Coaching

Independent Safeguarding Authority and Vetting & Barring Scheme.

England Netball is aware of the new Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) who will be administering the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS). We are aware there are some minor changes to legislation this autumn, but that the key parts of the Act relevant for sport will not have an impact until July 2010.

This gives England Netball enough time to prepare and to provide clear guidance for members at every level of our organisation but until the Government has issued the guidance specific to the sport and leisure sector England Netball is not in a position to make detailed plans, nor to consult in an informed way with members.

England Netball will work closely with the Child Protection in Sport Unit and other relevant organisations to plan, consult and deliver information and guidance to members in such a way that ensures our organisation and its members are fully compliant with the requirements of the Act.

In the meantime England Netball strongly advises members to follow all England Netball guidance on best practice in safeguarding children.
For further information on the Vetting and Barring Scheme and how it relates to sport please visit: www.thecpsu.org.uk
For netball enquiries please contact either your England Netball regional office or email: Emma.Gibson@englandnetball.co.uk

CRB Checking

England Netball is firmly committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all young people to play Netball. England Netball has introduced CRB checks as part of a process of safer recruitment of staff and volunteers working with young people in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CRB check?

CRB stands for "Criminal Records Bureau". England Netball uses a type of check called an "Enhanced Disclosure".
An Enhanced Disclosure is a printed record containing information from the Police National Computer, local Police intelligence and a check of Government lists of those people banned from working with children and young people.

What do you mean by children and young people?

All those who are under the age of 18.

Why do people working in Netball need to have a check?

The check allows England Netball to identify those people who are banned from working with children and young people, and to subsequently ensure that they are not involved in junior Netball.
The check also allows England Netball to identify those with a history which may pose a potential risk to children, and to make responsible decisions about whether those people should be involved in junior Netball

Does everyone working in Netball need to be checked?

No. An Enhanced Disclosure is not required for all roles in Netball, and the role title a person holds does not necessarily indicate whether or not they are eligible for a check.

To require a check, in general the type of work will involve regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children.

Examples include:

• Coach
• Assistant Coach
• Umpire
• Team Manager
• First Aider/Physiotherapist
• Scorer
• Welfare Officer

Guidelines

To support the Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Netball, a number of guidelines have been developed to provide all netball organisations with the tools to ensure all participants are involved in best practice.

Downloads:

Safeguarding Flowchart
Consent Form
Incident Report Form
Definitions of Abuse
Away Trip Guidelines 
Photography Guidelines

The following policies and procedures support the ongoing development of safeguarding within netball:

Storage, Handling, Use, Retention & Disposal of Disclosure Information Policy
Recruitment Selection Policy
Anti-Bullying & Harassment Policy
Complaints Procedure
Whistle Blowing Policy
Confidentiality & Information Sharing Policy & Procedure
Self Disclosure Form

For further guidance go to the England Netball Website.

Disability

The following information has been put together for netball Clubs to provide some background on the Disability Discrimination Act, some ideas about how your club can prepare for the Act and contact details for further information.
What is the Disability Discrimination Act?

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 introduced new laws aimed at ending discrimination against disabled people. Clubs should be aware of their responsibility to meet the requirements.

In brief:

• Since 2 December 1996 it has been unlawful for sports clubs to treat disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their
  disability;
• Since 1 October 1999 sports clubs have had to make 'reasonable adjustments' for disabled people, such as providing extra help or
  making changes to the way they provide services; and 
• From 1 October 2004 sports clubs may have to make other 'reasonable adjustments' in relation to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access. 



There is much debate over what is meant by 'reasonable adjustments', and at present there is no definitive guidance; this will develop over time as case law begins to influence and define 'reasonable'. 

What can netball Clubs do to encourage people with disabilities to be included? 
The DDA is not just about facilities, it is about changing the attitude towards, and opportunities for, disabled people. 
England Netball has been working towards improving the opportunities for disabled people for a number of years and has produced modified rules that can be used with different groups. Our current focus is on working with players with learning disability.   

There are a number of measures that clubs can take to ensure that they are working in the spirit of the Act, these include: 

Provide a welcoming environment: Having a positive and welcoming attitude is probably the most effective way to encourage disabled people into your club, think about what your club CAN do, rather than the barriers.  For example:

• Think about your signage, is it clear and well directed?
• Does your club welcome all members of the community?
• Is this reflected in information that is sent out to potential members?

Training

• Offer disability awareness training to your coach, officials or a committee member to ensure you are as welcoming to disabled
  people as possible.
• Be aware of the DDA and its implications: see details below about where to get further information.

Talk to disabled people

• Consult with groups and individuals about their needs and requirements - don't make assumptions.
• Find out about local disability sports clubs or schools in your area and share your netball experience, knowledge and enthusiasm!
• Contact your Local Authority Sports Development Officer or County Sports Partnership for details of disability sport contacts and
  organisations.

Adapt the rules 

• Many disabled people could enjoy a netball experience with a few slight adaptations to the standard rules.

Policy

• Ensure your club's constitution reflects an inclusive approach, an equity statement will demonstrate your club's commitment to
  achieving this. Clubs involved in the CAPS programme will have access to a standard equity statement that can be adapted to meet
  your club's needs.
• Does your club have an open policy on membership?

Access to facilities

• Talk to your facility provider i.e. school or local authority about the provisions that they have in place to meet the requirements of
  the Act. This may include car parking facilities, toilet and changing facilities.
 
Main principles of the Act

• Don't treat people less favourably than anyone else.
• Take reasonable steps to make all aspects of your club accessible.

Training Opportunities sports coach UK workshops

• How to Coach Disabled People in Sport
• Coaching Disabled Performers
• Equity in Your Coaching
• Running Sport - 3 hour workshop:
• A Club for All - Welcoming all members of the community

In summary

It's good practice to include all members of the community in your club and an opportunity to introduce new members, potential administrators, officials and coaches. Inclusion demonstrates a positive public image to external partners and funding bodies and ensures that your club complies with the law.

Download the Disability Discrimination Act by Clicking Here