The Jersey Regatta is committed to safeguarding, from physical, sexual or emotional harm, neglect or bullying, children and vulnerable adults taking part in the Regatta. We recognise that the safety, welfare and needs of the child are paramount and that all children, irrespective of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual or gender identity or social status, have a right to protection from discrimination and abuse.
The Jersey Regatta follows the guidelines which have bene produced by the RYA to enable adults and young people to enjoy all aspects of the Regatta in a safe environment.
For the purposes of this policy anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child. All participants, committee members, race officers and volunteers of the Regatta should be aware of the policy.
Regatta Safeguarding Officer
The Regatta Safeguarding Officer is: Justin Horton (07797728587) justindavidhorton@gmail.com
And for serious concerns, or in his absence, please contact the Government of Jersey Safeguarding Officer on 01534 444440.
Good Practice
All Regatta officers and volunteers whose role brings them into regular contact with young people may be asked to provide references from their home club.
The Regatta recognises that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone and it actively seeks to:
1. Create a safe and welcoming environment, both on and off the water, where everyone can have fun and develop their skills and confidence.
2. Run the Regatta to the highest possible safety standards.
3. Treat everyone with respect
It is important to develop a culture within the Regatta where both children and adults feel able to raise concerns, knowing that they will be taken seriously, treated confidentially and will not make the situation worse for themselves or others.
Adults are requested not to enter changing rooms or showers at times when children are changing before or after racing. If this is unavoidable it is advised that they are accompanied by another adult.
The Regatta will seek consent from parents/guardians, as part of the Regatta entry process, before taking photos or video of a child or publishing such images. Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/filming. If the Regatta publishes images of children, no identifying information other than names will be included. Any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or the inappropriate use of images should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer.
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Concerns
Anyone who is concerned about a young participant’s welfare, either outside the sport or within the Regatta, should inform the Regatta Safeguarding Officer immediately, in strict confidence.
Always:
1. Stay calm – ensure that the person is safe and feels safe.
2. Show and tell the person that you are taking what he/she says seriously.
3. Explain that you will have to tell someone else to help.
4. Make a record of what the person has said asap after the event, using their own words.
5. Refer to matter to the Regatta Safeguarding Officer.
The Regatta Safeguarding Officer will follow the reporting procedures as laid down by the RYA in its Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Guidelines (http://www.rya.org.uk/go/safeguarding).
Published February 2021