Worksop leads way in child protection
The
Joint Angling Governing Bodies (JAGB) comprises of the three main disciplines
in the sport of angling.
They are the National Federation of Anglers (NFA) for coarse angling,
the National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA) and the Salmon and Trout
Association (S&TA).
One of the main areas that they are currently addressing is child protection
in the sport and their policy is now accepted as one of the best set of
procedures across all sports and other organisations.
It is an unfortunate fact of life that child abuse is on the increase
within society in general, but sporting organisations throughout Great
Britain are trying extremely hard to keep such abuse away.
Angling is one of the leading role models in implementing such policies
to ensure credibility in their sport.
The JAJB’s statement of intent provides guidelines to everyone in
angling, whether professional or voluntary, to adopt and implement procedures
for administrators, coaches, instructors, officials, teachers, parents
and young people.
They recognise that although child abuse is a very emotive and difficult
subject, it is the responsibility of every adult involved in angling to
play their part in making sure the sport is both safe and fun for all
children, young people and vulnerable adults involved.
As a result, the JAJB have published a companion document to their policy
called Implementing Child Protection in Angling.
It will be a user-friendly tool for clubs and coaches. Each governing
body is also committed to drafting an action plan on child protection.
The approach to child protection is based on the principles recognised
in UK legislation and international agreements – The Children Act
1989, The Child Protection Act 1999 and The Human Rights Act 2000.
Here are some of the extracts from the document:
Responsibilities – angling organisations
will:
Accept the moral and legal responsibility to implement procedures to provide
a Duty of Care for young people, safeguard their well-being and protect
them from abuse.
Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of young people and
disabled adults.
Recruit, train and supervise employees and volunteers to adopt best practice
to safeguard and protect young people from abuse, and themselves against
false allegations.
Require staff and volunteers to adopt and abide by the organisation’s
code of ethics and conduct and child protection policy and procedures.
Respond to any allegations appropriately and implement the appropriate
disciplinary and appeals procedures.
Principles – The guidance given
in the procedures is based on the following principles.
The welfare of young people and disabled adults is the primary concern
(the Children Act 1989 defines a young person as under 18 years of age).
All young people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language,
racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right
to protection from abuse.
It is the responsibility of child protection experts to determine whether
or not abuse has taken place but it is everyone’s responsibility
to report any concerns.
All incidents of suspicious poor practice and allegations should be taken
seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
Confidentiality should be upheld in line with the Data Protection Act
1984 and the Human Rights Act 2000.
Please note, that the term parents is used throughout the document as
a generic term to represent parents, carers and guardians and that the
term young people, also refers to anglers with disabilities and vulnerable
adults.
Fortunately, Worksop and District Anglers Association’s (WDAA) junior
section is one of the most respected clubs in the country within the NFA
membership structure.
And to add credibility to their cause, they currently have one of the
largest intake of angling coaches in the country with four qualified coaches
who have all attended child protection and first aid workshops.
They have also been processed and checked through the Criminal Record
Bureau procedures.
WDAA-based coaches implement strict risk assessment and duty of care procedures,
which automatically gives local parents (whose youngsters are involved
with the WDAA activities) peace of mind. They know that their children
are being looked after by caring individuals.
WDAA are continually striving to help other volunteers from their organisation
to achieve these high standards.
Should you wish to obtain a copy of the Implementing Child Protection
in Angling document contact any of the three governing bodies at the following
addresses:
The Salmon and Trout Association, Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge,
London EC4R 9EL (020 72835838).
The National Federation of Anglers, Halliday House, Egginton Junction,
Derbyshire DE65 6GU (01283 734735).
The National Federation of Sea Anglers Level 5, Hamlyn House, Mardle Way,
Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0NS (01364 644643).
Notice Board
The next
Sandhill Lake Open Match will take place tomorrow (25th October).
The entry fee is £12 all-inclusive, the draw will take place at
9am and fishing will be from 10am until 3pm – just turn up on the
day
Worksop Piscatorial members who intend taking part in the next club match
on 2nd November should notify the secretary as soon as possible.
Worksop United members who intend taking part in the next club event on
the Ranby section of the Chesterfield Canal on Sunday 26th October should
inform the secretary of their intentions.
The club’s next permit holders’ match is on Saturday 25th October
on the Bracebridge section.
The entry fee is £5 all-inclusive, the draw takes place at 9am and
fishing will be from 10am until 3pm.
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Yours in Sport Glyn |