Advice on joining a club

IT IS EVERYONES RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT SPORT IS SAFE AND FUN!

Before joining a new sports club, Cumbria Sport Partnership advises that you do your research to ensure that the club is safe. It should be insured, have a child protection and health and safety policy, qualified staff and safe equipment.

We also advise that the club has a National Governing Body Accreditation. Different sports have different types of accreditation, awarding clubs with standards that show they provide a safe, effective and child friendly environment. Check out your sports National Governing Body website for advice before you join.

Another type of accreditation is Clubmark. Clubmark is a national accreditation scheme for clubs with a junior section.

Visit the child protection section of our website for child specific advice.

Some other questions that you might ask include:

  • Recruitment of staff and volunteers: Have they all been selected through a proper recruitment process? This should include interviews, references and criminal records bureau (CRB) for staff working for children.
  • How well are staff and volunteers trained? In addition to the individual sports skills, they should all have been trained in child protection and health and safety procedures.
  • Supervision of staff and volunteers: There should be someone in charge to supervise staff and volunteers at all times.
  • Health and safety: Make sure that there is a leader qualified in first aid and that there are: a first aid box, arrangements for drinks, and guidelines about dealing with injuries; also that the premises satisfy fire regulations.
  • Your child's personal care needs: If your child needs help with using the toilet, feeding, or medication, ask about the procedures for personal care needs.
  • Is the coach qualified? Your coach should have a recognised National Governing Body (NGB) qualification that includes child protection training.
  • What about arrangements for away fixtures and other events? The sports club or centre should inform you about the event arrangements, including transport to and from the venue. You should also be given information about the venue itself. If it is a long way from home, you should be given a contact number for use in emergencies.
  • Does the organisation have a written code of behaviour? There should be a written code of behaviour showing what is required of staff, volunteers and participants. Avoid organisations that permit bullying, shouting, racism, sexism or any other kind of oppressive behaviour.
  • Does the organisation have a child protection policy? Sports and leisure organisations should have a child protection policy, with a clear procedure for dealing with concerns about possible abuse. Parents and carers should be able to view the policy on request.
  • What boundaries exist concerning club relationships? The club should have clear guidelines about physical contact and social activities between staff, volunteers, participants and parents. Find out who in the club you can speak to if you have concerns about boundaries not being observed.