DIVERSITY and INCLUSION

Diversity and Inclusion

Sports Equity Policy and Codes of Conduct

Chilwell Memorial Institute and Tennis Club  are committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of our development. In doing so we acknowledge and adopt the following Sport England definition of sports equity:

Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.

Our club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of  our sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

Our club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy tennis in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse. All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote  equality of opportunity.

CMITC also recognises and acknowledges that inequalities do exist between people in sport in general  and will take positive and proactive steps to overcome these inequalities making sure that any barriers standing in the way of people who are traditionally not involved in sport are removed.

Our club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

All volunteers, coaches and activity leaders should be mindful of the NSPCC / CPSU Code of conduct for staff and volunteers in sport for children which can also apply, where appropriate, for all people and vulnerable adults.

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Chilwell Memorial Institute coaches, activity leaders and volunteers involved in sport for children, young people and adults have a great opportunity to be positive role models and help build an individual’s confidence. Staff and volunteers are expected to:

  • Ensure the safety of all participants by providing effective supervision, proper pre-planning of coaching sessions, using safe methods at all times.
  • Consider the wellbeing and safety of participants before commencement of activities.
  • Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
  • Treat all young people fairly and ensure they feel valued. Have no favourites.
  • Encourage all participants not to discriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs, race, gender, social classes or lack of ability.
  • Not allow any rough or dangerous play, bullying, or the use of bad language or inappropriate behaviour.
  • Appreciate the efforts of all young people and not over-train the young people. Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
  • Be positive, approachable and offer praise to promote the objectives of the club at all times.
  • Not let any allegations of abuse of any kind or poor practice go unchallenged nor unrecorded. All incidents and accidents to be recorded and dealt with in line with the club’s procedures. Parents will be informed.
  • Never use sanctions that humiliate or harm young people.
  • Administer minor first aid in the presence of others and where required refer more serious incidents to the club “first aider” or call 999 or 111.
  • Have access to telephone for immediate contact to emergency services if required.
  • Foster team work to ensure the safety of youth members in their care.
  • Ensure the rights and responsibilities of youth members are enforced.
  • Establish and address the additional needs of disabled participants or other vulnerable groups.
  • Not abuse members physically, emotionally or sexually.
  • Not engage in a sexual relationship with a young person for whom they are responsible.
  • Maintain confidentiality about sensitive information.
  • Respect and listen to the opinions of young people.
  • Take time to explain coaching techniques to ensure they are clearly understood.
  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
  • Be a role model, displaying consistently high standard of behaviour and appearance (disciplined/committed/time keeping), remember people, especially children, learn by example.
  • Refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions.
  • Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.
  • Not to spend excessive amounts of time alone with children unless there are exceptional circumstances
  • Never take children to their home
  • Not to administer First Aid involving the removing of a person’s (especially children) clothing unless in the presence of others.
  • Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover where necessary.
  • Make the sport/activity fun.

Staff and volunteers have the right to:

  • Access on-going training and information on all aspects of leading / managing activities for young people, particularly on Safeguarding.
  • Support in the reporting suspected abuse or poor practice
  • Access to professional support services.
  • Fair and equitable treatment by the governing body / club.
  • Be protected from abuse by children / youths, other adult members and parents.
  • Not to be left vulnerable when working with children or other people.

General

  • Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be dealt with immediately and reported verbally to the designated person.
  • Serious or persistent breach of the code will result in disciplinary action and could lead to dismissal from the club/sport.
  • Dismissals can be appealed by the coach / volunteer with final decisions taken by the club committee or referred to the governing body.
  • Throughout all three stages above the CMITC Complaints procedure should be followed robustly.

Emergency action and first aid

All coaches, leaders and members should be prepared with an action plan in the event of an emergency and be aware of our First Aid Procedures (Veranda noticeboard). This will include:

  • Access to First Aid equipment
  • Telephone contact with parents’ / guardian / if the participant is a minor
  • Telephone contact to the Emergency Services
  • Coaches should also contact their own governing body to ensure they incorporate their own specific guidelines.

September 1 2021      Review: September 1 2023