Kent County ASA is committed to the safety and welfare of all their athletes and young helpers and, as an association affiliated to Swim England, has adopted and abides by Swim England’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures Wavepower 2020-23.
If at any time you would like further guidance or support, there are a variety of sources:
Wavepower is intended for anyone involved in these activities and offers practical guidance and information on mandatory requirements and best practice. What must be noted is that the responsibility to safeguard children does not belong to any one person. Instead it belongs to everyone who plays a part in delivering our sporting activities, recognising when issues might need escalating to the Swim England Safeguarding Team or the statutory services. If you would like further local advice you can contact the Kent Safeguarding Children Multi Agency Partnership.
Advice for Young People
Our clubs should be providing an environment where all young people have the ability to achieve their full potential in a fun and enjoyable environment. To enable this, there needs to be a commitment from all young people to abide by their club’s code of conduct and expected behaviour of each young person.
We want our athletes to:
If this is not happening within your club, you can contact:
The following websites provide useful information that will help our young athletes:
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (part of the NSPCC) has some really useful information for Children and Young People
Organisations that support and provide advice on self harm - this is not an exhaustive list however and, in addition, GPs and schools can provide guidance on local services that may be available:
Advice for Parents
You play a key role in ensuring a child’s safety within our sport. Clubs make a commitment to focus on the wellbeing of your child. Remember, many people are volunteers and give their time to help ensure Kent aquatic athletes develop their skills in a safe, protected environment. Parents are asked in return to make a commitment to the club in line with the club’s commitment to your child. Ways in which parents can show commitment include:
The Child Protection is Sport Unit (CPSU) has produced a great video highlighting how parents behaviour sometimes change when their child is placed within a competitive environment: Magic Sports Kit Video. In addition, they have developed some short videos highlighting the immense benefits that parents can bring to club environments: The value of positive parental support.