Pembrokeshire Climbing Club - Children

Pembrokeshire Climbing Club's Policy Statement

Pembrokeshire Climbing Club (PCC) recognises that all children have the right to be protected from harm. PCC has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in its activities from harm. PCC will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in its activities through adherence to its Child Protection Policy and procedures.

Principles

To provide children, young people and vulnerable adults with appropriate safety and protection whilst involved in PCC activities. All suspicions of child abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly. A child is defined as an individual under the age of 18. The welfare of the child is paramount. Pembrokeshire Climbing Club has adopted and implemented the BMC Child Protection Policy. (Available on line from the BMC or on request from the club's Youth Officer)

Implementation

PCC safeguards children who take part in its activities. Its Constitution states:

3:3 Membership is available only to adults (over the age of 18 years) and the children of members.

3:5 Family members under the age of 18 attending any indoor or outdoor meet, must be under the direct supervision of their parent, legal guardian or an adult member nominated by them.

3:6 Adult members acting in loco parentis supervising children (under18) must first obtain a signed Parental Consent Form

PCC will bring to the attention of its members the guidelines on Good Practice published by the BMC.

Any member with concerns, or requiring advice and guidance on child protection issues, should contact the club's Youth Officer.

Club members must respect the rights, dignity & worth of all. They must also treat everyone with equality.

Club members should ensure that the welfare of any young climber is paramount.

They should think about:

1. Not over-climbing, or over-training, young climbers.
2. Young people climb because they enjoy it.
3. Motivate young people through positive feed back and constructive criticism.
4. Ensure young climbers climb in an environment where inherent risk is kept to a minimum and is within accepted guidelines.
5. Never allow young climbers to climb when injured.
6. Ensure all equipment is appropriate and in good condition.

It is important when supervising young people to avoid situations where an adult and an individual child are completely unobserved e.g. when climbing at a crag on a youth meet.

If physical support is required e.g. spotting, support when bouldering, ensure the individual is aware of what is happening and has consented to this physical help. Some parents /carers are becoming increasingly sensitive about this type of help and their views should be respected at all times.

When supervising young people in a changing area adults should ideally work in pairs. Always check before entering a changing area that everyone is decent. Ideally parents should take responsibility for their own child in these situations.

Encourage an open environment, always explain why you are doing something. When there is a mixed youth meet, event, or trip ensure there is at least one male and one female helper.

The following should only be sanctioned in an emergency situation.
Taking young people alone on car journeys.
Spending time alone with a young person who is not a direct relation or guardian.

The following must never be sanctioned:
Taking young people alone to your home
Sharing a room with a young person or young people.
Allowing young people to engage in the use of inappropriate language.
Making sexually suggestive comments to a young person even in fun.
Doing things of a personal nature for a young person they can do themselves.
Allowing allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, not acted upon or not recorded.
Allowing young people to consume alcohol or take illegal recreational drugs.
Allowing any physically rough or sexually provocative, contact or games.