CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

At Harrow & Wealdstone Swimming Club we believe that the welfare of the children is everyone's responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse.

Everyone in swimming at the club - administrator, club official, coach, teacher, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone - can help.

Abuse can occur anywhere there are children - at home, ay 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/Swimming Club has apart to play in looking after the children with whom we are working. This is both a moral and arguably a legal obligation.

The child protection procedure within the club stem from the following principles:

* The child's welfare is the first consideration

* All children, regardless of age, any disability they have, gender, racial origin,

religious belief and sexual identity have a right to be protected from abuse.

What is Child Abuse?

It's generally acknowledged that there are four main types of abuse -

Physical, Sexual, Emotional and Neglect.

Physical Abuse

Physical Abuse is just what the term implies - hurting or injuring a child for example,

by hitting or shaking them. It may occur if a child is forced to train beyond their

capabilities. Bullying is likely to come into this category.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a child knowingly takes part in something which meets

the sexual needs of the other person or persons involved - it could range from sexually

suggestive comments to full intercourse.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional Abuse occurs when a child is not given love, help and encouragement and is

constantly derided or ridiculed or, perhaps even worse, ignored. Conversely, it can

occur if a child is over protected. It is present in the unrealistic expectations of parents

and coaches over what a child can achieve.