Children have the right to participate in sport in a safe and enjoyable environment - this right is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 

The basic principles of this policy are:-

• All children have the right to participate, enjoy and develop through sport, in a safe and inclusive environment, free from all forms of abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation.

• Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and not be discriminated against based on gender, race, age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, beliefs, religious or political affiliation.

• Organisations providing sports activities to children have a duty of care to them and a responsibility to support the protection of young people.

 

Of paramount importance to Operation Breakthrough is the safety, well-being and security of all involved including participants, volunteers, social workers and coaches; there is zero tolerance towards any acts of violence, harassment, threats, bullying, indecent or untoward conduct against or by anyone involved in Operation Breakthrough.

 

Operation Breakthrough will seek to create a safe environment by:

 

• A.Establishing a Child Protection Pledge for all persons involved in Operation Breakthrough (adults and young people) which outlines required standards of behavior.

• Providing written guidelines and training and education for volunteers and coaches on child protection policy and procedures.

• Clearly communicating the Policy and Pledge to protect children and keep them safe both within the organisation and externally.

• Requiring all full time and part time Operation Breakthrough employees to complete a Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC), and all volunteers and coaches to sign a declaration that they have not been convicted of an offence specified under the SCRC.

• Providing clear reporting procedures for cases of abuse, and a transparent investigative process.

 

The implementation of the Child Protection policy will be established through the following:

 

1. Training & Education

2. Volunteer & Coach Declaration

3. Reporting & Investigative Procedures

 

 

Child Protection and safety pledge

 

Directors/Staff/ Coaches/Volunteers
 

I pledge to do the following when I am involved in Operation Breakthrough activities with children and young people;

 

1. I will make sure my own behaviour is calm and respectful and I will be clear about the standards of behaviour I expect from children and young people.

2. If there is anger and disagreements between children and young people I will call a time out and try to resolve the issues calmly.

3. I will not try to punish a child by mocking, teasing, or laughing at them or trying to embarrass them in front of others.

4. I will not hit or strike a child as punishment for bad behaviour.

5. I will not behave sexually toward a child or touch them in a sexual way.

6. I will do everything I can to make sure the physical environment where the children are playing is as safe and appropriate as possible.

 

Children/Young Persons/Participants

 

As a member of Operation Breakthrough activities and events I agree to help to protect myself and other people in these ways;

 

1. I understand that I should be able to participate in sport safely.

2. I will tell an adult I trust if anything concerns or worries me.

3. I will respect myself and behave respectfully - politely, considerately and thoughtfully - towards other people.

4. I will try to keep calm if there is a disagreement.

5. I understand that other people should not be allowed to hit me, bully me, or shout at me to upset or scare me. I will take care not to hurt, bully or shout at other people.

6. I understand that neither I should be touched in a sexual manner by other people, nor should I act in a sexual way towards other children.

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