Argyll and Bute Golf Union - CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

The A&BGU wishes all juniors to have a happy and successful association with the A&BGU Area, and to that end the Area will take all steps to ensure that all children are protected under current child protection laws. This policy will be subject to immediate review by the A&BGU should changes be deemed necessary.

The Area will ensure that all Members of the Executive and volunteer present and future, receive a copy of the Area's Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct. It also requires each member, volunteer and who is directly involved in the care or coaching of Junior golfers to be properly screened to confirm that they are suitable to take charge of children or young persons.

The Area will obtain parental consent from the parent or guardian of such children as are selected for coaching or playing in competitions or matches as representatives of the Area. Parental consent forms will ask for information necessary for the safety and well being of their children whilst in the care of the Area, and will include any health problems, medication and emergency contact details. The completion of the form is mandatory when a junior is initially selected and will be renewed annually. In any emergency, the responsible adult will put the well being of the child before any other consideration.

The Area has produced a Code of Conduct with guidelines for adult members and volunteers directly involved with children.

Any complaint regarding failure to observe the policy or Code of Conduct should be raised in writing with the Junior Convener and a sub committee of any three members of the Area Executive will be appointed by the A&BGU Executive to investigate and decide upon the complaint. Any appeal against the decision of the sub committee will be heard by the full Area Executive whose decision will be final. Serious complaints of mental or physical harm by an adult shall be referred to the proper authorities.

There is also a set of guidelines for the junior members and young persons involved in the Area activities and breaches of these guidelines will be dealt with as outlined above for adults. The focal point for all matters relating to junior golf is the Junior Convener who will be a member of the Executive. Complaints or breaches of the policy, code of conduct or guidelines should be reported to the Junior Convener, Child Protection Officer, President or Secretary.

…………………………………….. Child Protection Officer

………………………………………………………. Junior Convener

ARGYLL & BUTE GOLF UNION CHILD PROTECTION - CODE OF CONDUCT

1. The Area has a Child Protection Policy which should be read in conjunction with this code of conduct. This code gives more details for adult members who are involved in supervising or transporting juniors for the purposes of coaching and participation in competitions as representatives of the Area. It also covers supervision of juniors within the Clubhouse.

2. Adults are to:-

a. Ensure that the welfare and needs of children are paramount.

b. Maintain a high standard of professionalism and practice.

c. Respect children's rights, wishes and feelings.

d. Take all reasonable practical steps to protect children from harm, discrimination, degrading treatment and bullying.

3. Adults should:-

a. Set and example of good behaviour, avoid drinking alcohol and bad language when supervising children.

b. Set realistic targets.

c. Know the rules of golf and encourage good sporting behaviour and etiquette.

d. Encourage children. Do not embarrass them by word or action.

4. The following advice is for the protection of both adults and children:-

a. Whenever possible there should be a ratio of adults to children participating in coaching or matches which ideally should not be less that 1 adult to every 4 children.

5. For transport organized by the A& BGU the following guidelines must be observed.

a. Any vehicle used for transporting children is to have adequate insurance cover and must not carry more than the insured number. This should be checked by the person in overall charge.

b. When only two children are passengers they must be, if possible, seated in the rear seats.

c. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that seat belts are worn by the children.

d. If a mini bus type vehicle is used it must be fitted with passenger seat belts.

e. Parents of children to be transported are to be notified in advance of all transport arrangements. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to deliver the children to a central pick up point and collect them on return.

f. As a general rule, adults should avoid situations where they are alone with on child. Care must be taken to avoid unnecessary physical contact particularly during coaching sessions.

g. Where an overnight stay is required adults are not allowed to share rooms with children and should at all times avoid putting themselves in compromising situations.

ARGYLL & BUTE GOLF UNION JUNIOR GUIDELINES

In order to make your Junior Membership of the A&BGU safe, happy and successful, please read and observe the following guidelines.

1. Juniors under the age of 18, are not allowed to buy or drink alcohol in the Clubhouse or when representing the A&BGU.

2. Juniors, under the age of 18, are not allowed to play the gaming machines in the clubhouse.

3. Juniors, under the age of 16, are not allowed to smoke in the clubhouse or when representing the A&BGU.

4. Juniors, under the age of 14, are not allowed in the lounge or back bar while the bar is open.

5. You should read the "Rules of Golf" booklet and try and learn as many rules as possible.

6. You should read and obey the "Etiquette" section in the "Rules of Golf" booklet.

7. Always carry your rule book in your pocket and know how to use it.

8. Always be careful and check around you before swinging.

9. Always shout "FORE" if you think your ball might hit someone.

10. Always be aware of other golfers and of the danger of their shots going astray and hitting you.

11. You must never hit through anyone on purpose.

12. Allow greenkeepers to get on with their work. Wait for them to see you and stand aside before you play.

13. Wear golf shoes, which are in good condition or other sensible footwear with soles that provide good grip.

14. Practice is not allowed on the golf course. Follow the rules for practicing on the practice ground.

15. If you feel threatened, leave the course immediately and seek the help of a responsible adult - a greenkeeper, starter or golfer you recognize. If adults are found to have behaved badly towards you they will be disciplined just as you will be for bad behaviour.

16. Mobile phones must be switched off while you are on the course, but you may use them in an emergency.

17. Bullying will not be tolerated and persistent bullying may lead to suspension or expulsion from the A&BGU. If you are being bullied, tell the Junior Convener or your parents.

18. Remember, whenever you play either at home or away you are representing the A&BGU and you must never behave in any way that would bring discredit on yourself or the A&BGU. Your dress should be smart casual. Jean and football tops are unacceptable when playing for the A&BGU and at some clubs trainers are forbidden. Whether you win or lose, keep your feelings to yourself and behave in a pleasant manner towards all golfers.

19. Never show temper or make a loud noise when on the course. Keep trying to the end of every round.

20. If you do something wrong, you will spoken to by the Junior Convener. If you repeatedly misbehave, your parents will be told. Serious misbehaviour, including cheating may lead to suspension or expulsion from the A&BGU.

ARGYLL & BUTE GOLF UNION ANNUAL PARENTS' CONSENT FORM 2005

This form must be returned to the Junior Convener

Name of Junior member:_______________________________________________________

Date of birth: ______________________________________________________________

PERMISSION

I give my permission for _________________________ to attend and take part in the activities of the Argyll and Bute Golf Union 2005.

Typical activities will include playing in competitions, receiving group and individual coaching, representing the A&BGU in A&BGU matches and travelling to away fixtures.

MEDICAL DETAILS

Please provide details of any medical condition the Junior Convener should be aware of including any medication your child may need to take while participating in A&BGU events. Pleas include any known allergies.

Details of Family doctor: __________________________________________________

The A&BGU operates a Data Protection Policy and the information contained in this form will be kept confidential by the Junior Convener but made available to other responsible adults when in charge of you child.

This information will not be passed to any other organization without your prior consent. On certain occasions pictures of your child participating in A&BGU events will be taken for publication in the local press or on the official A&BGU website.

Signed:_________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian

Address:____________________________________________________________________

Telephone:_____________________ Home:__________________Mobile:______________

Alternative emergency contact:_________________________________________________

A word document of this policy is available by clicking here