Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Poole & Bournemouth Pickleball Club is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk who participate in our activities.

We believe that:

  • Everyone has the right to participate in pickleball in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment
  • Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

We are committed to:

  • Protecting children and young people from harm, abuse and poor practice
  • Promoting a culture where safeguarding is embedded in everything we do
  • Taking all concerns seriously and responding appropriately

This policy applies to all members, coaches, volunteers and anyone acting on behalf of the club.

2. Definition of Safeguarding

Safeguarding in sport means protecting children and adults from harm and creating a safe environment for participation.

Children are defined as anyone under the age of 18.

3. Key Principles

Our safeguarding approach is built on the following principles:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount
  • All children, regardless of background, have the right to protection
  • All concerns and allegations will be taken seriously and acted upon quickly
  • Everyone has a responsibility to report concerns
  • We will work in partnership with parents, carers and relevant agencies

These principles align with national governing body standards and UK legislation.

4. Club Responsibilities

Poole & Bournemouth Pickleball Club will:

  • Adopt and implement safeguarding policies and procedures in line with Pickleball England
  • Appoint a Club Welfare Officer responsible for safeguarding
  • Ensure all coaches and volunteers working with children:
    • Hold appropriate DBS checks
    • Complete safeguarding training where required
  • Provide clear reporting procedures for concerns
  • Promote a safe and inclusive club culture
  • Maintain appropriate codes of conduct

Affiliated clubs are expected to ensure safeguarding is embedded at all levels.

5. Roles & Responsibilities

Club Welfare Officer

  • First point of contact for safeguarding concerns
  • Ensures policy is implemented and reviewed
  • Liaises with relevant agencies where necessary
  • Find appropriate and necessary training for coaches and volunteers

Coaches & Volunteers

  • Put the welfare of children first
  • Follow best practice at all times
  • Report any concerns immediately

Members & Parents

  • Respect safeguarding policies
  • Report concerns appropriately

6. Safe Practice Guidelines

The following practices must always be followed:

  • Avoid being alone with a child where possible
  • Ensure appropriate supervision ratios
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour
  • Ensure all communication with young people is transparent
  • Ensure parents and/or guardians of children approve any photographs being taken and used for social media channels

The following are not acceptable:

  • Inappropriate physical contact
  • Favouritism or discrimination
  • Private or secret communication with children
  • Ignoring or failing to report concerns

These reflect national safeguarding standards for pickleball clubs.

7. Reporting Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously.

If a child is in immediate danger:

  • Call 999

Otherwise:

  • Report concerns to the Club Welfare Officer immediately
  • Concerns may also be reported to:
    • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
    • Local Children’s Social Care

It is not your responsibility to decide if abuse has occurred, only to report concerns appropriately.

8. Whistleblowing

The club promotes a culture of openness and accountability.

  • All concerns will be treated confidentially
  • Individuals raising concerns in good faith will be supported
  • Failure to report concerns may result in disciplinary action

9. Positions of Trust

All adults working with children are in a position of trust.

  • Any inappropriate relationship between an adult and a child is strictly prohibited
  • Boundaries must always be maintained
  • Abuse of trust will result in disciplinary action

10. Recruitment & Training

  • Safe recruitment practices
  • DBS checks for relevant roles
  • Ongoing safeguarding training and awareness
  • Clear role descriptions for volunteers and coaches

11. Equality & Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all participants feel safe and respected, regardless of:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Ethnicity
  • Religion
  • Sexual orientation

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or:

  • Following changes in legislation
  • Following a safeguarding incident
  • In line with updates from Sport England or Pickleball England

13. Contact Information

Club Welfare Officer: Lizzie Ruth
Email: info [at] PBpickleball [dot] co [dot] uk
Club Website: https://pbpickleball.co.uk/
Page Updated: 4/4/2026

Scroll to Top