Safeguarding and other Policies
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Lytham Tennis Club aims to create an enjoyable environment for all juniors and adults at risk who who wish to take part in tennis or other sports and social activities at the Club.
The Committee, who have overall accountability for this policy and also for updating it in accordance with current legislation and best practice, believe that children and adults at risk have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat. This Policy is applicable to all staff, volunteers, committee members, coaches and club members
We have procedures in place to address poor practice and to help any young person or vulnerable adult who appears to be at risk or who appears to be the victim of abuse.
REPORTING A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN AT LYTHAM
TENNIS CLUB
In the event of an immediate risk
Call the Police and/or ambulance in the event of a medical issue. Keep a record of anything you may have seen and any conversations you may have had.
Report the incident to the Welfare Officer (details below)
If the risk is not considered to be imminent
Report the incident to the Welfare Officer
If the Welfare Officer is not available
Report to the LTA Safeguarding team either by phone 020 8487 7000
or complete an on line ‘reporting a concern’ form which can be found
on the LTA website. They will then deal with the matter.
Action by the Welfare Officer
The Welfare Officer in conjunction with the LTA safeguarding team will make an assessment as to the severity of the matter. If it is considered to be low level involving poor practice then it will be dealt with in accordance with the Club’s disciplinary procedures. If however it is considered to be serious then the LTA safeguarding team will advise what action the Club should take and notify the appropriate outside organisations such as the Police and Social Services. A full disciplinary investigation will then take place.
SUMMARY
Safeguarding children and adults at risk requires everyone to be committed to the highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability. As a club, we are committed to encouraging and maintaining a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously. The club will not tolerate any harassment, victimisation or unfair treatment of, and will take appropriate action to protect, whistle blowers when they raise a concern in good faith.
Our Welfare Officer, who is specifically responsible for children, young people and adults at risk is :
HELEN ROWE
She can be contacted at: helenrowe2001@yahoo.co.uk or 07950 006923
Updated November 2022
CLUB EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION POLICY
The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that members, non-members and visiting clubs and teams are not denied access to Lytham Tennis Club because of a discriminatory reason.
Lytham Tennis Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Tennis should be enjoyed by everyone who wants to play the game.
Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination by reason of gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.
The policy is fully supported by the Chairman, Welfare Officer and Committee, who are responsible for the implementation and review of this policy on an annual basis and in accordance with current legislation and best practice
Lytham Tennis Club, in all its activities, will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability.
The Club will ensure that it treats its employees, members, non-members, and visiting clubs and teams fairly and with respect and will ensure that all members of the community, regardless of ability, have access to and have opportunities to take part in, and enjoy, its programmes of activities, competitions and events.
Lytham Tennis Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual (which the Club regard as forms of discrimination). This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical, verbal or online. The Club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
Lytham Tennis Club is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist and to the Development of a programme of on-going training and awareness in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and to promote equality and diversity in tennis.
Lytham Tennis Club will deal with all reported incidents of inequality and discrimination in accordance with the agreed procedures.
Lytham Tennis Club is committed to deliver a policy of fair and equitable treatment for all members and employees and requires all members, employees and volunteers to abide by and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 as well as any amendments to this Act or any new equality legislation.
Lytham Tennis Club is committed to take appropriate action to create an inclusive environment that is welcoming and seeks to improve representation across all groups and participation at all levels within tennis.
Updated November 2022
LODGING A COMPLAINT
In the event that any member, volunteer, visitor or visiting team feels that he, she or they have suffered discrimination or harassment in any way or that the policies, rules or code of conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below.
The complainant should report the matter in writing to the Welfare Officer or another member of the Committee. The report should include:
1* details of what occurred
2* details of when and where the occurrence took place
3* any witness details and copies of any witness statements
4* names of other who have been treated in a similar way (provided that those people consent to their names being disclosed)
5* details of any previous complaints
6* an indication of the desired outcome
The Committee or representatives of the Committee will request that the other party to the complaint submits written evidence regarding the incident and may then decide, after reviewing the complaint and supporting evidence, to uphold or dismiss the complaint without holding a hearing.
Alternatively, the Committee may decide to hold a hearing at which both parties will be entitled to attend and present their case.
After reviewing the evidence, The Committee will have the power to impose one or more of the following sanctions on any person found to be in breach of any policy (including the Equality policy).
- warn as to future conduct;
- suspend from membership;
- remove from membership;
- exclude a non-member from the facility, either temporarily or permanently;
- turn down a non-member’s current and/or future membership applications.
The Committee will provide both parties with written reasons for its decision to uphold or dismiss the complaint within one calendar month of such decision being made.
Either party may appeal a decision of the management committee to the County Association (including a decision not to hold a hearing) by writing to the County Secretary within 3 months of the Committee decision being notified to that party.
If the nature of the complaint is with regard to the Committee the member/visitor has the right to report the discrimination or harassment directly to the County Association.
Updated November 2022
Health and Safety Policies and Notice
Members are reminded that, in general, they are responsible for their own Health & Safety. However, in an effort to minimise risks, the Committee would like to point out the following.
1* The grass courts are slippery when damp and so play is actively discouraged in those conditions in order to protect both the courts and tennis members and visitors.
2* The all weather courts can also be slippery, not only when wet but also when very dry. The nature of the courts is that they are able to be played on at all times (unless icy) but care should be taken.
3* The height of the surround netting on courts 5 & 6 was designed to ensure that cricket balls cannot be hit onto the courts. However, we cannot discount the possibility and therefore we recommend that those courts, and particularly court 6, are not used if a cricket match is in play. If you do choose to play then it will be at your own risk.
4* When icy or wet conditions prevail, care should be taken on all surrounding pathways and decking areas.
5* There is an accident reporting book in the Tennis pavilion as well as a First Aid kit.
6* The Coach has a First Aid kit and is a qualified First Aider. The Club Steward is also a qualified first aider and he maintains a First Aid kit in the main clubhouse . There are also a number of members who have First Aid qualifications and who may be available in the event of an accident.
7* There is a defibrillator attached to the Clubhouse adjacent to the car park with clear instructions regarding how it should be used.
The Club carries out annual risk assessments but the best way that we can avoid accidents is if each member accepts responsibility for their own actions.
If you see any potential hazards then please contact the Chairman as soon as possible
Paul Finnerty 07890 111118
Updated Nov 2022
Lytham Tennis Club is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment in which members, visitors and members of other Clubs are able to enjoy playing tennis.
The Committee is responsible for providing this environment but it is up to each individual to take responsibility for their own safety. Parents and Guardians should ensure that their children appreciate this point.
In order to provide a safe environment the Committee and Club Coach will periodically carry out risk assessments and ensure that known risks are eliminated or minimised.
Coaching and Junior competitions will only take place with qualified coaches or volunteers present who will have access to first aid equipment and shall have an up to date first aid qualification.
The Club will issue guidelines for reporting accidents and incidents and will have an accident report form.
A First Aid Box is kept behind the Bar and also in the Tennis Pavilion.
The Tennis Coach is qualified to administer First Aid.