Safeguarding
1. Purpose of This Policy
The Inland Schools Girls and Boys Hockey Association (ISGBHA) is committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all children participating in school hockey activities. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to protecting children from harm, promoting their welfare, and ensuring that all adults understand their responsibilities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All students participating in ISGBHA activities (training, trials, matches, tours, events).
- All coaches, managers, teachers, officials, volunteers, and service providers.
- All parents and spectators engaging with ISGBHA activities.
3. Safeguarding Principles
3.1 Child-Centred Approach
The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration in all decisions.
3.2 Inclusivity
All children—regardless of gender, ability, culture, ethnicity, religion, economic status, or disability—have equal rights to protection.
3.3 Zero Tolerance
Any form of:
- Abuse
- Harassment
- Bullying
- Discrimination
- Misconduct
…will not be tolerated.
3.4 Shared Responsibility
Safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult involved in hockey activities.
4. Definitions of Abuse
ISGBHA follows internationally recognised categories of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional/psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse and exploitation
- Neglect
- Peer-on-peer abuse (including sexualised behaviour, bullying, hazing)
- Online abuse (social media, messaging apps, image sharing)
5. Code of Conduct
5.1 For Coaches, Teachers, and Volunteers
Adults must:
- Prioritise the welfare and safety of participants.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Avoid being alone 1-on-1 with a child when possible.
- Use safe communication practices (no private messaging unless strictly necessary and always transparent).
- Ensure equipment and facilities are safe.
- Treat all players with dignity and respect.
- Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
Adults must not:
- Engage in physical punishment.
- Use degrading, abusive, or sexualised language.
- Transport children alone without prior parental consent.
- Engage in favouritism or inappropriate relationships.
- Take photos/videos without permission and purpose.
6. Safer Recruitment
All adults involved with ISGBHA must:
- Undergo appropriate background checks (e.g., police clearance).
- Provide verifiable references.
- Complete safeguarding training annually.
- Be vetted and approved before working with children.
7. Reporting Procedures
7.1 When to Report
Report immediately if you witness or suspect:
- Abuse of any kind
- Unsafe behaviour or environments
- Inappropriate conduct by adults or peers
- Disclosures from children
7.2 How to Report
Reports can be made to:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) of ISGBHA
- School safeguarding officers
- Local child protection authorities (in severe cases)
All reports will be:
- Taken seriously
- Dealt with confidentially
- Acted upon promptly
No one will suffer retaliation for reporting in good faith.
8. Managing Allegations
If an allegation is made against a coach, teacher, volunteer, or player:
- The individual alleged to have caused harm will be removed from direct contact with children pending investigation.
- The DSL will initiate formal procedures.
- The relevant school or governing body will be notified.
- All actions will follow legal and regulatory requirements.
9. Player Education
ISGBHA will:
- Teach students about safe behaviour, respect, and personal boundaries.
- Encourage players to speak up if something feels wrong.
- Promote responsible use of social media and digital communication.
10. Travel, Tours, and Events
Special considerations include:
- Clear supervision ratios (minimum 1:10, or lower for younger students).
- Gender-appropriate supervision for sleeping arrangements.
- Written parental consent for all travel.
- Medical information and emergency contacts collected and securely stored.
- Conduct and behaviour expectations communicated in advance.
11. Photography and Media
Photography or filming must:
- Have parental consent.
- Avoid individual close-ups where unnecessary.
- Avoid changing rooms, bathrooms, and private spaces.
- Be stored safely and used only for approved purposes.
12. Monitoring and Review
This safeguarding policy will be:
- Reviewed annually.
- Updated following any incident, change in law, or new best practices.
- Distributed to all stakeholders.
13. Contact Information
