British Rowing Safeguarding and Protecting Vulnerable Adults Policy

2. Good practice,poor practice and abuse2.1 IntroductionIt can be difficult to distinguish poor practice from abuse, whether intentional or accidental.It is not the responsibility of any individual involved in rowing to make judgements regarding whether or not abuse is taking place, however,all British Rowing personnel have the responsibility to recognise and identify poor practice and potential abuse, and act on this if they haveconcerns as explained in section 3..2.2 Good practiceBritish Rowing strongly advises that coaches of vulnerable adult rowers:Everyone should:• be a registered British Rowing member• fully accept Sports Coach UK and British Rowing Coaches Codes of Conduct• hold a British Rowing recognised qualification• have completed a ourse in basic awareness in working with vulnerable adults .• conduct a risk assessment before undertaking any rowing related activities• aim to make the experience of rowing fun and enjoyable• promote fairness and playing by the rules• not tolerate the use of prohibited or illegal substances• treat all vulnerable adults equally and preserve their dignity; this includes giving more and less talented members of a groupsimilar attention, time and respect.Coaches and those working directly with children should:• respect the developmental stage of each rower and not risk sacrificing their welfare in a desire for club or personalachievement• ensure that the training intensity is appropriate to the physical, social and emotional stage of the development of the rower• work with vulnerable adults and their carers (where appropriate) to develop realistic training and competition schedules whichare suited to the needs and lifestyle of the rower, not the ambitions of others such as coaches, team members, parents, carers orthe club• build relationships based on mutual trust and respect, encouraging vulnerable adults to take responsibility for their owndevelopment and decision-making• always be publicly open when working with vulnerable adults:- avoid coaching sessions or meetings where a coach and an individual rower are completely unobserved• maintain an appropriate and open environment, with no secrets• avoid unnecessary physical contact with young people. Physical contact (touching) can be appropriate so long as:- it is neither intrusive nor disturbing- the athlete’s permission has been openly given- it is delivered in an open environment• maintain a safe and appropriate relationship with rowers and avoid forming intimate relationships with rowers you are workingwith as this may threaten the position of trust and respect present between athlete and coach• be an excellent role model by maintaining appropriate standards of behaviour• gain the vulnerable adult’s consent and, where appropriate, the consent of relevant carers, in writing, to administer emergencyfirst aid or other medical treatment if the need arises• be aware of medical conditions, disabilities, existing injuries and medicines being taken and keep written records of any injuryor accident that occurs, together with details of treatments provided• arrange that someone with current knowledge of emergency first aid is available at all timesPg 7British Rowing Safeguarding and Protecting Vulnerable Adults Policy - October 2010