Why it is both important and essential to us - how and when we came to realise this, and how success has come, hand in hand, with legislation and how it has helped us to become more organised than we were.
This article is 'a short 4 minute story' about Stirchley, and is written to encourage Clubs/Coaches to fully embrace the above legislation. It will help to clear your head of all the 'muzzy thoughts' and when clear you will see a clear stepped path forward. We have not identified each step as such, because, obviously, you will want to adapt your own ways, for your individual requirements, but just a 'starter' please have a look at the end of this section for some tips.
Do not be put off or too concerned about people who issue forth with pessimistic, depressing and even case histories, where dire consequences apparently ensued. It is our strong view that we have actually found the legislation a major benefit. The following (slightly more than a few) words on the subject, are not intended to be the 'ultimate guide, or any sort of authority on this subject'. It is not about what the risks are in sport-or even how big those risks are. In fact, even now, we are not too sure that anyone really knows!
However, (just with a broad brush) at the end of this section, we have put to-gether some useful guidelines for the person(s) 'starting out' with just one or two junior's...with what might be termed an embryo of a junior section. Have a look at our draft notes and see if you think you could start such a junior section...it is not as 'verboten' as you would think, and the rewards and satisfaction to you, the junior's and the club itself will be tremendous.
As mentioned earlier, go to the end of this section and have a quick look at what we have noted down so far. We hope it is sufficient and put simply enough, to encourage you to take that tentative first step.
So, apart from those few words of 'guidance' (at the end) we are going to leave the finer points to the professionals and experts at the NSPCC or the CPSU (Child Protection is Sport Unit) and elsewhere. Rather we would like this to be a 4 minute very short story -a sort of 'through the keyhole' look at how one club has come to terms with recent legislation and how we progressed through all the misinformation and stubbornness that is around. Old habits certainly die hard. Hopefully, someone, somewhere will find this of interest and if this encourages just one club, one Coach, or one player -in just a small way, it will be worthwhile. Here is our short story.
In October 2000, Maureen (Birmingham Leisure Services) was approached by EBCS Coach Maurice Price to start running a Junior Coaching Scheme. The name 'Stirchley Junior's' was selected...and initially, was just one junior (Gareth Evans) and Maurice. Shortly afterwards, things picked up a little, and a further Coach was dragooned into the Juniors. Although the Coaches were very experienced, they were not too enamoured to immediately go off on 'complicated' courses to learn about Child Protection Legislation. After all, our two coaches were already 'FA Coaches', and had been coaching kids for nearly 40 years in football, so what could anyone tell us about kids...or so it was blithely thought. Much later on, realisation dawned, that certain things needed to be addressed.
We continued as usual, reasonably happy to carry on, (you hear it so often) -'as in the past'... the Coaches being rather too busy to really be thinking too much about attending certificated courses on Child Protection Legislation, such as provided by scUK (Sports Coach UK) and others. Yes! We knew, at the back of our minds, that sooner or later we would have to take the plunge, but somehow we both contrived to put the matter off. Eventually, we could not cope with the numbers of youngsters - and certain difficult issues began to come up...we could no longer rely on our experience and the homespun advice of our friends and wives etc. This forced us to sit down and think seriously about what we were to do and, in doing this, it was only then that we came to realise just how the 'Child Protection Legislation' could be so useful (and in fact essential) to us.
In retrospect it is reasonable to suppose that, in the back of our minds, we always knew that we could not take our junior section any further forward to the 'heights' we had in mind, until we were 'qualified'. On top of this, we now needed extra staff as well and that, not only would they need to be of good calibre and not only preferably with experience of working with children, but that they would also need to be 'vetted' and also be prepared to undertake training in child protection procedures.
At first we had to face all the arguments (mainly 'old chestnuts') which were all basically founded on "Why, suddenly, is this all necessary" and "It's a turn off! Why should we bother" etc. 'How did we tackle this situation' Looking back we were fortunate to have some Club Coaches who were open minded and well disposed towards children...but only by talking in depth to these coaches, did we succeed in gaining their full interest and eventually, their agreement to help the junior's...but it was not easy. However, after a while, we managed to obtain their services and together, each with some trepidation, 'heard of' various courses. Eventually, we all attended an excellent 'Safe from Harm' course and 'got qualified/educated' so to speak. It was amazing how that first course moulded and clarified our concerns and focused our minds on the task ahead.
As the section expanded, we simply repeated our previous procedure, and we are just about to do this procedure again now, with Helper Mark Clarke. This is nice, because Mark has chosen to put something back into the sport ....where as the outdoor runner-up in the 2001 EBA Singles at Worthing, he could easily be forgiven for staying in bowls 'just for himself'. Thank you Mark -and well done.
With juniors, it always seems that you need to have a coach coming through the system, because it does take quite a while, and you should bear this in mind, as you are always aiming to work to at least the minimum EBCS standards regarding 'numbers'. We work to a maximum of one coach to four juniors participating in a session, in order to comply with the EBCS recommendations.
As time went by we found that we were all enthused to learn more about the the Legislation and some of us attended additional one day seminars with Sportscoach UK which were run in association with the Birmingham City Leisure Services Department...and also latterly, we all attended our own EBCS course. It is only since we have been involved with, and expanded our knowledge of, child protection matters that we realised, with certainty, that previously (contrary to what we had hitherto thought ourselves), we had in fact, been ill equipped to cope with the unforeseen problems and pitfalls that a multi racial, vibrant junior section of varied ages would provide.
A few words about 'where are we now' and illustrating how success has come, hand in hand, with the new legislation. Having gone from one coach and one junior in year 2000 to the present where we have twenty four junior's (with ages ranging from eight to sixteen), and five coaches, we have obviously been through a very big learning curve ...for both coaches and junior's.
Since we started, we have steadily increased our numbers so that apart from our own very successful competitions and leagues. We have taken part in a Junior County League, County and Inter Club matches and County EBYDS Championships and now (although a little strong for us at the moment) U25 National Singles. One other useful thing we did, as a final safeguard, all of our coaches agreed to have the enhanced CRB clearance and again thanks to Maureen from Leisure Point (Leisure Services) we managed to get this at no expense to ourselves or the club. Volunteers can be given free clearance by the CRB, so it may be worth enquiring from your local Council, County or Club (or elsewhere...EBCS could perhaps talk to our governing bodies?), as to whether they can act as the body to obtain FREE CRB clearance for coaches. It appears that most bodies do charge you for this service...for instance the Football Association are charging all referees on a sliding scale...according to how much a referee earns...top ref's will pay the full £33, wereas the ordinary week-end ref will pay £7...seems fair enough to us.
By the way, despite the usual dismal comments, none of us have seen this as in any way onerous, or any sort of 'imposition by authority', but rather an extra item on our CV, which we are very pleased to have. Certainly the parents like to know we have it.
A little more on 'where are we now' and 'how the legislation has helped us to be more
organised than we were'.
Let us now look at an unlikely source of help...the new forms that are recommended.
Here in Birmingham we
are agreed that as popular and essential as leagues and competitions etc. are with the junior's,
the thing that most identifies 'why and where we are now' has undoubtedly been the change and
progress from having just a normal 'bog-standard' membership form only -to the
additional introduction of various forms, required under the legislation. Don't think
of them as 'dreaded forms' but try to realise that they will help you to be more
organised. Certainly they have proved both 'important and essential' and have
contributed greatly to the smooth running of the section. (These are very easy to
acquire or type up yourself).
At the beginning, as with most people, we thought that we had joined a club, signed the appropriate traditional membership form -and that was it. Not so in to-days world. If you look at the forms that we have now introduced, these have only come about, purely, because of the new Child Protection Act and, love them or hate them, the sole and paramount object, as far as possible is, yes, to first protect the youngster -but the knowledge gained from operating the legislation also protects the coach. Parents are vey knowlegable on this subject and will always try to help the coach and therefore, as a result of all round expertise, your job is made easier and everyone, parents, junior's and Coach know where they stand.
You have to wonder how, over the years, we managed to avoid some of the tricky, and potentially ruinous, situations that are?/seem so commonly heard of today. The answer must surely be that 'times have definitely changed'. For better or worse? Well! That's a matter of opinion, of course, but even now though, I'm sure many of us will sometimes regress and think whether 'all of this' is really necessary, but then, when you stop and think...and look from the parents and youngster's angle...well yes, it most certainly is".
For example here below are a selection of the forms that we use...all based on and around recommended formats:
| Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Course Enrolment Form | Each Junior completes an enrolment form for coaching |
| Consent Form | To play/travel as a club member, any medical disclosure etc. |
| Permission Form | To take / publish photographs of Junior's in the context of the team and/or publicity including our junior web site. Accompanied by a covering letter. |
| Club Policy | Statement of Club Policy: signed by Chair and posted on notice board and given or sent to parents with a covering letter and other documents. |
| CRB Form | Previously used Police Vetting and also a Voluntary Declaration Disclosure Form...but now we rely on CRB |
| Voluntary Self Declaration Form | Previously used before the advent of CRB. It can still be valid as a short term measure. |
| Job Description/Application Form | States your responsibilities, request names as references...these are taken up on a separate simple form (below). |
| Disclosure Form | Official incident report |
| Feedback Forms... for parents and junior's | Handed out (or forwarded) midway through the indoor season. |
| References Form | To be sent to those persons named as a referee in Job Description. |
| We Want to Know Form | Issued to parents and junior's under cover of a separate standard welcome letter: which does include the Club Policy with a few do's and don't's. |
As stated previously, these are all forms that we never previously thought of using before, but all are essential and in fact are extremely useful 'building blocks' towards a well run section. Looking back now to 'earlier times' before legislation, were we perhaps being a little too idealistic about how well we were doing?
Sure, we were working productively and looking out for youngsters, but I do believe we have to own up and say...Yes! We do understand better...and due to the legislation, we have greatly improved our procedures. We all look back sometimes, but those days have gone and they are all water under the bridge now ...we all miss them in one way or another...but then...they were different times after all! Were'nt they?
NOTE: The national bodies hold certain 'draft forms' and there are officers who will advise you, and we recommend that you take advantage of this. But if anyone requires copies of our forms please contact us. We ourselves, to get started, cribbed off three loaned forms from Solihull IBC.
Of course, it is a very busy time when you first set out and we were most grateful indeed for that initial 'kickstart' help... and basically we built up from there. You can do the same. Help is out there and once you 'go with the flow' have no fear, you will find that things fall into place quite readily.
Yes we do have them....and why do we have them and also...how do you explain it to youngsters?
Rules are easier to deal with than 'etiquette' -etiquette is not easily understood by many junior's and in some cases not immediately accepted. In the difficult cases you need to allocate time and special attention asap...or sadly, they often just 'give up' the game.
Yes, at first sight, both rules and etiquette may seem to be over the top and yes, in the early days especially, it is easy to fall foul of these ...in fact even experienced players can be seen "not complying". So what happens when a youngster 'gets it wrong' and asks "why do we have these 'stupid' rules?" Our way of tackling such a situation is this!
We usually explain it (nothing clever and quite simple really) along the lines of:
Firstly "Think of etiquette as 99% good manners and good sporting behaviour."
Secondly "Just imagine any sport without rules or good sporting behaviour
(etiquette)."
Good examples are... football etiquette requires that you do not spit at an opponent (otherwise you get a red card, either then or later via a video panel), and in cricket if the batsman knows he is definitely out and the umpire has missed it, the etiquette is that he 'walks'.
Fortunately, we do not need red or yellow cards in bowls or video panels, but we in bowls do like our etiquette, therefore please realise that it is not just bowls where these (etiquette and rules) apply...these are both common to all sports."
We have found this approach to prove successful...and as a number of our youngsters are from inner city areas, we are pleased with the results. They eventually fully catch on that rules are there, because it is very necessary to know where you stand, and they find it nice to know that it is the same for everyone else -with no exceptions. They then come to like and accept, that rules and etiquette are there to allow you to get on and play your game, no matter how keenly competitive, safe in the knowledge that rules and etiquette apply to all and that you can therefore enjoy your game and reach a result, as defined by rules without dispute. Without 'rules and etiquette' your game would undoubtedly be spoiled by 'idiots', ruining your enjoyment and almost certainly everyone else's as well.
Below are simple DRAFT 'OUTLINE' suggestions for starting a junior section. They are not yet
completed, or written in stone and are a suggested 'template' for a section that you are thinking
of starting up. From the 'outside'it does appear a difficult task, but is no more so with or
without the legislation, which in our view, actually helps you to have a properly organised section.
As you progress you can refine your approach according to the aims and ambitions
of your individual club. In our view, a key principle would be to provide bowling for the
junior's
at the cheapest price possible. Parents will go for that.
This area of knowledge (what is involved in starting a junior section) is very important to clubs,
and we offer the following advice. However, you out there may be able to add to the scenario
so we will be glad if you do contact us with any helpful comments, as we are looking to further
update and refine this important area on a continuous basis.
In the meantime, if you require further clarification on any point herewith, regarding child protection legislation, by all means contact us, but also please use any of the several "OFFICIAL" links -which can be accessed direct from this web site (above) or, of course, you can contact one of our National Governing Bodies.
1. The hardest part is getting started. However, one person's enthusiasm can quite easily start a junior section -and most are started in this way- by one enthusiastic person. Normal procedure is to take your proposal to the Chairperson or full committee. If no initial interest, you would then need to seek support at the Club AGM. Usually this is forthcoming if you are prepared to put yourself forward (and / or maybe a colleague) and are willing to be fully involved.
2. You can start with an 'embryo' of just one junior and (hopefully) one coach or,
if there is no coach at your club, one from a nearby club or, the Committee can 'employ' the
unpaid services of a capable and suitable volunteer from within the club, or elsewhere.
However, this person would need to have an adequate understanding of current legislation,
be known and trusted by the committee and it is required that references are provided
and / or sign a simple self declaration form -which are widely available from HQ's and elsewhere.
Please note the obvious...that the references must be taken up and diligently checked out...just
as if you were taking on an employee for your own business.
It is important to understand that it is entirely the clubs choice/responsibility as to
when and whether, they desire to follow the guidelines of their National Governing Body but,
whatever the choice, from experience,
we would recommend that your Committee keep this important decision fully under review and as
soon as they see that their junior section is 'moving on' from the 'embryo stage'
-which will definitely happen at some point-they should reconsider whether it is time to
go with the NGB's recommended policy.
Again note, that although it would be advisable
(for many reasons) for the committee to comply with their NGB's, they do not have to...but
as you grow things could be looked at in a different light. In fact it is an easy decision
for the committee -but a fair bit harder for the coaching person, who has all the
inconvenience of presenting and having personal documents processed.
So, have some
input into the committee, let them know your thoughts...but whichever
path you choose (we would recommend that you start moving towards compliance by this time)
you can still run your junior section with a trusted (with reference's) person...always
ensuring you operate to sensible standards or a club 'BEST PRACTICE' policy.
3. An 'often overlooked' item to check here is that a qualified coach is fully insured through the EBCS, and this important public liability insurance from the EBCS would include anyone helping the coach. However, please note that a person taking on the coaching, say it is a club member, may not have a 'suitable' (or even any) public liability insurance. This aspect would need to be checked out with committee...who should...but may not, have a suitable insurance already in place. Hopefully you will be able to find a coach, but if not...a simple solution might be (and it can easily be arranged) for the member, if keen enough, to take a course with the EBCS.
4. Another overlooked item. Often it is assumed the club membership form has the parents signature and/or consent in there somewhere. Many in fact do, but check this out and if necessary ask your junior to get his parents/guardian to sign a simple consent form. Consent forms are an everyday item in all walks of life and so it is with bowls clubs and you should ensure this simple form is in place.
5. So far then, you have the support of committee who are well disposed towards having a
junior section.
a) You are (or have) a qualified coach or a coaching person
(we say again with references) who would be
willing to
work with children and has a working knowledge of appropriate legislation.
b) You have the
insurance situation checked out.
c) You have a signed a self declaration from the person coaching.
d) You are now aware, from the foregoing- that with your VOLUNTARY (unpaid) and / or
'OTHER ORGANISATION' status, your club committee are not in breach of the legislation...but do
please ensure your coach has provided proper references and that they have been taken up.
e)You have your junior'Consent Form' in place
f) You will try to provide coaching very cheaply for junior's...and thereby encourage them to
"GIVE BOWLS A TRY". Then review costs once you have a section up and running.
g) You are now ready to start coaching children...which you will enjoy immensely, and we wish you
well...but one important
'golden rule' is, "Do not coach 'one to one' on your own". It may be feasible
with loads of people about as a 'one off' but you really must ensure that this
situation is avoided altogether.
7. If you do this -and as you are purely an unpaid volunteer, at this moment in time, no way is
it mandatory to add to your credentials by going out to obtain CRB clearance, although in
our experience most coaches are only too pleased to add this to their CV.
However, if (we would say 'when') your junior section is a success and it suddenly starts to grow,
this would be the best optimum or prudent moment when a sensible committee, really should look to
at least appoint a Club Junior Officer...who may agree to perhaps 'double up' as the club's
Child Protection Officer. We believe the club should then fund the £15 ish...(the NGB's or
umbrella agency fee) for CRB clearance for that Officer...who would then be responsible
for all admin and regular monitoring of junior activities etc. Also, the coach should be CRB
cleared at the same time, if possible. The Coach, Junior Officer and Child Protection Officer
could easily all be the same person, particularly in the early stages.
As a matter of interest, please understand there is no charge for the
CRB certificate itself (for unpaid volunteers)...but there is often a small admin charge made
by the particular NGB's chosen umbrella agency.
Another option is that if your
local council is involved with your club, it is possible that this procedure can be
painlessly processed by them on your behalf, with your documents being conveniently
presented and processed locally. There may or may not be a small charge, depending on
circumstances.
8. There are numerous one day 'certificated attendance courses' available from your council's Child Protection Officer and elsewhere. A recognised one day course will sufficiently de-mystify the 'Protection of Children Act' -alternatively, simplified Distance Learning packages (on child protection) are gradually becoming more available...at a very minimal cost too. It is fairly certain that your committee would agree to fund this nominal charge, as it is in everyone's interest to have you 'fine tuned' and certificated.
9. You definitely should not fall into the trap of rubbishing the aims of the act itself. This simply stops people you are involved with, from coming forward to help. In fact most of the Act has (in layman's terms) simply been extracted from loads of old pieces of legislation ...from the Home Office, Police and Health etc...with some important items added on.
10. At an early stage, look around the club to see if you can find a like minded and compatible person(s) that you could work with. We would recommend that you find someone who can type or who is used to using a computer as this is very helpful to you in producing presentable notes, letter or leaflets etc.
11. Keep your eyes open for cast off CLEAN equipment of a quality suitable for junior's...shoes are very useful, bags, SMALL 00 bowls, perhaps a blazer or tie, a measure etc. The reason for this is to save on costs to the junior...and Murphy's law means "that you won't see any suitable items in your time of need". Perhaps stick 'em in the garage or loft...or down the club somewhere.
12. Before too long, members will start to take notice. If a member comes forward and shows an interest in assisting in coaching junior's, be positive and supportive, go out of your way with him or her. He or she maybe the helper or coach you are looking for, and the one who will help you to take the section forward again.
13. We would recommend that you ask your committee for the new "Club Junior Section" be added as an agenda item for future committee meetings. This is very important indeed, because this way the junior's always get committee attention and matters should not get inadvertently overlooked. Obviously, if anything of significance happens, ignorance is no ready defence, but if it is there on the agenda, any official will see that the club is doing things properly, and all things being equal, this would stand you in good stead. This small action by the committee, protects and benefits the Junior Officer, the junior and the Club Committee themselves.
14. At this point, you will going along very nicely, enjoying working with youngsters, and wondering what on earth you were worrying about. Look around, this will be the time to consolidate and tie up any loose ends, check your systems. Having done a 'tidy up' you can move forward again. Have a good look again at what your four National Governing Bodies recommend for junior sections. They have produced guidance books for you and it is all in there...and all clubs have them. Their 'appointed officers' are only a telephone call away, and if they are out, make sure you leave a message and they will get back to you.
15. An 'always remember' for you...keep charges to the barest minimum... Parent's and junior's will "GIVE BOWLS A TRY" as long as it is 'A BARGAIN'... they will "think about it" if it is expensive.
16. Another 'always remember' is to look in and monitor 'what is going on' in coaching activities. This simple and enjoyable task...of watching your junior's playing and progressing, is easy to double up with the 'discipline' of monitoring.
17. Another 'always remember' for you...Members and others, will continually give you 'their pet ideas' "Why don't you do this? Why don't you try that?" (bless'em). OK listen and select the best...fine. Our point is that it is very easy for Joe Bloggs to bring forward ideas, but until there is a wider appreciation of what it takes to get things done, I am afraid it is very difficult to achieve the objectives that they have so blithely created "off the top of the head" so to speak. As mentioned, ideas of one form or another are fairly easy to generate, but actually getting things done is far more difficult. So, keep focused and do not over reach too soon. It will all come right in the end.
18. Finally, as mentioned at the outset, starting a junior section is not as difficult as most
people would have you believe.
It is a bit like reading instructions on a new appliance, it all seems 'double dutch' at first,
but once you have got the gist, the rest will soon follow...fairly naturally at your own
clubs pace.
More soon...but see our news page on developments and the proposed pilot
scheme on our recent intake of 22 junior's...can we cope...6 coaches at full stretch...6 rinks
required...our experiences...can we expand further.