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ISA Safeguarding Policies

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1. IVERSON SPORTS ACADEMY - SAFEGUARDING POLICY

1.1 Introduction and Purpose:

Iverson Sports Academy is committed to creating a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for all children and young people (under the age of 18) involved in our activities. The welfare of our players is paramount, and we recognize our responsibility to safeguard them from harm, abuse, and neglect. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and provides a framework for ensuring the safety and well-being of every child within our academy.

1.2 Principles:

  • The welfare of the child is our paramount concern.
  • All children, regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, have the right to be protected from harm.
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse or neglect will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.
  • We are committed to working in partnership with parents/guardians, staff, volunteers, and relevant authorities to safeguard children.
  • We strive to create a culture of openness where children feel safe to voice concerns and where adults listen and take appropriate action.
  • We ensure that all individuals working or volunteering with children at Iverson Sports Academy are carefully selected and appropriately vetted.
  • We provide ongoing safeguarding training and support to our staff and volunteers.

1.3 Scope:

This policy applies to all individuals working or volunteering for Iverson Sports Academy, including coaches, administrative staff, medical personnel, volunteers, and any other individuals who have contact with children involved in our activities. It covers all academy activities, including training sessions, matches, tours, social events, and online communication.

1.4 Responsibilities:

  • Academy Management: The academy management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed regularly. They will appoint a designated Safeguarding Officer.
  • Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): The DSO will be the lead person responsible for safeguarding within the academy. Their responsibilities include:
    • Being the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.
    • Receiving and recording information about safeguarding concerns.
    • Liaising with parents/guardians, relevant authorities (e.g., social services, police), and all relevant Tanzanian Child Protection Agencies.
    • Ensuring that appropriate action is taken in response to safeguarding concerns.
    • Maintaining confidential records of safeguarding concerns.
    • Promoting safeguarding awareness within the academy.
    • Ensuring that staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding training.
  • Coaches and Volunteers: All coaches and volunteers are responsible for:
    • Understanding and adhering to this safeguarding policy.
    • Creating a safe and positive environment for children.
    • Recognizing and responding to any signs or disclosures of abuse or neglect.
    • Reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSO.
    • Following the academy’s procedures for safeguarding.
    • Participating in safeguarding training.
  • Parents/Guardians: Parents/guardians are expected to:
    • Work in partnership with the academy to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.
    • Inform the academy of any concerns they may have about their child’s safety or welfare.
    • Support the academy’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Children and Young People: Children and young people are encouraged to:
    • Know who they can talk to if they have any concerns.
    • Feel safe to voice their concerns.

1.5 Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers:

All staff and volunteers at Iverson Sports Academy will adhere to a code of conduct that includes:

  • Treating all children with respect and dignity.
  • Maintaining professional boundaries with children.
  • Avoiding situations where they are alone with a child unless absolutely necessary and in accordance with academy guidelines.
  • Not using inappropriate language or behavior towards children or anybody else.
  • Not showing favoritism towards any individual child.
  • Reporting any concerns about a child’s welfare immediately.
  • Following academy guidelines regarding the use of social media and electronic communication with children.
  • Respecting the privacy of children and their families.

2.1 Reporting a Concern:

Any individual (child, parent/guardian, staff member, volunteer, or member of the public) who has a concern about the safety or welfare of a child involved with Iverson Sports Academy must report it immediately.

2. IVERSON SPORTS ACADEMY - REPORTING MECHANISM FOR SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS

2.2 Steps for Reporting:

  1. Verbal Report: If a child discloses information or you witness something concerning, listen carefully and calmly. Do not promise confidentiality. Reassure the child that you are taking their concerns seriously and will need to share the information with someone who can help.
  2. Immediate Contact with the DSO: Contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) as soon as possible. The current DSO for Iverson Sports Academy is:
  3. Written Record: Following the verbal report, the person who identified the concern must complete a written record of the concern as soon as practically possible. This record should include:
    • The name of the child involved.
    • The date, time, and location of the incident or disclosure.
    • A clear and factual account of what was said or observed.
    • Any actions taken at the time.
    • The names of any other individuals involved or informed.
    • Your name and contact details.
    • Sign and date the record.
  2. Submission of Written Report: The written report should be submitted directly and confidentially to the DSO.
  3. DSO Action: Upon receiving a report, the DSO will:
    • Acknowledge receipt of the report.
    • Assess the information and determine the appropriate course of action, following academy procedures and relevant local guidelines.
    • Liaise with parents/guardians (unless doing so would put the child at further risk).
    • Consult with relevant authorities, such as social services or the police, if necessary.
    • Keep accurate and confidential records of the concern and any actions taken.
    • Provide support to the child and the person who reported the concern, as appropriate.

2.3 Confidentiality:

All information relating to safeguarding concerns will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and shared only on a need-to-know basis for the purpose of ensuring the child’s safety and well-being.

2.5 False Allegations:

Iverson Sports Academy recognizes that false allegations of abuse can be damaging. However, our primary concern is the welfare of the child. All allegations will be handled sensitively and thoroughly.

2.6 External Reporting:

If you have concerns that a child is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police directly.

3. IVERSON SPORTS ACADEMY - METHOD OF RAISING SAFEGUARDING AWARENESS / SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Iverson Sports Academy is committed to creating a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We will raise safeguarding awareness and provide ongoing training through the following methods:

3.1 Induction for All Staff and Volunteers:

  • All new staff and volunteers will receive a comprehensive safeguarding briefing as part of their induction process. This will include:
    • An overview of the academy’s Safeguarding Policy.
    • Information on recognizing signs and indicators of abuse and neglect.
    • Procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.
    • The role and contact details of the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
    • The academy’s Code of Conduct for staff and volunteers.
    • Information on maintaining professional boundaries.

3.2 Regular Safeguarding Training:

  • All staff and volunteers who have direct contact with children will be required to participate in regular safeguarding training. This will include:
    • Basic Safeguarding Awareness Training: This introductory training will be mandatory for all and will cover the fundamentals of safeguarding, child protection legislation in Tanzania, and the academy’s policies and procedures. This will be conducted annually.
    • Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) Training: The DSO will receive more in-depth training relevant to their specific responsibilities, including managing allegations, liaising with authorities, and record-keeping. This training will be updated regularly.
    • Refresher Training: Regular refresher sessions will be provided to ensure that knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures remain current.
    • Specialized Training: Where appropriate, staff and volunteers may receive additional training on specific safeguarding issues, such as online safety, child sexual exploitation, or working with children with disabilities.

3.3 Communication and Awareness Campaigns:

  • Policy Dissemination: The Safeguarding Policy will be readily accessible to all staff, volunteers, parents/guardians, and children through academy website, social media community groups and handouts.
  • Information Sessions for Parents/Guardians: The academy will organize information sessions for parents/guardians to raise awareness about safeguarding and the academy’s commitment to child welfare.
  • Age-Appropriate Information for Children: The academy will provide age-appropriate information to children about their right to be safe and how to raise concerns. This may include posters, discussions during sessions, and designated trusted adults they can talk to.
  • Regular Reminders and Updates: Safeguarding will be a regular topic of discussion at staff meetings and through internal communications such as email newsletters.
  • Guest Speakers and Workshops: The academy may invite external safeguarding professionals to deliver workshops and presentations to staff, volunteers, and parents.
  • Online Resources: Links to relevant safeguarding resources and external organizations will be provided on the academy website.

3.4 Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • The effectiveness of safeguarding awareness and training will be monitored through feedback from staff, volunteers, and parents/guardians, as well as through regular reviews of safeguarding practices within the academy.
  • Training records will be maintained to ensure that all relevant individuals have received appropriate training.

By implementing these methods, Iverson Sports Academy aims to create a proactive and informed culture where safeguarding is embedded in all our activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of every child under our care.