Safeguarding
Child Protection Policies
JudoScotland upholds the principle that all children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse. The members, staff and volunteers of the Association are committed to the welfare and protection of children and young people so that they can enjoy sporting activities in safety without fear, threat or abuse.
The Safelandings documents below are the official child protection policies and procedures for all bodies that form the British Judo Association (British Judo Association, Judo Scotland, Northern Ireland Judo Federation & Welsh Judo Association). Please use these documents as an initial point of reference. If you have any questions surrounding the documents or child protection in general, please contact:
Luke Struthers at lukestruthers@judoscotland.com or call 07495 836223
Safeguard Children in Sport
Everyone has a responsibility to ensure children are safe from harm, including clubs and organisations who provide sport to children. The 10 Steps are a collection of guidelines, policies, procedures and templates for clubs, governing bodies of sport and organisations to use and adapt to their own needs.
The 10 Steps includes everything you need to help keep children safe in your club. Please click on the file below to download 10 Steps.
If you have any concerns please contact the JudoScotland Lead Wellbeing and Protection Officer Luke Struthers at lukestruthers@judoscotland.com or call 07495836223.
Wellbeing
Judo Scotland in conjunction with Children 1st and Sports Scotland and in line with The Scottish Government wholly adopt the principles and philosophy in protecting and nurturing the wellbeing of all our members.
With that in mind we are totally committed to the national policy of Getting It Right For Every Child. Please see below some indicators on wellbeing.
The Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach supports children and young people so that they can grow up feeling loved, safe and respected and can realise their full potential. At home, in school or the wider community, including within our Judo Family every child and young person should be:
- Safe
- Healthy
- Achieving
- Nurtured
- Active
- Respected
- Responsible
- Included
These eight factors are often referred to by their initial letters – SHANARRI. They are wellbeing indicators which help make it easier for children and families and the people working with them to discuss how a child or young person is doing at a point in time and if there is a need for support.
Anti-Bullying Policy
JudoScotland strongly embraces and promotes the Judo Moral Code, a set of ethics including Courtesy, Courage, Friendship, Honour, Honesty, Modesty, Respect and Self-Control.
In keeping with these values, we understand that bullying is never acceptable and must never be tolerated, and that everyone has the right to be involved in judo in a safe, secure environment where they feel valued and included.
As an organisation, JudoScotland encourages all members and interested parties to inform if they become aware of any form of bullying and be confident to do so, knowing that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Any person who becomes aware of bullying is expected to inform the appropriate person (as detailed in our policy).
Our Anti-Bullying Policy details the different forms bullying can take, and how to deal with it.
If you wish to discuss any of the above further feel free to contact our Lead Wellbeing and Protection Officer, Luke Struthers, at lukestruthers@judoscotland.com or call 07495 836223.
Safer Recruitment
Most Judo clubs have a variety of volunteers and staff who assist with the overall running of the Club. Whilst it is vital to keep the issues of wellbeing & protection in proportion, JudoScotland would like every Club to adopt some basic procedures that will help safeguard all concerned.
- Interviews
It is best practice for clubs to utilise an interview process for recruitment of staff/volunteers. Simple, informal interviews to assess the applicant and attempt to verify all information given can be held for voluntary posts.
- ID Checks
While JudoScotland will make checks on ID as part of the PVG process, it is best practice that the club should also check an individual’s ID to ensure that the person they are recruiting is who they say they are.
- Referees
It is best practice for clubs to ask for references for recruitment of staff/volunteers. References from at least two people (not relatives) who have known the applicant for at least 2 years and who are able to comment confidentially on the person’s previous work with children and any former involvement in sport.
- PVG Scheme Membership
A PVG Scheme application must be made for all regulatory (child care) positions involved in your club. Applications are available through JudoScotland, who will also receive the results of all PVG Applications and make judgement on each applicant’s suitability to work with children – based on the information presented and where necessary including discussion with the individual and the club. Apply for a PVG by clicking the button below.
- Induction
An induction procedure for all new starts is recommended. New starts will then be made aware of the relevant club policies and able to sign appropriate Codes of Conduct and membership requirements. A period of probation is advisable. Probation can also be used if you implement all areas of the recruitment process and are awaiting the results of a PVG Application.
- Training
The Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport (CWPS) workshop should be completed by all volunteers and staff in a regulated role.
Codes of Conduct
JudoScotland support everyone who participates in or delivers judo activity across Scotland to ensure that the environments they create are safe, positive spaces that allow for enjoyment and fulfilment from the sport.
As part of this support, we have created concise ‘Codes’ that provide reminders of what is expected from each of us in the role that we play within and across the various judo activities.
They are designed to highlight and remind us all of key qualities, behaviours and policies that together will improve judo experiences throughout Scotland.
We all have a part to play in the provision of a positive judo environment and we hope that these codes do their bit to help you play yours.
Clubs
JudoScotland values the hard work of our member clubs without whom we wouldn’t be able to develop Judo in Scotland.
Members
We want to make judo accessible to whoever wants to take part, as a JudoScotland member you will have access to a variety of benefits.
Coaches
Coaches are at the front line of judo and are an integral part of clubs. We provide continuous professional development for coaches already on the pathway.
"If there is effort, there is always accomplishment."
Jigoro Kano