MATCHROOM MULTI SPORTSAFEGUARDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Table of Contents
1

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 3

2

LEGISLATION ................................................................................................................................... 33

SAFEGUARDING POLICY ................................................................................................................. 3
3.1

Safeguarding Policy Statement .............................................................................................. 3

3.2

Who This Policy Applies To? .................................................................................................. 3

3.3

Why this Policy exists ............................................................................................................. 4

3.4

Purpose & Scope .................................................................................................................... 4

3.5

Aims & Key Principles ............................................................................................................. 4

3.6

Recruitment and Disclosure ................................................................................................... 5

3.7

Good Practice Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 5

3.8

Recognition of Poor Practice.................................................................................................. 6

4

CODE OF CONDUCT ........................................................................................................................ 6

5

REPORTING ABUSE – PROCEDURES AND SYSTEMS AND PREVENTATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ....... 6
5.1

Types of Abuse ....................................................................................................................... 6

5.2

Signs and indicators of abuse ................................................................................................ 7

5.3

Roles & Responsibilities ......................................................................................................... 7

5.4

How to report an incident ...................................................................................................... 8

5.5

Photographic / Filming Equipment at events ........................................................................ 9

6

Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................................... 10

7

Appendix 2 .................................................................................................................................... 12

2

1 INTRODUCTION
Matchroom Multi Sport (MMS) believe that all children and young people who partake in their eventsshould be able to do so in an enjoyable, safe and positive environment and be protected from any
kind of abuse. MMS is committed to ensuring our events are an inclusive environment to be enjoyedby all. MMS recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children by protecting themfrom physical, sexual or emotional harm, and from neglect or bullying.

2 LEGISLATIONThis policy has been drawn upon the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely;• Children Act 1989
• United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Children Act 2004
• Equality Act 2010
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (including DBS checks and information)• Guidance Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) – CEOP 2012
• Working Together 2015/2017• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2016
• The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
• General Data Protection Regulations 2018

3 SAFEGUARDING POLICY
3.1 Safeguarding Policy Statement
MMS is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all people involvedin the sport. It accepts its responsibility to assist in the welfare of children and young people and tosafeguard them from poor practice, abuse and bullying. This document reflects statutory
responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. MMS accepts that it isrequired to fulfil its duty of care, which means it must do everything reasonably expected of it to help
safeguard and protect children from harm and to act when it suspects a child is being harmed or is at
risk of harm. The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all
circumstances

3.2 Who This Policy Applies To?
This policy applies to all staff and board members of MMS, referees, players, contractors, volunteers
and anyone working on behalf of MMS. It also applies to any other individuals involved in any otherrole at MMS events where opportunities are provided for children and young people, whether in apaid or voluntary capacity. For the avoidance of doubt, a child is defined as a person under the age of18 (Children’s Act 1989 definition)3

3.3 Why this Policy exists
Working with children places you in a position of trust that carries authority, power and responsibility.
It is through the application of this policy that MMS seeks to develop a positive and proactive
safeguarding/welfare programme to enable all children and young people to participate in an
enjoyable and safe environment. This equally applies to the safety and security of those working withand responsible for the activities involving children and young people.

3.4 Purpose & Scope
This policy is for use across all MMS events and is to be observed by all those working with children,
young people and adults.
All requirements are obligatory and are to be enforced as indicated by the appropriate persons in allcases where there are any suspected instances of poor practice or abuse.
All employees, workers, consultants, agency staff and volunteers must make themselves aware of
MMS’ Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and where appropriate their work with children and young
people will be supported by a safeguarding training programme.
MMS consider it everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk at events. It accepts
responsibility to assist in the welfare of children and young people.

3.5 Aims & Key Principles
The aims of MMS through this policy are:•••To safeguard all children and young people who interact with MMS
To demonstrate best practice in the area of safeguarding children and young people
To develop a positive and proactive welfare programme to enable all children and young
people to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.

The key principles underpinning this policy are:
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Create a safe and welcoming environment at events, where participants can have fun anddevelop their skills and confidence.
All young people, whatever their age, gender, disability, culture, language racial origin,religious beliefs or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse and to participate
in an enjoyable and safe environment
Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and isprovided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signsof abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
The child or young person’s welfare is and must always be the paramount consideration.
All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded
to efficiently and appropriately
Promote safeguarding as everyone’s responsibility. We all have a shared responsibility toensure the safety and well-being of all participants and will act appropriately and reportconcerns.
Ensure that MMS events are run to the highest possible safety standards.
Be prepared to review its ways of working to incorporate good practice.
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Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support
provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern.
Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and theirparents/carers are essential.
It is the responsibility of the child protection experts and agencies to determine whether or
not abuse has taken place. It is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns.

3.6 Recruitment and Disclosure
MMS have a safer recruitment policy which further supplements the key points that demonstrate
MMS’ efforts to provide safe recruitment. As part of MMS’ safer recruitment and selection process,offers of work for positions which involve working with children and young people are subject tosatisfactory Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check and appropriate references. All offers ofwork are subject to a satisfactory outcome to the screening process and until such time as asatisfactory disclosure has been confirmed, the individual concerned will not be permitted tocommence work. All employees, workers, consultants, agency staff and volunteers in a position oftrust will be required to undergo regular DBS disclosure clearances, normally every 3 years or earlier
if requested. Should an individual’s DBS check reveal any convictions, MMS will consider whether thenature of the offence(s) render the person concerned unsuitable for working with children and young
people. In such circumstances, when the nature of any disclosure must be considered, a risk
assessment will be carried out to assess the information contained within the disclosure certificate.
The individual may also be asked to attend an interview prior to a recruitment decision being made.

3.7 Good Practice Guidelines
All personnel are encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to protect themselvesfrom false allegations. Common examples of how to create a positive culture and climate are as
follows:
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Always work in in an open environment avoiding private or unobserved situations andencouraging open communication
Always put the welfare of each young person first
Maintain a safe and appropriate distance with children and young people and avoid unnecessary
physical contact
Make sport fun, enjoyable and promoting fair play
Involve parents/carers where possible
Keep written record of any injury that occurs whilst on site

The following should be reported immediately to the DSO “Dedicated Safeguarding Officer” with arecord of the incident (and the parent/guardian of the child/young person should be informed):•••

If you or any other person accidentally hurts a child
If a child seems distressed in any manner
If a child misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done5

3.8 Recognition of Poor PracticeChild abuse can and does occur outside the family setting. Even for those experienced in working withchild abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already takenplace. MMS acknowledges that its personnel, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity, are not experts
at such recognition. However, all personnel have a responsibility to act if they have any concerns about
the behaviour of someone (an adult or young person) towards a young person and to follow theprocedures in this policy.
In many circumstances, a concern may relate to poor practice where the behaviour of someone may
be causing distress to a child or young person.
Examples of poor practice include:
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Use of any physical or humiliating punishments
Failure to act when you witness possible abuse or bullying
Spending excessive amounts of time alone with young people
Allowing any form of inappropriate touching
Allowing young people to use inappropriate language unchallenged
Reducing a person to tears as a form of control
Allowing allegations made by a young person to go unchallenged or not acted upon
Leaving a young person at an event venue for long periods of time with no guardian

4 CODE OF CONDUCTThe MMS code is that all staff should conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and thatsound common sense should be applied at all times. It is important for any member of staff not to put
themselves in a position, by actions or word, that could give rise to any sort of misunderstanding or,indeed, allegation for example when conducting one to one coaching, or conveying a child or young
person privately, giving personal email or telephone numbers to students. Also, caution should beobserved about sending text messages or any other electronic communication to children and young
players. Such communication could easily be misunderstood or considered as inappropriate. Staff
should refrain from any unplanned off-site interactions with young players. In all dealings with young
players please observe common sense rules: all dealings with children and young players should be
conducted according to the highest professional standards.

5 REPORTING ABUSE – PROCEDURESPREVENTATIVE ARRANGEMENTSANDSYSTEMSAND

5.1 Types of Abuse•

Physical Abuse – this is when someone deliberately hurts or harms a child, including hitting,shaking, throwing, or burning them. In sport, physical abuse might occur if they are given
intense training beyond the capacity of their immature growing body, if they are required toparticipate when injured, if sanctions used by coaches involve inflicting pain, or they areencouraged to use drugs or harmful substances to enhance their performance or delay
puberty.
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Neglect – this is where a child’s basic physical or psychological needs are not met. In sport, it
might include a coach failing to ensure children are safe, exposing them to undue cold, heat,or extreme weather conditions without adequate clothing or hydration, exposing them tounnecessary risk of injury by ignoring safe practice guidelines, failing to ensure the use ofsafety equipment, or requiring young people to participate when injured or unwell
Sexual Abuse – this involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual
activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is really going on. It includes rape, sexualassault, or getting a child to watch sexual activity (including online pornography)
Emotional Abuse – this is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child. It is also
sometimes called psychological abuse and it can have severe and persistent adverse effects
on a child’s emotional development.
Bullying – this may come from another young person or an adult. It is defined as deliberate
hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period, where it is difficult for those bullied todefend themselves.

5.2 Signs and indicators of abuse
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Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, depressed,
tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go training or compete
an unexplained drop in performancephysical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, scratching andbruising, damaged clothes and unexplained or suspicious injuries
another young person or adult expresses concern about the welfare of a young person
inappropriate sexual awarenessbeing prevented from socialising with others
engaging in sexually explicit behaviour

It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or moreof the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place. It is NOT the responsibility of those working
at MMS to decide that child abuse is occurring. IT IS their responsibility to act on and report any
concerns.

5.3 Roles & Responsibilities
MMS Dedicated Safeguarding Officer (“DSO”)
The DSO shall be the essential point of contact for welfare whilst on site at MMS events. The DSO shallbe responsible for receiving and acting upon concerns reported to them at any MMS events. The DSO
shall handle safeguarding matters in an appropriate and confidential manner. The DSO shall beapproachable for any concerns regarding safeguarding and be appropriately supported by othermembers of the MMS team. The DSO will report concerns to the relevant authorities where needed.
Responsibility of Safeguarding Children
MMS acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who
have been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment. All
employees, workers, consultants, agency staff and volunteers are accountable for the way in which
they exercise authority, manage risk, use resources, and protect children from discrimination and7

avoidable harm. To always ensure best practice employees, workers, consultants, agency staff andvolunteers must be fully aware of this Safeguarding Policy, procedures and the responsibilities.
All employees, workers, consultants, agency staff and volunteers have a duty of care to keep children
and young people safe; this can be exercised through the development of respectful, caring andprofessional relationships between adults and children/young people.
Employees, workers and volunteers must demonstrate integrity, maturity and good judgement whilst
working with children and young people.
All employees or workers working in direct contact with children or young people such as headreferees and key events personnel shall be required to complete all appropriate safeguarding
qualifications and hold a current DBS (or equivalent in other jurisdictions).
MMS will ensure that participants of events are aware of who the DSO on site, ensuring everyone
knows how to report a concern if needed.
MMS will also make sure of the following:
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There should be a current register of all participants/athletes
A current register of contact details, including parent/guardian and emergency contact details
retrieved during application stage
Confidentially retained records of any medical conditions, allergies, special needs etc. for all
individuals where disclosed retrieved during application stage
A trained first aider on site at all events
Current risk assessments for the premises and activities carried out
Ensuring relevant training is provided and kept up to date for dedicated safeguarding officers,
tournament director, and key event personnel
Notify the venue of the DSO
Shall not permit any competitor under the age of 18 to participate in the tournament without
a guardian on site

5.4 How to report an incident
If a child or young person informs you directly that they are concerned about someone’s behaviour
towards them, you should observe the following:
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React calmly so as not to frighten the child or young person
Ensure the immediate safety of the child or young person
If immediate medical attention is required, ensure that the child or young person is taken toa hospital and that the doctors are aware that this is a child protection issue
Tell the child or young person that they are not to blame and that they were right to tell you
Take the disclosure seriously
Keep a record of facts of events
Pass information on to the dedicated safeguarding officer who will then in from the relevant
people or authorities where needed
The Safeguarding officer will attempt to differentiate between poor practice and child abuse.
This decision may not be made immediately and may only be possible after gathering further
information8

If you would like to report an incident, please complete, and return a copy of the incident report form
at Appendix 1 to carys.rowlands@mtchroom.com

5.5 Photographic / Filming Equipment at events
Introduction
Parents and young people generally welcome opportunities to celebrate or publicise theirinvolvement and achievements when taking part in sport by photographing children at events. Sports
organisations may also want to promote their activities to encourage participation. It is important tonote the key risks:••Children may be identified, contacted or groomed – this can occur by including the child’s
personal information alongside their image or by other details identifying the sports
organisation
Someone might take inappropriate or illegal images of children

Minimising the risks
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Think carefully before using any images showing children and young people on your website
Choose images that present the activity in a positive light
Only use images of children in suitable dress or kit
Inform the nominated parent/guardian given at the time of application that a photographer
and videographer will be in attendance
Ensure parents and children consent to both the taking and publication of films or photos(example consent form included at Appendix 2). Clearly communicate where consent is not
given and identify the child or young person whose photo should not be taken
Provide the photographer and videographer with a clear brief and ensure he/she is clearly
identifiable
Clarify where photography is prohibited

General images of events
At many events, organisers will wish to take wide-angle, more general images of the event, the site,
opening and closing ceremonies, and so on.
It’s usually not reasonable, practical or proportionate to secure consent for every participating childin order to take such images, or to preclude such photography on the basis of the concerns of a small
number of parents.
In these circumstances, organisers should make clear to all participants and parents that these kindsof images will be taken, and for what purposes.

96 Appendix 1
Incident Report Form

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7 Appendix 2
Photography/Videography Consent Form

Photography and filming consent form
MATCHROOM MULTI SPORT LIMITED (“Matchroom”)
In accordance with our child protection policy, we will not permit photographs, video orother images of young people to be taken without consent. If the child is under 16, consent
must be obtained from a parent / carer.
(If the child is over 16, it’s good practice to inform parents that photographs and/or videosof their child may be used if the child has given consent.)
Matchroom will take all steps to ensure these images are used solely for the purposes forwhich they are intended. If you become aware that these images are being used
inappropriately, please inform us immediately.
Name of child

Age
Declaration of consent – child aged 16 or over

Please tick each box (or strike out what you do not consent to), then sign this form.

 I give permission for my photograph to be used within the event for display purposes.
 I give permission for my photograph to be used within other printed publications.
 I give permission for my photograph to be used on the Matchroom website.
 I give permission for my photograph to be used on Matchroom social media pages.
 I give permission for video of me to be used on the Matchroom website.
 I give permission for video of me to be used on the Matchroom social media pages.
 I give permission for video of me to be used for training or analysis purposes.
Signature

Today’s date

Declaration of consent – parent / carer of child under 16
Please tick each box (or strike out what you do not consent to), then sign this form.

 I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used within the event for display purposes.
 I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used within other printed publications.
 I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used on the Matchroom website.
 I give permission for my child’s photograph to be used on the Matchroom social media pages.
 I give permission for video of my child to be used on the Matchroom website.
 I give permission for video of my child to be used on the Matchroom social media pages.
 I give permission for video of my child to be used for training or analysis purposes.

12 I confirm that I have read, or been made aware of, how these images or videos will be stored within the organisation.
Signature

Today’s date

Print name13