Millions of people are involved with sport, at all levels of participation and competition, and in all sorts of situations. Sport has a responsibility to ensure their welfare and safety against harm, and golf is taking this responsibility very seriously.
There are a number of ways that risks may present themselves to children participating in sport, not just in golf:
- Bullying of children by their peers or by adults
- Individuals exploiting their position to gain access to children
- Placing unrealistic performance expectations on children
- Lacking awareness of the needs for safeguarding
- Poor planning
Everyone in golf has a part to play in safeguarding children, young people and adults – at home, at school, in the park, at the club. Everyone should be able to enjoy golf in a safe environment. We all have a responsibility to protect and safeguard children, young people and adults.
Lead Safeguarding Officer for Wales Golf
Sian Simmons is the Wales Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer, if you have any queries or would like to discuss any concerns or issues, please contact her on 01633 436040 or safeguardingteam@walesgolf.org.
Sian Simmons, is also responsible for DBS checks, if you have any questions regarding the DBS process please contact her as above.
For details on Wales Golf Safeguarding Support for Club Volunteers and Professionals please download the document below.
Club Welfare Officer
The SafeGolf Partners recommend that all clubs and counties with junior members should appoint and train a Club Welfare Officer (CWO).
For information on the role of Club Welfare Officer and job description click here
Resource and Forms
Club template policies (both child and adults) can be downloaded (below), amended and implemented at the club. Further resources and forms can be found on the Child Protection in Sport Unit website and SafeGolf website.
To accompany the Safeguarding Policy the policies/procedures listed in the Safe Club checklist (see download below) also need to be in place.
Training and Education
UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshops are available to those involved with junior golf. It is universally recognised within sport and local authorities as an appropriate form of training for sports coaches and volunteers.
The workshop is aimed at Golf Professionals, Junior Organisers, Volunteers, Club Welfare Officers and Secretary/Managers. At the workshop, attendees will:
•Discuss what constitutes good and poor practice
•Discuss a range of child protection issues and scenarios
•Be given information on how to respond to an incident or allegation
•Receive a certificate of attendance
There are also other safeguarding specific child and adult courses available to attend. Please click on the link before for more information.
For details of Safeguarding workshops click here