Battalion Martial Arts Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated – [01/12/2024]

 

Although we expect most of our participants to be over the age of 18 at Battalion Martial Arts, we are committed to safeguarding everyone, including children and vulnerable adults who may be students or otherwise have contact with the club. Please see our full policy below:

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out how Battalion Martial Arts protects children, young persons, and adults at risk from harm during their training within the club. This includes harm arising from abuse of all kinds—such as sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, and any other forms of violence or exploitation.

This policy outlines Battalion Martial Arts’ responsibilities and reporting mechanisms to ensure that instructors, parents, students, and members of the public feel confident in reporting concerns and that appropriate actions are taken when needed.

Safeguarding is defined as “protecting a person’s health, well-being, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.” In martial arts, this will apply particularly to children, young persons, and vulnerable adults.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all staff, instructors, volunteers, visiting instructors, trainee instructors, and parents/guardians of Battalion Martial Arts. It also covers all visitors to the club.

Policy Statement

Battalion Martial Arts believes that everyone—regardless of age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin—has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The club will not tolerate abuse or exploitation by any staff or associated personnel. Battalion Martial Arts is committed to ensuring effective prevention, reporting, and response to any safeguarding concerns.

Prevention

To provide vulnerable groups with the best possible experience within martial arts, Battalion Martial Arts operates in line with national safeguarding policies and best practices. This includes ensuring that safeguarding and risk management standards are always met.

As part of Battalion Martial Arts’ prevention strategy, the following minimum best practices are always followed:

  • Instructor Qualifications: All instructors must comply with relevant safeguarding frameworks and regulatory guidelines.
  • Minimum Safety Qualifications: All instructors must hold a valid first aid qualification and public liability insurance,
  • Minimum Qualifications When Teaching Children: an enhanced DBS check (within 3 years), and an up-to-date safeguarding qualification.
  • Respect for All Participants: Instructors must treat all individuals (children, young persons, and vulnerable adults) with respect, dignity, and courtesy.
  • Open Environment: Instructors should always work in an open environment, avoiding isolated or unobserved situations. Transparency and clear communication are encouraged.
  • Physical Contact: Physical contact should be kept to a minimum and only occur when necessary for safety or learning purposes, ensuring clear consent is obtained.
  • Parental/Guardian Involvement: Where possible, encourage the involvement of parents and guardians, ensuring they are informed, and safeguarding remains the priority.
  • Media Consent for Children: No photographs, videos, or other media may be taken without written consent from the guardian or parent.
  • Extracurricular Activities: When participating in extracurricular activities, safeguarding must remain the top priority. For mixed-gender activities, both male and female vetted staff members should be present.
  • Role Model Behavior: Instructors must act as positive role models, refraining from smoking, alcohol use, or inappropriate language in front of children or vulnerable adults.
  • Social media: Communication with children or vulnerable adults through social media or other digital platforms should be avoided or kept to a minimum, with appropriate records maintained.
  • Student Well-being: Instructors must not pressure students beyond their capacity and ensure their safety and welfare are prioritized over any other club interests.
  • Medical and Emergency Care: Obtain written consent for emergency first aid or medical treatment, and ensure the club is informed of any medical conditions or allergies.
  • Injury Reporting: Keep thorough records of any injuries or near misses, including details of treatment and communication with parents/guardians.
Raising Concerns or Making a Disclosure

If a child or vulnerable adult discloses that they are being abused, instructors must take immediate steps to safeguard the individual effectively. Instructors should:

  • Stay Calm: Reassure the child or vulnerable adult that they are not to blame and that it’s right to inform.
  • Listen Carefully: Ensure the child or vulnerable adult is heard but avoid leading questions.
  • Explain Confidentiality: Let the individual know that their disclosure will be shared with others for their protection.
  • Seek Medical Attention if Needed: If the child or vulnerable adult requires medical care, immediately call for an ambulance and inform healthcare providers of the safeguarding concern.
  • Record Information: Write down all relevant details of the disclosure.
  • Report: Notify the club’s safeguarding officer and escalate the concern to relevant authorities as necessary.
Key Contacts

If you have safeguarding concerns or need assistance, the following individuals are the primary contacts for Battalion Martial Arts:

Lead Instructor: Chris May, battalionmartialarts@gmail.com

If you feel uncomfortable raising a concern with the lead instructor, please contact the BMABA safeguarding team

British Martial Arts & Boxing Association: https://bmaba.org.uk/safeguarding/

For immediate safeguarding concerns, you may also contact:

Local Authority: https://www.york.gov.uk/ChildProtection

Emergency Contact: If there is a threat to safety, call 999.

Final Notes

Battalion Martial Arts is committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of all its members. This safeguarding policy is a living document and will be updated regularly to ensure that it remains effective and in line with national best practices.

This version includes the necessary adjustments to reflect the goals and values of Battalion Martial Arts while maintaining the core principles of safeguarding.