Safeguarding and Welfare – Children

Wharfedale Harriers is committed to providing a fun and safe environment for all athletes, parents and volunteers.  

We welcome any feedback from you which will improve the safety and welfare of our children.

Please discuss your issue directly with the coach/parent helper so that your concerns can be addressed.

The Club Welfare Officers are happy to support any athlete, parent or volunteer.

Club Welfare Officer: 

Tel: 

A YOUNG PERSON’S GUIDE TO CHILD PROTECTION:

You have rights – Sport should be fun. You should feel safe and enjoy your sport. You can’t do this if you feel unhappy – if someone is bullying or abusing you.

When do you know if something is wrong?

Something is wrong if someone:

  • Constantly teases you, shouts at you or calls you names.
  • Threatens, hits, kicks or punches you.
  • Touches you, or does anything in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
  • Makes suggestive remarks or tries to pressurise you into sexual activity.
  • Damages or steals your belongings.
  • Does anything that makes you feel lonely, worried, unsafe, hurt or embarrassed.

If you are being bullied or abused it is not your fault. If this is happening, try to:

  • Be firm and tell the person to stop – make a lot of noise to attract attention. Get away from the situation quickly, go to a public place to find help or call the police (999).
  • Tell your parents/carers, Club Welfare Officer or an adult you can trust what has happened as soon as possible, so they can help you.
  • Keep a record of the date, time and place, what happened, how you felt and the name of anyone who may have seen what happened.
  • Contact your Club Welfare Officer: 
  • or you can call Childline: 0800 1111 (or you can use their online 1-2-1 chat function).                      

    Some tips to help you keep safe:

  • Tell someone you can trust so they can help you
  • Trust your instincts about the people you meet
  • Avoid being alone or with just one other person
  • Travel with a friend, avoid traveling in someone else’s car by yourself
  • Avoid going to other people’s homes by yourself
  • Carry a mobile phone, a phone card or some spare change

 

DBS CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS

The following committee members can verify your evidence (identification) in order to obtain your DBS:

Chris Jones – juniorcoaching@wharfedaleharriers.co.uk

UK Athletics Safeguarding Policy