Child Protection Policy

At MKCA we understand our duty of care, to safeguard all children from harm.

We highlight the significantly positive effect cheerleading can have on a persons well being and development.

All children and young people have a right to have fun, be safe and be protected from harm.

Therefore:

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded swiftly and appropriately.

• All staff working within the squad have a responsibility to report concerns to appropriate persons.

We are aware that

• Cheerleading staff/volunteers are generally not trained to deal with situations of abuse nor decide if abuse has occurred.

MKCA has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in cheerleading from harm. All children have a right to protection, and the need of others who may be particularly vulnerable must be taken into account.

MKCA staff will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in cheerleading through adherence to the child protection guidelines adopted by MKCA.

The aim of MKCA child protection policy is to promote good practice in:

1. Providing children and young people with appropriate safety and protection whilst involved in cheerleading activities.

2. Allowing all staff to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.

Cheerleading offers a valuable contribution to the development of athletic skills and the promotion of worthwhile values through positive leadership, teamwork and community involvement. Cheerleaders learn to trust and respect adults of the squad. This places staff/volunteers in a unique position of trust and confidence.

This position of trust is one in which a child may feel the need to confide in you, or where you may feel that all is not well in the child’s life. MKCA has a duty to ensure all volunteers are equipped with the necessary information and knowledge to provide the support and guidance they need.

A safe environment is thus not just working to cheerleading safety guidelines, ensuring safety techniques are taught thoroughly. It is a duty of care to ensure that all aspects of the child’s safety and well being are paramount, and cared for.

What Is Child Abuse

There are four commonly recognised categories of child abuse. These are:

Physical abuse – hurting or injuring a child, for example, by hitting or shaking them. This category is also likely to include bullying.

Sexual Abuse – when an adult exploits their power, authority or position and uses a child sexually to gratify their own needs – it could range from sexually suggestive comments to full intercourse.

Neglect – this usually means failing to meet children’s basic needs such as food, warmth, adequate clothing, medical attention etc it could also mean failing to ensure they are safe or exposing them to harm.

How Does This Affect Us?

There maybe a time when a child approaches a trusted adult in our squad to discuss a problem in their life. It is vital that you know how to react to this in a sensitive and appropriate manner. It maybe something outside cheerleading, it may be something relating to relationships and behaviours that you had not been aware of.

All personnel should be encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to safeguard children and ensure their welfare, and also to protect themselves from false allegations. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate within cheerleading:

Good practice means:

Treating all young people equally and with respect and dignity.

Always putting the welfare of each young person first, before winning or achieving goals.

Maintaining a safe and appropriate distance with cheerleaders.

Avoiding private or unobserved situations; with the exception of previously arranged private lessons.

Building balanced relationships based on mutual trust which empowers children to share in the decision making process.

Making sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play.

Involving parent/gaurdian wherever possible.

Ensuring that at all competitions or residential events, adults should not enter children’s rooms or invite children into their room.

Giving enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.

Securing parental consent in writing if the need arises to give permission.

Keeping written records of any injury that occurs, along with details of any treatment given.

Staff and volunteers must acknowledge the age group they are working with, and not trivialise or exaggerate child abuse issues. If a child confides in you about a sensitive issue or concern you should:

Allow the child time to speak without interruption or in leading them by making suggestions.

Do not try to interrogate other than clarify your understanding.

Reassure the child that you are glad that they have told you and that they were right to do so.

Be honest in telling the child that you cannot keep it a secret, and that you will have to tell someone who can help.

Remain calm, no matter how difficult it may be to listen. You have been chosen because the child feels they can talk to you. Do not show anger, disgust or disbelief.

As soon as practical afterwards write down everything the child has told you but remember that it is highly confidential.

You must report any matters to an MKCA Coach; details below:

Who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child whom maybe at risk.

MKCA Coaches will refer the allegation to the social services department, who in turn will investigate.

The parent/gaurdian of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services.

Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a strictly need to know basis.

Child Protection in sport:

NSPCC telephone 0800 800 500

Child line 0800 1111