protection procedures.
  • Always arrive 10 minutes prior to class times to oversee the arrival of gymnasts and be ready to start the class on time.
  • Lead coaches should prepare a lesson plan that should be followed.
  • Coaches should refrain from using their mobile phones during class times. o Assistant coaches must follow the directions of the lead or head coach.
  • Work within the guidelines relating to your qualifications and insurance cover.
  • Ensure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of the gymnast and that all participants are suitably prepared physically and psychologically.
  • Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, dressing suitably and not using inappropriate language at any time whilst involved with club activities. Remove all jewellery before commencing coaching activities. o Never consume alcohol immediately before or during training sessions or events.  o Never condone rule violations or use of prohibited or inappropriate substances.
  • Make sure that confidential information is not divulged unless you have the express approval of the individual concerned. o Ensure that at least one other responsible adult is present at all training sessions.
  • Ensure you do not allow yourself to be distracted while you have responsibility for supervising gymnasts – for this reason coaches are expected to leave their mobile phones outside the training area. o Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all WLAGC members.  o Encourage performers to gain independence and self-discipline.
  • Aim to improve the performers self-confidence by giving positive feedback and constructive criticism. Avoid being negative and undermining their confidence. o Always us the facility and equipment according to appropriate guidelines.
  • Refrain from criticising WLAGC coaches/officials/members in public and if you have worries or concerns make every effort to speak directly to the person or alternatively the head coach or the club manager. o Be respectful of coaches, officials and parents from other clubs at all times.

POLICY STATEMENT

West Lothian Gymnastics Club (henceforth WLAGC) endorses the principle of sports equality and will strive to ensure that everyone who wishes to be involved in gymnastics, whether as gymnasts, coaches, volunteers, office-bearers within clubs, office-bearers within technical panels or those employed within WLAGC:

  • Has a genuine and equal opportunity to participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, without regard to their age, sex, gender identity, disability, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, religion, race, ethnic origin, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation; and
  • Can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to enjoy their participation within gymnastics without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.

 

LEGAL OBLIGATIONS

WLAGC is committed to avoid and eliminate unfair discrimination of any kind in gymnastics and will under no circumstances condone unlawful discriminatory practices. We as an organisation take a zero-tolerance approach to harassment. Examples of the relevant legislation and behaviours in question are given in the Appendix.

Positive Action

The principle of Sports Equality goes further than simply complying with legislation. It entails taking positive steps to counteract the effects of physical or cultural barriers – whether real or perceived – that restrict the opportunity for all sections of the community to participate equally and fully.

WLAGC will therefore seek to institute, support or contribute to appropriate measures or initiatives that enable access to gymnastics and participation in associated activities by people from any group that is under-represented in the sport or has difficulty accessing it.

Implementation

The following steps will be taken to publicise this policy and promote sports equality within gymnastics:

  • A copy of this document will be published on the WLAGC website.
  • The WLAGC Chair will take overall responsibility for ensuring that the policy is observed.
  • The Board of Directors and senior management team will take full account of the policy in arriving at all decisions in relation to activities of WLAGC.
  • WLAGC will collaborate fully in collaboration with the Governing body in any surveys or other initiatives designed to assess the level of participation of different sections of the community in gymnastics and will take account of the findings in developing measures to promote and enhance sports equality in gymnastics.
  • WLAGC will provide access to training for all Board members and the senior management team to raise awareness of both collective and individual responsibilities.
  • It will be a condition of WLAGC membership that the club:
  • Formally adopt this policy; and
  • Take steps to ensure that their committees, members and volunteers behave in accordance with the policy, including where appropriate, taking disciplinary action under the Club’s constitution; and
  • Ensure that access to membership is open and inclusive;
  • Support such measures and initiatives that WLAGC may institute or take part in to advance the aims of this policy.
  • It will be a condition of membership that members:
  • Commit to act in accordance with this policy; and
  • Support such measures and initiatives that WLAGC may institute or take part in to advance the aims of this policy.

Responsibility, Monitoring, and Evaluation

The Board will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of this policy.

The Board will review all WLAGC activities and initiatives against the aims of the policy on an annual basis.

The Board will review the policy itself at intervals of no more than three years, (or when necessary due to a change in legislation) and will report with recommendations to the AGM.

Complaints and compliance

WLAGC regards all of the forms of discriminatory behaviour, including (but not limited to) behaviour described in the Appendix as unacceptable, and is concerned to ensure that individuals feel able to raise any bona fide grievance or complaint related to such behaviour without fear of being penalised for doing so.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any employee, member or volunteer who violates the WLAGC Equality and Diversity Policy.

Any person who believes that he or she has been treated in a way that they consider to be in breach of this policy by a member, individual member or employee of WLAGC, should first complain to that person or club. If this does not resolve the matter, or in the case of allegations of discriminatory behaviour against WLAGC itself, the person may raise the matter directly to the welfare team / chair for whom contact details are welfarewlagc@gmail.com.

If the complaint cannot be dealt with internally, Scottish Gymnastics will be informed and the complaint will then be dealt with as outlined in accordance with the SG Code of

Conduct for Clubs, which can be accessed through www.scottishgymnastics.org   Scottish Gymnastics Association

 

APPENDIX –

Relevant legislation and forms of unacceptable discrimination.  Legal rights Discrimination has been legally defined through a series of legislative acts, including the Race Relations Act, the Sex Discrimination Act, the Disability Discrimination Act and the Equality Act 2006.

In April 2010, the Equality Act 2010 received Royal Assent.

The Equality Act 2010 is a new law which harmonises where possible, and in some cases extends, protection from discrimination. It applies throughout the UK and came into force in October 2010.

Discrimination refers to unfavourable treatment on the basis of particular characteristics, which are known as the ‘protected characteristics. Under the Equality Act 2010, the protected characteristics are defined as age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex (gender) and sexual orientation.

Under the Equality Act 2010, individuals are protected from discrimination ‘on grounds of’ a protected characteristic1. This means that individuals will be protected if they have a characteristic, are assumed to have it, associate with someone who has it or with someone who is assumed to have it.

Forms of discrimination and discriminatory behaviour include the following:

Direct discrimination

Direct discrimination can be described as less favourable treatment on the grounds of one of the protected characteristics.

Indirect discrimination

Indirect discrimination occurs when a provision, criterion or practice is applied to an individual or group that would put persons of a particular characteristic at a particular disadvantage compared with other persons.

Discrimination arising from disability When a disabled person is treated unfavourably because of something connected with their disability and this unfavourable treatment cannot be justified, this is unlawful. This type of discrimination only /relates to disability.

Harassment

Harassment is defined as unwanted conduct relating to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or which creates an intimidating or hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person.

Victimisation It is unlawful to treat a person less favourably because he or she has made allegations or brought proceedings under the anti-discrimination legislation, or because they have helped another person to do so. To do so would constitute victimisation.

Bullying

Bullying is defined as a form of personal harassment involving the misuse of power, influence or position to persistently criticise, humiliate or undermine an individual.

1 The exception to this is pregnancy and maternity, which does not include protection by association or assumption – a woman is only protected from discrimination on grounds of her own pregnancy.

FAIR PLAY STATEMENT

“It is the policy of West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club to ensure that all participants, volunteers, coaches and parents promote fair play at all times. Gymnasts are encouraged to be ‘good sports’ and to co-operate with and respect their teammates, coaches and officials at all times.  The aim is for all participants to enjoy the sport, improve their skills and have FUN.”

GYMNASTS CODE OF CONDUCT

All members are required to abide by the following rules at all times:

  • I will co-operate fully, respecting all requests and decisions made by the coaches, helpers, officials and administrators.
  • I will be on time for training sessions and competitions.
  • I will conduct myself in a proper manner and will promote myself in a positive light by avoiding behaviours which may bring the name of West Lothian Gymnastics club into disrepute.
  • I will treat other gymnasts, coaches and officials with respect at all times.
  • I will be considerate to others and work as a team.
  • I will accept success and failure in a noble/ selfless way.
  • I will not purchase or consume alcohol, tobacco products, solvents, illegal drugs of any kind whilst representing the club or on the club premises.
  • I will take care of all property belonging to the club or any club member.
  • I will not leave sessions without permission of the person in charge.
  • I will be responsible for caring for my own equipment, clothing and property.
  • I will pay any fees for training or events promptly.
  • I will remove all jewellery, unsuitable clothing or footwear during any club training sessions.
  • I will not to engage in the inappropriate use of social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc.). This includes, but is not limited to, negative comments relating to officials, volunteers, coaches or gymnasts. I agree to refrain at all times from posting comments which can be interpreted as derogatory (slurs), demeaning, inflammatory etc. and understand that under no circumstances should offensive comments be communicated through these mediums.
  • I agree to abide by all Club Policies and Procedures that can be found on the Club website at westlothiangymnastics.co.uk and inside the club membership pack.

OFFICIALS/VOLUNTEERS CODE OF CONDUCT

West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, officials, parents/guardians and spectators associated with the club should, at all times show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, all coaches associated with West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club should comply with this code of conduct.

  • Consider the well-being and safety of participants in club activities above all else. o Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play and respect for others). Set a good example by recognising good sportsmanship and applauding good performances.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all WLAGC members. o Refrain from criticising WLAGC coaches / officials / members in public and if you have worries or concerns make every effort to speak directly to the person or alternatively the head coach or the club manager.
  • Refrain from using inappropriate language at any time whilst involved with club activities.
  • Make sure that confidential information is not divulged unless you have the express approval of the individual concerned.
  • Ensure the safe dispersal of children when involved in club activities

PARENTS AND SPECTATORS CODE OF CONDUCT

West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, officials, parents/guardians and spectators associated with the club should, at all times show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, all those associated with West Lothian Artistic Gymnastics Club should comply with this code of conduct.

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.
  • Encourage children to participate if they are interested. If they are not, don’t force them. Remember children are involved in sport for their enjoyment not yours.
  • Encourage punctuality and an appropriate dress standard for training sessions and competition.
  • Focus on the enjoyment of the sport, reducing the emphasis on winning. o Help your child to recognise good performance and not just results. Applaud good routines by members of all clubs.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility especially when dealing with or in the vicinity of persons under the age of 18 years of age as your words and actions are an example.
  • Never ridicule or yell at your child or other children for making a mistake.
  • Accept decisions of all officials as being fair and made to the best of their ability. Do not raise issues of disagreement publicly.
  • Show respect to Coaches or Officials at all times and do not address them in a derogatory or condescending manner.
  • Accept that the decision of the Clubs Board of Trustees in all matters concerning club members, including dismissal from the club, is final. o Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities and avoid the use derogatory language.
  • Encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
  • Pay any fees for training or events promptly.
  • Understand and aware of the repercussions if you breach the code of conduct.