This policy is written in accordance with the DFE Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) statutory guidance document.

• The BSHA accepts members from the age of 15 years and as such recognises a duty of care towards ensuring a safe and protected environment for children and young people competing at BSHA events.
• The safeguards established within are for BSHA competitions within the public domain, covering contact between children and judges and officials, not children and instructors/trainers.
• In all circumstances, parents (or those with parental responsibility) remain accountable and responsible for the safety of their children and their own actions and behaviour towards their own and other people’s children whilst competing in BSHA competitions.
• All BSHA paid employees, directors (Board Members), judges and officials are asked to voluntarily disclose whether they have been subject to any disciplinary actions or sanctions relating to child abuse or violence, and are required to self-certify that they are not known to ANY Social Services as being an actual or potential risk to children, have not been disqualified or prohibited from fostering children or had any rights or powers in respect of any child vested in or assumed by a local authority, or had a child ordered to be removed from their care.
  • As part of checking procedures, they are advised BSHA reserves the right to refer to the Local Authority Social Services Department and police records to verify information given in relation to this matter, when it is submitted or at any time in the future. It is the BSHA’s policy to make random police checks to take up all references. It is the duty of all BSHA personnel, Judges and Volunteers to report any charge or conviction involving children and vulnerable adults. This procedure excludes BHS accredited instructors and yards as they are subject to the BHS Safeguarding & Child Protection policy.
• Photographs and videos of children (under the age of 18) must only be taken by parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child or with the authorised consent of those with parental responsibility to do so. Official photographers and/or those authorised to live stream events are excluded and it is the responsibility of parents/those with parental responsibility to advise any official photographer and/or those authorised to live stream events, if they do not wish their child to be photographed and/or live streamed, in advance of the class, by providing the appropriate competitor number.
• If you believe any child (or vulnerable adult) is being subject to abuse at a BSHA event, please report it to the BSHA Official. The Association will report these matters to the police and relevant child protection agencies immediately upon receipt of the information. Information of this nature will not and cannot be kept confidential as the safety of children and young people is paramount. Competitors are advised to seek further information from Safe To Play .