Westmanstown Bowling Club has agreed this Child & Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Statement which is binding on all members.
We are committed to the enjoyment of bowling by people of all ages, gender, abilities etc. We will respect the dignity and rights of all people and are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults by working under the guidance of safeguarding polices. All volunteers will seek to create a safe, fun environment for young people to grow and develop within the sport.
Westmanstown Bowling Club will endeavour to maintain the key values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Excellence and Fun.
Importance of Childhood
The importance of Childhood should be understood and valued by everyone involved in sport.
Needs of the child
All age-grade bowling experiences should be guided by what is best for children. This means that adults should have a basic understanding of the emotional, physical and personal needs of young people.
Integrity in relationships
Adults interacting with young people in bowling are in a position of trust and influence. They should always ensure that young people are treated with integrity and respect, and the self-esteem of young people is enhanced.
Fair Play
All age-grade bowling should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. The principles of fair play should always be emphasised, and organisers should give clear guidelines regarding acceptable standards of behaviour.
Quality atmosphere & ethos
Age-grade bowling should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Competition
Competition is an essential element of sport and should be encouraged in an age appropriate manner. A child centred ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.
Equality
All children should be valued and treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of ability, age, gender, religion, social and ethnic background or political persuasion.
The Sports Councils’ Code of Ethics should be used in particular with regard to the principles to safeguard children / vulnerable adults from harm.
Risk Assessment:
In preparing this statement we have completed a risk assessment of the potential harm to children and vulnerable adults when they are participating in our sport of bowling or attending any functions */ events regarding such. The below ls a list of risks identified and the procedures / policies that we have in place to address.
| Risk Identified | Procedure in Place to Mitigate the Risk Identified |
| Club & Coaching Practices | |
| Membership of Junior Members | Membership Forms to be completed by Parent / Guardian. Code of Conduct to be signed by both parent and child. |
| No Training / Vetting | Safeguarding Training. Social Media Policy. ILBA Vetting Procedure. ILBA Approved Coaches & Umpires |
| Coaches and Umpires not approved by ILBA | ILBA Approved Coaches & Umpires (only coaches and umpires on this listing are to be used in the club). |
| Complaints & Discipline | |
| Lack of Awareness of Complaints & Disciplinary Policy | Communications / Governance Procedure Disciplinary Procedure |
| Reporting Procedures | |
| No Child Protection Officer / DLP appointed | Club Governance / Reporting Policy |
| Concerns of harm not reported | Safeguarding Training (Coaches, Umpires, U 18 Bowling Assistants, Child Protection Officers) |
| Use of Facilities | |
| Photography, filming or recording in prohibited area | Social Media Policy |
| Recruitment | |
| Lack of clarity on roles | Vetting Policy |
| Communications | |
| No Communication of Policy Inappropriate use of social media | Safeguarding Statement, Code of Conduct to be displayed in club.Safeguarding Statement, Code of Conduct to be displayed on club website. Social Media Policy |
| General Risk of Harm | |
| Harm not being recognised | Safeguarding Policy Safeguarding Training |
| Harm caused by : Child/ Vulnerable Adult to Child / Vulnerable Adult Coach to Child/Vulnerable Adult Umpire to Child/Vulnerable Adult U 18 Bowling Assistant to Child Member to Child/Vulnerable Adult Visitor to Child/Vulnerable Adult General behavioural issues Issues of Bullying Vetting of staff / volunteers Issues of Online Safety | Club Governance Policy Safeguarding Policy Safeguarding Training Code of Conduct Anti-Bullying Policy Vetting Policy Social Media Policy |
This Risk Assessment was undertaken on 1st May 2023 it is a working document and will /continue to be updated.
Procedures
All procedures can be found on the ILBA https://irishlawnbowls.ie/child-protection-documentation/
Westmanstown Bowling Club Children’s Officer and Designated Liaison Person is Patrick Wall.
He can be contacted at patfwall@gmail.com / Ph: 086 8150043.
The National Children’s Officer and Designated Liaison Person for the Bowling League of Ireland is Suzanne Macken – natchildILBA@gmail.com / Ph: 089 6020944
Reporting:
For details on reporting child protection issues to Tulsa, please check their web page on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/contact-a-social-worker3/
Implementation
We recognise that implementation of this policy is an ongoing process. We are fully committed to the implementation of this safeguarding statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children/vulnerable adults safe from harm while availing of our activities.
This child safeguarding statement will be reviewed every two years.
Westmanstown Bowling Club 