This is a really challenging time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sports clubs and activities have had to be cancelled and sports organisations are looking at how they can stay in touch with their teams and club members during this time.
You may be working from home with your children for the first time or supporting children with anxiety due to coronavirus, NSPCC has got tips and advice for families.
Guidance for Sports Clubs and Organisations
NSPCC have also provided additional information that may be specific to sports clubs and organisations.
A fundamental consideration for all organisations is what your own safeguarding procedures say about online use. NSPCC online safety topic page has information and advice on this.
At this time, you may need to apply some of your existing guidance and procedures to the new environments. However, the principles of online safeguarding still apply. Therefore, for all online teaching and coaching the following fundamental questions should be considered:
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Do you have an online safety policy and an acceptable use statement? These should include the use of social media for staff and young people. It would be useful to revisit this and reissue it to coaches, clubs and members.
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Are there specific procedures to follow in the event of concerns arising during online interaction, for example between a coach and a young person?
These can be linked directly to your safeguarding procedures but need to be clear and accessible. -
Do all those using, or likely to use, online coaching know what the codes of conduct are for these environments? Do you have a process for signing up to these online? This is a great opportunity to promote codes of conduct to all members and remind them of the consequences of not following these codes.
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What processes are in place to ensure that coaches selling or offering their coaching services online are registered with you (where appropriate), have been recruited appropriately and have the correct qualifications and insurance to offer online coaching?
- Parental involvement is critical to ensure you have parental consent for involvement in the activity. How is this managed by the coach?
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What is the process for addressing concerns raised, such as instances of misconduct online and how do these work during the current pandemic?
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Consider the platform that is being used. Are privacy and confidentiality settings appropriate? For more information on different websites and platforms see NetAware.
You need to ensure that all members have access to the sessions to avoid anyone feeling excluded from the group. Information on online group coaching sessions can be found here.
One on one sessions should take place in an open environment, for example the living room and should be organised with parent’s consent and supervision. For more details on one on one online coaching sessions, click here.
Many clubs are posting training schedules online that can be completed at home. These should be carefully managed with regular discussions to ensure skills and techniques are being performed correctly to avoid risk of injury. For more guidance, click here.
If you would like more details on safeguarding in general, please visit the appropriate pages of our website:
Safeguarding Children and Young People
Safeguarding Adults
