SEED Tennis
CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING POLICY
PURPOSE
SEED Tennis is committed to providing a safe, supportive and positive environment for all children and young people participating in our coaching programmes, events, competitions and activities.
The welfare and wellbeing of children is our highest priority.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, contractors, parents, caregivers and participants involved in any SEED Tennis activity.
COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
SEED Tennis is committed to:
• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.
• Treating all children fairly and with respect.
• Providing an inclusive environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and abuse.
• Encouraging children to speak up if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
• Taking all concerns seriously and responding appropriately.
COACH AND STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
All coaches, assistant coaches and volunteers are expected to:
• Act as positive role models.
• Treat all participants with dignity and respect.
• Promote inclusion, fairness and sportsmanship.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Follow all SEED Tennis policies and procedures.
Coaches, staff and volunteers must not:
• Use abusive, threatening or inappropriate language.
• Bully, harass or discriminate against any participant.
• Engage in inappropriate relationships with participants.
• Communicate with children in a secretive or inappropriate manner.
• Place a child at unnecessary risk.
PHYSICAL CONTACT
Tennis coaching may occasionally require limited physical contact for instructional purposes.
Any physical contact must:
• Be appropriate to the coaching activity.
• Be respectful and non-intrusive.
• Be explained to the participant where practical.
• Take place in an open and observable environment.
ONE-ON-ONE COACHING
Private lessons are a normal part of tennis coaching.
Where possible:
• Lessons should be conducted in visible and public areas.
• Parents are encouraged to remain nearby for younger children.
• Coaches should avoid situations where they are isolated with a child in a non-public environment.
COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN
SEED Tennis coaches will use professional communication channels and maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
Communication should relate only to tennis activities, events and programme administration.
Where appropriate, communication should be directed through parents or caregivers.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Coaches, staff and volunteers must maintain professional conduct on all social media platforms.
Private or inappropriate online communication with children is not permitted.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
SEED Tennis may use photographs and videos for coaching, performance analysis, promotional purposes and programme development.
All media will be used respectfully and appropriately.
Parents or caregivers who do not wish their child to appear in promotional material should notify SEED Tennis in writing.
BULLYING, HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION
SEED Tennis has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, discrimination or abusive behaviour.
Any participant, parent, coach or volunteer engaging in such behaviour may be removed from programmes or events.
PARENT AND CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
Parents and caregivers are expected to:
• Treat coaches, staff, volunteers and participants respectfully.
• Support a positive and safe environment.
• Ensure children arrive prepared and ready to participate.
• Inform SEED Tennis of any relevant medical, behavioural or welfare concerns.
• Collect children promptly after lessons unless alternative arrangements have been made.
TRANSPORTATION OF CHILDREN
SEED Tennis coaches do not normally transport participants to or from coaching sessions, competitions or events.
Where exceptional circumstances require transportation by a coach, parental consent must be obtained beforehand.
REPORTING CONCERNS
Any concerns regarding the welfare, safety or wellbeing of a child should be reported to SEED Tennis management as soon as possible.
All reports will be treated seriously and handled appropriately.
Where required, SEED Tennis will seek advice from or report concerns to appropriate authorities.
COACH RECRUITMENT AND SCREENING
SEED Tennis is committed to maintaining a safe environment for children and young people.
Coaches and staff working with children will be required to undergo police vetting, before commencing work with SEED Tennis.
All coaches, assistant coaches and volunteers are expected to comply with the standards outlined in this Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.
POLICY REVIEW
SEED Tennis reserves the right to amend this policy from time to time to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice standards.
CONTACT
If you have concerns regarding child safety or wellbeing, please contact:
SEED Tennis is committed to providing a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment where every child can learn, develop and enjoy the game of tennis.