In the ASA we believe that the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse. Everyone in swimming - administrator, club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone - can help.
Abuse can occur anywhere there are children - at home, at school, in the park, at the club. Sadly, there are some people who will seek to be where children are, simply in order to abuse them. We believe that everyone in the ASA has a part to play in looking after the children with whom they are working. The Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children (DOH 1999) highlight the shared responsibility of organisations to promote children's wellbeing and safeguard them from harm. They stress the importance of effective information sharing, collaboration, and understanding.
As the National Governing Body of Swimming the ASA has a moral and legal obligation to both identify and appropriately deal with concerns raised regarding the well being of children involved in our sport.
These child protection procedures stem from the following principles
The child's welfare is the first consideration.
All children regardless of age, gender, racial origin,religious belief, sexual identity and any disability have a right to enjoy sport free from all forms of abuse or sexual exploitation.
The ASA and associated clubs have responsibilities for the welfare of children and young people who take part in our sport.
The ASA has a responsibility to maintain confidentiality in all cases involving child protection in line with the current legislation.
The ASA will not tolerate, within its associated clubs, poor practice in dealing with child welfare.
We know that if the procedures are to help to protect children, everyone involved in swimming needs to see and discuss them. We are, therefore asking club secretaries and welfare officers to make sure that they are widely distributed and discussed at club executive and general meetings.
Finally, please remember the ASA will support anyone who, in good faith reports his or her concerns that a child is at risk of, or may actually be, being abused.
The ASA policy on child welfare is mandatory and all affiliated clubs must appoint a Club Welfare Officer to oversee the procedure is followed appropriately at all times.
A child is defined as any young person under the age of 18.
