An essential part of any club is to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone.

As more and more young people, coaches, officials, volunteers become members and active participants within a club environment this puts more demands on people’s time - so a greater need to be more aware of welfare issues is required.

It is every club’s duty to consider the way in which it carries out its activities and to take all reasonable steps to make sure that participants, visitors and volunteers can enjoy the sport/activity provided by the club in a safe environment.   This is particularly true when considering young people and vulnerable groups. 

It is vital the club has the correct procedures in place to protect the junior and vulnerable members and also to protect the coaches and volunteers. The club needs to make sure that the policies and procedures which are in place are specific to the type of sport/activity and to the club. 

Many National Governing Bodies have their own guidelines for clubs on Welfare and where these exist they should be followed.  As a first step, contact your NGB to see what policy documents and procedures they have in place. 

Another area to access information is The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU). This unit has been set up throughout the UK by partnerships between the sports councils (e.g. Sports Council for Wales) and the NSPCC.  The Child Protection in Sport Unit have their own website, resources and training events that you can access to make sure your club has everything in place.