Welcome To The Watford & Hertsmere SSCo Home
Welcome To Watford & Hertsmere SSCo website
GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOL COACHES
Watford and Hertsmere SSCo are dedicated to promoting sport in schools in a safe, and professional manner for all children and young people.
Therefore, we ask that when agreeing to coaching in you school the following criteria should be adhered to:
1. Do not permit a coach to teach in your school unless they physically provide you with the
following information:
• A CRB Certificate- completed in the last three years.
• A Coaching Certificate issued by the relevant National Governing Body Level 1 or above or equivalent UKCC Level 2 or above.
• Current membership of the Coaches National Governing Body Association.
• A 'Good Practice and Child Protection' course Certificate undertaken in the last three years.
• A First Aid Certificate from an appropriate course undertaken in the last three years.
2. You must not permit a coach to be left alone with children or young people. A teacher or
appropriate adult must be present at all times.
• If children are to be transported then you must ensure that he/she is adequately insured and another appropriate adult must be present during the transporting.
• You must insure that the coach does not have access to the names and addresses of children or young people.
• Any communication by the coach to the child or young person must be via the school or parent.
• Do not permit a coach to take photographs or coaching videos of any children or young person unless written permission has been granted by either the school or parent.
GUIDANCE FOR COACHES TEACHING IN SCHOOLS
The following guidance is about protecting children as well as protection a coach from unnecessary or malicious allegations when working with children.
It is important to remember that in school today if often a multicultural mix of children from different ethnic, religious backgrounds or children who may be on the 'Child Protection Register' or have previously or currently being abused at home. Not all children are used to or are comfortable with any type of touching be it friendly or otherwise. In many cultures girls in particular find any kind of touching by a stranger as an invasion and degrading.
All coaches must realise that this touching not only involves touching children or young people when showing them postures relevant to the activity but also includes responsive or pleasant actions i.e. when asking a child or young person to carry out a task, or celebrating a win. If any child or young person is not comfortable with physical contact it should be stated that they have the opportunity to make their feelings known privately to the coach.
The physically of visually impaired child may however require to be touched in order to help them understand, acquire or visualise a posture. However, again it must be remembered that the guidance below applies.
Furthermore, coaches must be appropriately and professional when operating in a school environment. Coaches should attend school dressed in tracksuit and trainers - sorts, vest tops and sandals are not appropriate. Please remember that children and young people can stereotype people by their appearance.
• No coaching should take place unless a teacher or other appropriate adult is present.
• You must never touch a child or young person in anyway unless they have consented or is in the presence of another adult again the child's consent.
• If the child or young person appears uncomfortable in any way with physical contact, cease immediately.
• If the child or young person you are working with is visually impaired you should tell them who you are and seek permission before you touch.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to adjust the grip of a child or young person.
• Never find yourself in a situation where you are the only adult present around children or young people. E.g. changing rooms, or in a car or minibus.
• Where physical contact is for motivational or celebratory reasons agree with the children, young person, teacher or other appropriate adult that to commend a good performance a 'High five' or similar will be used.
• You must never help children dress e.g. to put on sport kit or clothing.
• You must never undertake one to one coaching with a child or young person unless another parent or adult is present.
• If a child becomes injured during a coaching session and the injury requires the child to be carried to a place of treatment, always seek support from the teacher or adult present before moving the child or young person.
• You must not hold or take names, home or email addresses or telephone numbers of the child or young person from the school. If a child or young person expresses an interest in attending your Club then issue the information to the child and ask their parent makes contact with you. If you require statistical information please contact the school direct.
• If you require to communicate with the child or young person for the purposes of coaching or information all communication must go via the school or local education authority.
