This document pertains to the protection of children and young people, defined as individuals under the age of 18. While the guidelines primarily address coaching practices for this age group, it is essential to acknowledge their relevance to individuals of all ages and vulnerable adults.

Instructors bear the responsibility of establishing and overseeing appropriate boundaries in their relationships with the children and young people under their care. They must maintain a professional demeanour, exercising caution in their attitudes, demeanour, and language, particularly when interacting with children and young people.

Guidelines for Instructors:

• Treat everyone with respect.
• Respect an individual's right to personal privacy.
• Avoid showing favouritism toward any individual.

Instructors must handle any instances of 'crushes' on them with sensitivity, refraining from encouraging or joking about such incidents to prevent unintentional harm to the child or young person and potential accusations.

In situations where physical contact is necessary, instructors must ensure actions cannot be misinterpreted, especially when working with children or young people. Physical comfort, such as hugging, should be avoided, and first aid should be administered in the presence of others whenever possible.

Caution is required in one-to-one situations, and instructors should refrain from spending excessive time alone with children, taking them on journeys alone, or bringing them to their homes. Any unavoidable situations should occur with the full knowledge and consent of the child's parent or carer.

Instructors must never:

• Engage in rough physical, sexually provocative games, or horseplay.
• Allow or engage in inappropriate touching.
• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child or young person.
• Allow inappropriate language unchallenged.
• Let allegations from a child or young person go unchallenged or unrecorded.

Instructors may need to perform personal tasks for young or disabled individuals with the full knowledge and consent of their parents or carers in emergency situations.

While it is unlikely for an instructor to be involved in reported incidents, relying solely on reputation for protection is unwise.

Reporting Incidents:

Instructors should not take responsibility for determining child abuse but should ensure that appropriate agencies are informed for investigation and necessary action. The Children’s Services Department of local authorities, under the Children Act 1989, has a legal duty to investigate safeguarding referrals, often collaborating with the police.

What to do if there are Concerns: