Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Policy Statement

In providing a service to you we undertake that we have the necessary expertise to do so. All of our instructors have the necessary coaching qualifications and competence to conduct the course, are insured, hold first aid certificates and are DBS checked.

Child Protection Policy Statement

Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy (RKSKA) acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with Sport England best practice requirements.

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children:

have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at RKSKA in a safe and child centred environment; and
are protected from abuse whilst participating in karate or outside of the activity.

RKSKA acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy RKSKA will:

promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people,
ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people,
ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern,
ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored,
prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals; and
ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed every three years, or in the following circumstances:

changes in legislation and/or government guidance,
as required by UK Sport; and
as a result of any other significant change or event.

Code of Conduct for Instructors and Volunteers

Instructors and volunteers are expected to:

Ensure the safety of all children by providing effective supervision, proper pre-planning of coaching sessions, using safe methods at all times.
Consider the wellbeing and safety of participants before the development of performance.
Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
Treat all young people fairly and ensure they feel valued. Have no favourites.
Encourage all children not to discriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs, race, gender, social classes or lack of ability.
Not allow any rough or dangerous play, bullying, or the use of bad language or inappropriate behaviour.
Appreciate the efforts of all young people and not over-train the young people. Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Be positive, approachable and offer praise to promote the objectives of the club at all times.
Not let any allegations of abuse of any kind or poor practice to go unchallenged or unrecorded. Incidents and accidents to be recorded in the line with the club’s procedures. Parents will be informed.
Never use sanctions that humiliate or harm young people.
Report accidents or incidents of alleged abuse or poor practice to the designated person.
Administer minor first aid in the presence of others and where required refer more serious incidents to the club "first aider".
Have access to telephone for immediate contact to emergency services if required.
Foster team work to ensure the safety of youth members in their care.
Ensure the rights and responsibilities of youth members are enforced.
Establish and address the additional needs of disabled participants or other vulnerable groups.
Not abuse members physically, emotionally or sexually.
Not engage in a sexual relationship with a young person for whom they are responsible.
Maintain confidentiality about sensitive information.
Respect and listen to the opinions of young people.
Take time to explain coaching techniques to ensure they are clearly understood.
Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
Be a role model, displaying consistently high standard of behaviour and appearance (disciplined/committed/time keeping), remember children learn by example.
Refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions.
Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.
Not spending excessive amounts of time alone with children unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Never taking children to their home.
Not administering First Aid involving the removing of children’s clothing unless in the presence of others.
Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.
Make karate fun.

Instructors and volunteers have the right to:

Access on-going training and information on all aspects of leading/managing activities for youths, particularly on Safeguarding.
Support in the reporting suspected abuse or poor practice.
Access to professional support services.
Be protected from abuse by children/youths, other adult members and parents.
Not to be left vulnerable when working with children.

Emergency Action and First Aid

All coaches, leaders and members should be prepared with an action plan in the event of an emergency and be aware of First Aid Procedures. This will include:

Access to First Aid equipment.
Telephone contact if the participant is a minor.
Telephone contact to the Emergency Services.

Code of Conduct for Parents and Carers

As parents you are expected to:

Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in karate.
Do not place your child under pressure or push them into activities they do not want to do.
Complete and return the Enrolment Form pertaining to your child's participation with RKSKA.
Deliver and collect your child punctually before and after sessions.
Ensure that proper sportswear is worn.
Detail any relevant medical concerns or conditions pertaining to their child on the Enrolment Form. Any changes in the state of the child's health should be reported to the instructor prior to the activity.
To inform the instructor prior to the activity starting if your child is to be collected early.
Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best.
Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct.
Behave responsibly when watching training; do not embarrass your child.
Show appreciation and support the instructor.
Ensure your child is punctual.
Be realistic and supportive.
Ensure your child has appropriate showering equipment (where required), plus adequate food (where required) and drink.
Accept the instructor’s judgment and do not enter the training area.
Promote your child’s participation in playing sport for fun.

As a parents/carer you have the right to:

Be assured that your child is safeguarded during their participation in karate.
Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your children.
Be informed if your child is injured.
Have your consent sought for issue such as trips or photography.
Contribute to decisions within the club.
Have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s welfare listened to responded to.

Any breaches of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by the Chief Instructor. Persistent concerns or breaches may result in you being asked not to attend sessions if your attendance is considered detrimental to the welfare of young participants.

The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may be the Chief Instructor regrettably asking your child to leave the session, event or club.

Code of conduct for Children and Young People

Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy (RKSKA) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, instructors, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with the Chief Instructor.

RKSKA offers a positive experience for children and young people and where they can learn new things in a safe and positive environment.

As a member of RKSKA, you are expected to abide by the following junior code of practice:

Children and young people are expected to:

Be loyal and give their friends a second chance.
Be friendly and particularly welcoming to new members.
Be supportive and committed to other karateka, offer comfort when required.
Keep yourself safe.
Report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations for youth members.
Play fairly and be trustworthy.
Respect officials and accept decisions.
Show appropriate loyalty and be gracious in defeat.
Respect opponents.
Not cheat or be violent and aggressive.
Make your club a fun place to be.
Keep within the defined boundary of the dojo area.
Behave and listen to all instructions from the coach. Play within the rules and respect the official and their decisions.
Show respect to other youth members/leaders and show team spirit.
Take care of equipment owned by the club.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background or religious beliefs or sexual identity.
Refrain from the use of bad language or racial/sectarian references. This includes bullying using new technologies like chat-rooms or texting.
Not get involved in inappropriate peer pressure and push others into something they do not want to do.
Refrain from bullying or persistent use of rough and dangerous play.
Keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
Wear suitable clothing for training and match sessions, as agreed with the instructor.
Pay any fees for training or events promptly.
Not smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
Not consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

Children / Young People have the right to:

Be safe and happy in their chosen activity.
Be listened to.
Be respected and treated fairly.
Privacy.
Enjoy your sport in a protective environment.
Be referred to professional help if needed.
Be protected from abuse by other member or outside sources.
Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability.
Experience competition and the desire to win.
Be believed.
Ask for help.
Have any concerns taken seriously and acted on.

Any minor misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be addressed by the Chief Instructor. More serious or persistent misbehaviour may result in disciplinary action and potentially dismissal from the club/sport. Parents will be informed at all stages.

Disciplinary action can be appealed to the Chief Instructor with final decisions taken by them.

Equality Policy

The Equality Policy has been designed to ensure that no volunteer, participant or student is unlawfully discriminated against or receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation (together these are known as the ‘Protected Characteristics’ under the Equality Act 2010).

Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy (RKSKA) recognises that individuals (and/or certain groups in our society who share one or more Protected Characteristics) may have been denied opportunity to access or participate fully in sport in the past. This Policy has been produced to try to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and avoid practices that could discriminate directly or indirectly towards certain sections of society. In order to achieve equality, RKSKA recognises that in some instances, unequal distribution of effort and resources may be required. This may be necessary when sections of society are faced with barriers that prevent or restrict their participation in Karate. RKSKA supports the need for positive action to alleviate any barriers to participation.

Equality is about respecting peoples’ individuality. In doing this, RKSKA recognizes that its Policy must provide flexibility in order to ensure a service, which is adaptive to individuals’ needs, thus enabling all in our society to participate without prejudice or unnecessary barriers.

RKSKA strives to ensure that our sport is free from discrimination, endeavour to promote the highest standards and:
- provide and implement a policy to protect participants from discrimination,
- encourage individuals from all communities to become involved at any level of participation,
- adopt good practice in training and supervision of all instructors and volunteers,
- respond to all concerns, and implement appropriate procedures.
RKSKA will work to ensure that inequality is avoided:
- when training individuals,
- in the structure and content of all syllabi and gradings,
- by the relaxation of any conventional rules and regulations which serve to inhibit the performance of those students with special needs or disabilities, providing that such action does not have detrimental effect on the standard, quality and integrity of the regulations.
Responsibilities of the Individual:
- everyone associated with RKSKA is required to assist in ensuring that RKSKA meets its commitment and avoids unlawful discrimination,
- individuals can be held personally liable as well as, or instead of,RKSKA, for any act of unlawful discrimination.,
- individuals who commit serious acts of harassment may be guilty of a criminal offence.