BMABA 2018-19 Safeguarding Policy | The British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA)

Policies & Procedures

BMABA 2018-19 Safeguarding Policy

Effective for October 1st 2018 – 2019

1) Safeguarding Policy

1.1) Introduction & Statement Of Intent

We firmly believe that martial arts training presents a positive opportunity for all to learn self defence, improve their self confidence and develop as an individual. Everyone who participates is entitled to do so in a safe, fair, professional environment. Accordingly, the individual club and lead instructor has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that, when given responsibility for young persons below the age of 18 or vulnerable adults, the highest standards of professionalism and care are exercised at all times.

The British Martial Arts & Boxing Association is committed to implementing policies so that everyone within the chain of command accept their responsibilities to safeguard children and / or vulnerable adults from harm and abuse. This means following pre-decided procedures to protect children and / or vulnerable adults and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities without delay.

The aim of this policy is to promote best practice providing children and / or vulnerable adults within any club registered under our Association the appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of the licensed instructor. It is also to allow our members (instructors, coaches, senseis and associated supervising members) the opportunity to remain informed and confident on their obligations and requirements in relation to the safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults.

Whilst the association takes all possible steps to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and / or vulnerable adults within the club or care of a registered or affiliated member, as the association has no legal or compulsory jurisdiction in relation to the club’s operation, and as the association has no legal ownership or control over the recruitment of teaching staff or the club’s operations, the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding must remain with the lead instructor and individual club. The individual club and lead instructor are expected to comply with all of our safeguarding policies but must also take their own necessary steps to ensure they safeguard children and / or vulnerable adults, including the completion of a safeguarding qualification and the implementation of a safeguarding policy specific to their club. Every club must have a qualified and clearly designated safeguarding officer.

This shall be considered a condition of membership without exception and any person, club or instructor found not to be doing so shall be liable to expulsion from the association, in line with our association guidelines and legal terms and conditions.

A child/young person is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children’s Act 1989)

1.1) Policy Statement

The association (British Martial Arts & Boxing Association [BMABA]) is committed to the following in respect of safeguarding children and / or vulnerable adults, and will expect the individual member(s) and club(s) affiliated with it’s organisation to maintain the following priorities in relation to safeguarding at all times;

The welfare of children and / or vulnerable adults is paramount
All children and / or vulnerable adults, regardless of age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial original, religious belief, sexual identify and/or discipline being practiced should be able to participate in martial arts, boxing, combat and/or self defence in a fun, safe environment.
All members must take all reasonable steps to protect children and / or vulnerable adults from harm, discrimination, degrading treatment and must treat them with respect, dignity and care at all times
Any suspicions or allegations of poor practice and/or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately, with proper records being kept
All club lead instructors (or equivalents) and further instructors – assistant or full (or equivalents thereof) shall be designated that responsibility based upon suitability and on the condition that he/she will meet the requirements set by the association in regard to safeguarding and DBS checks. He/She will also be made aware of the association’s guidelines on safeguarding, and must be made aware of the club’s local procedure in relation to this matter also.
All instructors of all levels (and equivalents) are required to work to maintain a positive, open, transparent and professional relationship with the parents and / or guardians of any students, to promote a culture of good standard and community welfare throughout

1.2) Monitoring And Reviewing The Policy & Procedures

The implementation of procedures within the club should be regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure up to date best practice. This is the responsibility of the club and/or lead instructor (or equivalent) and is a condition of membership. The club’s designated welfare officer should regularly report progress, challenges, difficulties, achievement gaps and areas where changes are required to the club’s committee or the associated management board.

As an association, the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA) shall also ensure it’s global safeguarding policies and procedures are monitored and reviewed to ensure they are up to date and fit for purpose. The association’s director and/or welfare officer will regularly report back to the committee and wider membership base on progress, challenges, difficulties, achievement gaps and areas where changes are required to better manage our own procedures and processes.

The policy, both locally (defined as being at club level) and globally (defined as being at association level), must be reviewed at minimum every 2 years or whenever there is a major change in the organisation or relevant legislation.

It will remain the responsibility of the club ‘locally’ to keep on top of any changes in law, legislation or structure, however the association agrees to do what it may / can to try and encourage good practice.

2) Promoting Good Practice

2.1) Introduction

In order to provide children and / or vulnerable adults with the best possible experience and opportunities within martial arts, boxing, combat and self defence training everyone must operate within the accepted ethical framework as set out in the association’s charter, association’s guidelines and the instructor’s code of conduct agreement.

As it is often not easy to distinguish poor practice from abuse it will not be a responsibility of the club and/or lead instructor (or equivalent) to make a judgement about whether or not abuse is taking place, however it is their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and act if they have concerns, regardless of how minor, in relation to the welfare of a child and / or vulnerable adult as explained in this document.

The association shall, on a global basis, do all that is reasonably possible to promote good practice by way of guidelines, articles and support to it’s instructing members. As the association has no legal or compulsory jurisdiction over the affiliated club, and as the association has no legal or control over the clubs operations and / or structure it may not be reasonable to expect the Association to be able to readily identify instances of poor practice unless concerns are brought forward by other affiliated or non-affiliated members from teaching staff and student bases. Therefore, it is paramount the club and / or lead instructor (or equivalent) have solid safeguarding procedures in place, including club rules and guidelines to ensure everyone is clear on their expectations and responsibilities.

2.2) Good Practice

All registered members shall adhere to the below principles and action in relation to good practice with regards to safeguarding children and / or vulnerable adults;

Treat all young persons aged under 18 years of age, and all vulnerable adults, with respect, dignity and courtesy.
Treat all children and / or vulnerable adults equally.
Always put the welfare of children and / or vulnerable adults first.
Always work in an open environment avoiding any isolation, unobserved situation, encouraging an open and transparent club community.
Keep physical contact to an absolute minimum.
Never be alone with a child and / or vulnerable adult.
Where physical contact is essential as part of the safe and structured learning process of the art, discipline or sport being practiced, the instructor and/or teaching person must only do so with the consent of the child and/or vulnerable adult, remaining appropriate, non intrusive and ensuring that where physical contact is essential (for example, when assisting in an essential physical process for the purposes of safety, such as breakfalls) ensuring there is always two fully vetted and suitable adults present at all times.
The involvement of parents / guardians is encouraged wherever possible, provided safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults remains the top priority and that any adult may not be given the opportunity to cause harm, distress or abuse to any children and / or vulnerable adults present.
Not take photographs, videos or create any other forms of media featuring any children and / or vulnerable adults without written consent from the carer, guardian or parents.
Ensure that if the club embarks on any extra-curricular activities, safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults shall remain a top priority and furthermore, if classes are mixed in gender, both a vetted male and female member of the club must be present.
Remain an excellent role model both in and out of the dojo. This includes not smoking, drinking alcohol or using any foul language in front of any children and / or vulnerable adults.
Ensure that any contact via social media or other digital formats are recorded and minimised. No instructor and/or club official should have any communication with children and / or vulnerable adults via any forms of social media.
Recognise the development needs and capacity of the children and / or vulnerable adults in the class and not risk sacrificing welfare or safety for club or personal gain.

This means avoiding excessive training and / or competitions and not pushing the student if they are not fully confident.

Secure written parental consent for the club to act in loco parentis, to give permission for the administration of emergency first aid or other medical treatment if the need arises
Keep thorough records of any injuries or near misses that have occurred, along with details of any treatment given and further communication had with parents / guardians and/or children and / or vulnerable adults.
Follow association guidelines and other association policy relating to good practice or best practice, that should be followed in conjunction with the above.

In conjunction with the club and/or lead instructor’s (or equivalent’s) responsibilities to ensure good practice, the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA) shall also have a responsibility to ensure good practice in its administration and management of membership expectations and licensing provisions.

Accordingly, the Association shall do all possible to protect and safeguard the welfare and safety of children and / or vulnerable adults participating in the club’s of its registered members.

Where a registered member does not license or register a student and/or their club in full, the association’s ability to maintain good practice may be limited. Therefore, it is reminded that the club and/or instructor (or equivalent) must ensure they are in-keeping with association guidelines and must ensure they take ultimate responsibility for the safeguarding of it’s members.

Accordingly, the association shall engage the following good practice principles and actions with regards to children and / or vulnerable adults safeguarding measures;

Screening of all members prior to membership being granted to check against our known records of reported dishonesty or complaints, and to verify to the best of our ability the grade held by the applicant is genuine and suitable as to warrant membership and any subsequent licensing.
The association shall keep records that, in the event of any complaint or criminal proceedings in relation to the safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults, shall allow the relevant authorities to identify the member concerned. Furthermore, the association shall do all possible to ensure that in such a circumstance the original declarations, sign up forms or disclosure of any information relating the member’s competency to maintain the safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults within that members club may be produced on request.
The association will endeavour to ensure that the welfare, safety and safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults shall remain it’s highest priority and that such an objective shall be placed ahead of commercial or financial reward without question.
The association shall do all possible to encourage members to ensure they have relevant safeguarding training and qualifications.
The association shall ensure that all students are offered a Student Liaison Officer that shall be DBS checked and hold a relevant safeguarding qualification, who may act as a joint welfare officer. This Student Liaison Officer shall be available via a digital format and contact details shall be provided for student’s uses, however this will relay somewhat on the local club and/or instructor (or equivalent) distributing such information.
The association shall follow it’s own procedures and guidelines in line with the association charter to further develop the participation of safe, professional and enjoyable martial arts, boxing, self defence and combat training.
The association shall promote best practice and do all possible to reinforce the importance of clubs and/or instructors (or equivalents) holding suitable safeguarding qualifications and making safeguarding procedures for their club (or equivalent).
The association shall endeavour to, where possible and without guarantee, offer public records relating to the status of safeguarding qualifications and/or professional certification relating to it’s members, so that any member of the public may be able to make a reasonable assessment as to the suitability of any member of the association. On request, a detailed examination of an instructor’s safeguarding competencies (safeguarding qualifications and DBS check) will be freely available, and the association shall keep records of all documents presented for verification of these status.

2.3) Poor Practice

The following (which is not necessarily exhaustive) shall be considered poor practice in relation to the safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults, and any registered member must avoid without exception;

Spending un-necessarily excessive amounts of time alone with a child and / or vulnerable adult away from others.
Making un-necessary or excessive amounts of physical contact at any point
Transporting or accompanying any children and / or vulnerable adults home and/or to any other port of call via any mode of transport alone
Engaging in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay either during class or before / after
Allowing or engaging in any inappropriate touching of any form, or permitting any such activity from any other member of teaching staff, volunteers, visitors, guardians parents or other students.
Allowing any children and / or vulnerable adults to use inappropriate language unchallenged
Making any sexually suggestive comment to children and / or vulnerable adults – even ‘for fun’ or ‘in gest’.
Reducing children and / or vulnerable adults to tears as a form of control.
Allowing any allegations made by a child and / or vulnerable adult to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
Do things of a personal nature that any children and / or vulnerable adults may be able to do for themselves.

The following shall be regarding as poor practice in respect of safeguarding children and / or vulnerable adults by the association and/or any of it’s committee;

Not doing all possible to make the importance of safeguarding procedures and the responsibility of instructors to take this issue seriously clear from the off-set of membership being issued.
Not referring all concerns relating to safeguarding procedure to the association’s nominated safeguarding body and/or provider.
Not acting upon complaints relating to the safety and / or welfare of children and / or vulnerable adults within any clubs of it’s registered member(s).
Not acting in a way that is open and honest regarding safeguarding procedures and any relevant changes to that procedure.

Where it is deemed there may be a complaint or safeguarding query relating to any club and/or registered member (or associated instructor or equivalent) the association shall be obliged to launch an investigation, guidelines of which will be provided separately in the Association’s complaints and investigations policy.

Where the association does not have immediate concerns relating to the safeguarding of children and / or vulnerable adults within the club or instruction of any of it’s registered member(s), on the basis that the association has no legal or compulsory right or jurisdiction and / or control over the mentioned club, the Association may discharge

from it’s membership the club and expel the registered member(s) without delay or remuneration.

It is again reminded therefore that whilst the Association shall do all possible to avoid poor practice in relation to children and / or vulnerable adults safeguarding concerns within clubs, it must ultimately be the responsibility of the lead instructor (or equivalent) and/or the club it’s self, rather than the association.

If during the care the registered instructor(s) or associated club officials, anyone should accidentally hurt a child or vulnerable adult or / and the child or vulnerable adult seems distressed in any manner and /or appears to be sexually aroused by the instructor or adults actions and/or if the child or vulnerable adult misunderstands or misinterprets something done by the instructor or associated staff member, the incident must be reported without delay and written copies kept. Parents and / or guardians (as appropriate) must also be informed without delay.

3.) Defining Child Abuse

3.1) Introduction

Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm, it commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and is an abuse of power or a breach of trust. Abuse can happen to a child or vulnerable adult regardless of their age, gender, race or ability.

There are five main types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying / harassment and neglect. The abuser may be a family member, someone the child or vulnerable adult encounters in residential care or in the community, including sports and leisure activities. Any individual may abuse or neglect a child or vulnerable adult directly, or may be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming the young person.

Abuse in all of its forms can affect a child or vulnerable adult at any age. The effects can be so damaging that if not treated may follow the individual into adulthood.

Children or vulnerable adult with disabilities may be at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, isolation and a powerlessness to protect themselves or adequately communicate that abuse had occurred.

3.2) Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse: where adults physically hurt or injure a child or vulnerable adult e.g. hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, biting, scalding, suffocating, drowning. Giving a child or vulnerable adult alcohol or inappropriate drugs would also constitute abuse.

This category of abuse can also include when a parent/carer reports non-existent symptoms or illness deliberately causes ill health in a child or vulnerable adult person they are looking after. This is call Munchauser’s syndrome by proxy.

In a sports situation, physical abuse may occur when the nature and intensity of training disregard the capacity of the child or vulnerable adult’s body.

Emotional Abuse: the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child or vulnerable adult, likely to cause severe and lasting adverse effects on the child or vulnerable adult’s emotional development or health. It may involve telling a child or vulnerable adult they are useless, worthless, unloved, inadequate or valued in terms of only meeting the needs of another person. It may feature expectations of a child or vulnerable adult that are not appropriate to their age, development or ability. It may cause a child or vulnerable adult to be frightened or in danger by being constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the young person frightened or withdrawn.

Ill treatment of a child or vulnerable adult, whatever form it takes, will always feature a degree of emotional abuse.

Emotional abuse in sport may occur when the child or vulnerable adult is constantly criticised, given negative feedback, expected to perform at levels that are above their capability. Other forms of emotional abuse could take the form of name calling and bullying, which has been categorised as another form of abuse but for all intents and purposes will have some form of emotional abuse attached.

Bullying & Harassment may come from another young person or an adult. Bullying is defined as deliberate hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves. There are three main types of bullying.

It may be physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, slapping), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, name calling, graffiti, threats, abusive text messages), emotional (e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, ignoring, isolating form the group), or sexual (e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments).

In sport bullying may arise when a parent or coach pushes the child or vulnerable adult too hard to succeed, or a rival athlete or official uses bullying behaviour.

Neglect occurs when an adult fails to meet the child or vulnerable adult’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, to an extent that is likely to result in serious impairment of the child or vulnerable adult’s health or development. For example, failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect from physical harm or danger, or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.

Refusal to give love, affection and attention can also be a form of neglect.

Neglect in sport could occur when a coach does not keep the child or vulnerable adult safe, or exposing them to undue cold/heat or unnecessary risk of injury.

Sexual Abuse occurs when adults (male and female) use children or vulnerable adults to meet their own sexual needs. This could include full sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse and fondling. Showing a child or vulnerable adult pornography or talking to them in a sexually explicit manner are also forms of sexual abuse.

In sport, activities which might involve physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult could potentially create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. Also the power of the coach over a child or vulnerable adult athlete, if misused, may lead to abusive situations developing.

3.3) Indicators of Abuse

Even for those experienced in working with abuse, it is not always easy to recognise a situation where abuse may occur or has already taken place. Most people are not experts in such recognition, but indications that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused may include one or more of the following:

unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries
an injury for which an explanation seems inconsistent
the child or vulnerable adult describes what appears to be an abusive act involving them
another child or adult expresses concern about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult
unexplained changes in a child or vulnerable adult’s behaviour e.g. becoming very upset, quiet, withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper

inappropriate sexual awareness

engaging in sexually explicit behaviour

distrust of adult’s, particularly those whom a close relationship would normally be expected

difficulty in making friends

being prevented from socialising with others

displaying variations in eating patterns including over eating or loss of appetite

losing weight for no apparent reason

becoming increasingly dirty or unkempt

Signs of bullying include:

behavioural changes such as reduced concentration and/or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go training or competitions

an unexplained drop off in performance

physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes, bingeing e.g. on food, alcohol or cigarettes

a shortage of money or frequents loss of possessions

It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, but also that the presence of one or more of the indications is not proof that abuse is taking place. It is NOT the responsibility of those within the club or the instructor(s) (or equivalents) to decide that child abuse is occurring. It IS their responsibility to act on any concerns.

All persons are also reminded that given the nature of martial arts and combat sports – especially contact sports in which physical contact, often of an increased physical nature to that of other non-contact sports, may give rise to certain injuries by way of it’s very nature.

No person should disregard any signs of abuse to simply be a result of any martial art’s or combat style’s ‘tough and tumble’ nature and instead they must act with due diligence to such an assumption being used by any perpetrator.

3.4) Use of Photographic/Filming Equipment at Sporting Events Or Within Class

There is evidence that some people have used sporting events, inter club events or normal

‘day to day’ training as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of children or vulnerable adults. All clubs and instructors (or equivalents) should be vigilant and any concerns should be reported to the Club welfare officer.

All parents and performers should be made aware when coaches use video equipment as a coaching aid or by way of any advertising / marketing material.

The association shall not permit the use of any photographic or videographic material on it’s website or within publications unless confirmation of consent has been explicitly given by the club in relation to it’s own responsibilities to maintain safeguarding standards in line with their own safeguarding policy.

4.) Responding to Suspicions and Allegations

4.1) Introduction

It is not the responsibility of any instructor person within the club, be that in a paid or unpaid capacity to decide whether or not child abuse or the abuse of a vulnerable adult has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities so that they can then make inquiries and take necessary action to protect the child and/or vulnerable adult. This applies BOTH to allegations/suspicions of abuse occurring within any club or lesson and to allegations/suspicions that abuse is taking place elsewhere, even if completely removed from the martial arts setting.

4.2) Evidence Of Possible Abuse

Instructors (or equivalents) may become aware of abuse in various ways. The instructor (or equivalent) may see it happening, may suspect of because of symptoms or signs (such as those previously listed) or it may be reported to the instructor by the child or vulnerable adult or another third party.

Especially in the case that a child or vulnerable adult might directly confide to any form of abuse the instructor (or equivalent) and/or club must take immediate steps to safeguard that person effectively.

If a child or vulnerable adults indicates that they are being abused, the instructor (or equivalent) should;

stay calm so as not to frighten the child or vulnerable adult.
reassure the child or vulnerable adult that they are not to blame and that it was right to inform them.
listen to the child or vulnerable adult, showing that the instructor (or equivalent) is taking them seriously
keep questions to a minimum so that there is a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said. The law is very strict and child or vulnerable adult abuse cases have been dismissed where it is felt that the child or vulnerable adult has been led or words and ideas have been suggested during questioning. Accordingly, the instructor must only ask questions to clarify details – not to question further.
inform the child or vulnerable adult that you have to inform other people about what they have told you. Tell the child or vulnerable adult this is to help stop the abuse continuing.
safety of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount. If the child or vulnerable adult needs urgent medical attention call an ambulance, inform the doctors of the concern and ensure they are made aware that this is a child protection / safeguarding issue.
record all information
report the incident to the club/welfare officer and, where appropriate to the association

If the instructor / club is not clear on what action is required and there is a real or immediate threat to the child or vulnerable adult, they should contact the Police on 999. Where there is confusion on what should happen next, the instructor should not delay by contacting the association and should instead contact a relevant authority, such as the local authority safeguarding team (LADO) or the NSPCC on their 24 hour helping, the number of which will be publicly available.

If information is made available to the association at a global level, either through direct or indirect contact with any member of the public or any member of the club / association, the association will be bound to seek immediate guidance from either their own safeguarding provider or, in the case of immediate or real potential threat, the emergency services. The member (or instructor / club) in question shall not have the opportunity to over-ride the Association’s response to safeguarding alert, where it is deemed a child or vulnerable adult may be being abused.

4.3) Recording Information

To ensure that information is as accurate and helpful as possible in any subsequent police or local authority investigation, clubs and the association will be required to keep detailed documentation relating to any disclosure or suspicion.

It is hereby stated as a compulsory membership guideline that written copies must be made at the soonest opportunity post disclosure. The instructor (or equivalent) or other person to whom the disclosure was made must be confined to facts and distinguish as clearly as possible what is the instructor (or equivalents) personal knowledge and what is that of other people.

No opinions should be included. Information should include (but not necessarily be limited to) the following;

the child’s or vulnerable adult’s name, age and date of birth
the child’s or vulnerable adult’s home address and telephone number
whether or not the person making the report is expressing their concern or someone else’s
the nature of the allegation, including dates, times and any other relevant information
a description of any visible bruising or injury, location, size etc. Also any indirect signs, such as behavioural changes
details of witnesses to the incidents
the child’s or vulnerable adult’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising/injuries occurred
have the parents been contacted? If so what has been said?
has anyone else been consulted? If so record details
has anyone been alleged to be the abuser? Record detail

As part of the association’s safeguarding policy, the above records shall also be kept, where appropriate or possible, in relation to any concerns raised directly to the body.

4.4) Reporting A Concern

All suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately and without delay. Although it must be up to the individual club / instructor to distinguish what course of action is appropriate in each instance in their own safeguarding policy, it is recognised by the BMABA that misplaced loyalty to a fellow martial artists or colleague may cause strong emotions.

The association will not allow such loyalties to affect the process of due notification, and any club / member is bound to the same obligation. Members found not to be acting accordingly will be reported as such to the relevant authority and their membership will be terminated without delay or remuneration.

The British Martial Arts & Boxing Association (BMABA) expects all registered or affiliated members and committee members to discuss any concerns they may have the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult immediately with the person in charge of safeguarding ‘locally’ within the club or school, and to check that appropriate action has been taken. Where any individual is not satisfied with the course of action or response at a local level, or where any allegation concerns the ‘local’ safeguarding officer, the individual should immediately and without delay escalate their concerns to the Association’s safeguarding and welfare officer.

If this advice can not be followed for any reason, the individual should take responsibility and seek advice from the NSPCC helpline, the duty officer at the local social services department or the police. Telephone numbers can be found in the local directory or online.

Where there is a complaint against an instructor or member of any club, there may be three types of investigation;

Criminal in which case the police are immediately involved
Child protection in which case the social services (and possibly) the police will be involved
Disciplinary or misconduct in which case the ‘local’ club will be involved and the association may wish to intervene accordingly

As mentioned previously in this document the instructor (or equivalent), not the association are child protection experts and it is not their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place. All suspicions and allegations must be shared with professional agencies that are responsible for child protection.

Social services have a legal responsibility under The Children Act 1989 to investigate all child protection referrals by talking to the child and family (where appropriate), gathering information from other people who know the child and making inquiries jointly with the police.

NB: If there is any doubt, the instructor or individual must report the incident: it may be just one of a series of other incidences which together cause concern

Any suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult has been abused by an instructor or a volunteer should be reported to the club’s safeguarding officer who will take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the child or vulnerable adult in question and any other child or vulnerable adult who may be at risk. This may different depending on individual club policy, however the association recommends that at minimum the following be considered;

The club or instructor (or the club / instructor’s safeguarding officer if separate) should refer the matter to social services department
the parent/carer of the child or vulnerable adult should be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services department
the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association’s safeguarding officer should be notified to decide who will deal with any media inquiries and implement any immediate disciplinary proceedings
the club welfare officer should also notify the Association’s management team or head office
if the Club welfare officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation the report must be made to the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association’s safeguarding officer who will refer the matter to social services

Allegations of abuse are sometimes made sometime after the event. Where such allegation is made, the instructor or club should follow the same procedures and have the matter reported to social services. This is because other children or vulnerable adults in the sport or outside it may be at risk from the alleged abuser. Anyone who has a previous conviction for offences related to abuse against children is automatically excluded from working with children or vulnerable adults.

Such checks are mandatory under the Association’s compulsory guidelines and any person(s) or club(s) found not to be employing such procedure will be immediately expelled from the Association without delay or remuneration.

The minimum standard required by the Association is an enhanced disclosure and safeguarding certificate for any instructor or person that will be teaching any person aged below the age of 18 and / or any vulnerable adult. Failure to comply will result in termination of membership or immediate disciplinary action.

4.5) Concerns Outside Of The Immediate Teaching Environment Or Dojo

All members have a responsibility to remain vigilant in all areas of their professional or personal lives for signs of abuse. Where any concerns may be noted outside of the immediate teaching environment or gym, the following is recommended as a minimum course of action but may also be accompanied by additional ‘local’ club safeguarding guidelines;

Concerns should be initially reported to the club’s safeguarding officer
If the club’s safeguarding officer is not available, the person being told or discovering the abuse should contact their local social services department or the police immediately
Social Services and the club’s safeguarding officer will decide how to inform the parents/carers
The club or instructor (or equivalent) should also report the incident to the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association Safeguarding Officer without delay. The Association should ascertain whether or not the person/s involved in the incident play a role in the organisation and act accordingly based upon the guidelines stated within the BMABA’s safeguarding policy.
Confidentiality must be maintained on a ‘need to know’ basis.

4.6) Confidentiality

It is important that all information is only ever discussed or shared on a need-to-know basis only. The instructor or club has a duty to ensure confidentiality, as does the association. Information should only be shared where absolutely required, or under the guidance of the police or other relevant authority.

4.7) Internal Enquiries & Suspensions

It is deemed to be the ‘member’ of the association’s responsibility to ensure that the following is properly addressed within their ‘local’ safeguarding policy;

Whether or not the accused should be temporarily suspended pending further police or social services investigations
Irrespective of the findings of the police or social service, the club shall have an obligation to report such incidents to the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association’s safeguarding officer or management team for review of conduct and, if required, disciplinary proceedings. The outcome of such an investigation shall be handled as per the below guidance from the Association.
Whilst the club or instructor may have their own internal guidance as per their local safeguarding policy procedure, ultimate disciplinary outcomes shall be overruled by the association. Whilst it is recognised that the association has no legal or compulsory authority or jurisdiction over the club and it’s members, where there is conflicting disciplinary advice and no medium can be found, or the association deems there to be an on-going risk of future incidents, they may take the action to expel without delay or remuneration, the club (and any associated members of that club) and if required, make a necessary report to any local authority for further observation.

Irrespective of the findings of the police or social services, the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association will make the following decisions and processes in relation to any suspected or reported breach of safeguarding protocol;

The association shall ensure the safety of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount, and will take any such action that is reasonably possible to prohibit the accused from having any opportunity to have further contact with any other children or vulnerable adults.
Where police or social services do not press charges, the association may not automatically discount the possibility of abuse having taken place and must reach a decision by mutual agreement of the committee, whereby atleast 3 members of the committee must debate and agree, that it is more likely than not that the allegation is true or that the incident was not properly handled by the club or it’s safeguarding officer at a local level. The association shall have the final ruling on such a matter and may take any action, including expulsion with justification, delay or remuneration in such a situation.

As it is recognised that the Association does not have any compulsory or legal control over any club or member, it may only act in a way that is in keeping with it’s duties to protect other members of it’s Association and the representation it holds, so that it may continue to provide support to reputable members and clubs.

In such an instance the Association may discharge a member or club without notice, delay or remuneration to inhibit any further opportunity for potential unprofessional conduct or safeguarding concerns. Where this happens, the association must take a view as to whether or not it deems there to be sufficient evidence to further raise concerns with relevant authorities after expulsion.

As the Association has no legal governance of the instructor or club, aside from expulsion it may only report to local authorities, any expelled member where it feels there is reasonable suggestion that malpractice or safeguarding offenses have occurred.

5.) Suitability Of Members (And Therefore, Instructors) To Work With Children Or Vulnerable Adults

5.1) Introduction

It is essential to take all reasonable steps to prevent unsuitable people from working with children or vulnerable adults. This applies equally and without prejudice to all persons, regardless of position, voluntary or paid status or background.

5.2) Controlling Access To Children & Vulnerable Adults

To prevent unsuitable persons from working with children the club / instructor (or equivalent) MUST;

Properly vet any persons – whether within the club or from an external source – prior to assisting with any class for their suitability to be in contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Insist that suitable references are taken and followed up for any person whom the instructor has not known in a professional position for more than 3 years.
Insist that, without fail, any person is required to obtain an enhanced DBS check and complete safeguarding training. The results of the DBS check MUST be confirmed and found to be suitable for that person to be working in close contact or unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Ensure that all persons must be suitably graded / certified, and must be registered with a UK based professional association for martial arts or boxing / combat professionals.
Follow in-house or ‘local’ safeguarding policy issued by the club.
Follow Association based (BMABA) guidelines on safeguarding.
Provide suitable training opportunities must be provided to the individual that will allow them to analyse their own safeguarding practice and ensure their practice is considered ‘good practice’ (see above) and is not likely to facilitate any false accusations about their conduct.

Whilst it is not reasonable for the Association to ensure that all persons working in direct or indirect contact with children or vulnerable adults within the club are suitable, because the Association is not a legal or compulsory authority and has no jurisdiction or control over the club, the club or instructor (or equivalent) has the ability to ensure this at a local level.

It is therefore deemed to be the ultimate responsibility and duty of the club at a local level to ensure that only suitable persons may be allowed access to work or supervise children or vulnerable adults. The club or lead instructor (or equivalent) must therefore ensure they are suitable and safe for their purpose based upon their own local safeguarding policy.

The Association, although without any ultimate control or responsibility, will do the following to try and prevent any unsuitable person from coming into contact with a child or vulnerable adult;

Ensure that instructor certification is only issued to those who provide proof of grade that may be reasonably considered to be accurate and genuine.
To with-hold an instructor’s license until all relevant DBS checks and safeguarding qualifications have been completed, and evidence has been provided to our Association for verification.
To mark all new accounts as unsuitable to teach until such professional competency and safeguarding controls have been established and confirmed to the best of the Association’s ability.
Confirm that no past convictions of a sexual or violent nature – regardless of time lapsed – shall enable any person to obtain membership or affiliation to the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association.
Shall do all possible to raise the awareness of safeguarding procedures and the importance of due diligence for all clubs to follow
Shall incentivise a range of licensing and resources to be made available only to those who have provided evidence of such checks and procedures
Shall do all possible to advise students and members of the public to seek a ‘local’ safeguarding policy and report any concerns to our Association
Shall follow up on any concerns or complaints in line with our safeguarding policy and shall make recommendations to clubs / instructors at a local level if we deem there to be a concern
To take action – including expulsion and barring – of any club or member that does not take their safeguarding duties seriously, or fails when requested to provide safeguarding policies and qualifications where concerns have been raised or information has not been provided

As the Association has no legal or compulsory jurisdiction or control over the operation of any of it’s members or their club, it must remain the instructor’s or club’s responsibility to ensure safeguarding procedures are in place on a local level.

The Association shall do all that is reasonably possible to aid instructors and members in fulfilling their safeguarding duties, however the ultimate responsibility and duty of care to protect members and raise concerns must remain at a local level where instruction, training or contact is taking place.

In line with Association guidelines, the Association Charter and the Association’s legal policy, terms and conditions, membership to the Association and any form of interaction, certification or affiliation is hereby binding the named club, individual, instructor or entity to follow in full this safeguarding policy.

Clubs must enforce a local safeguarding policy and that must be considered in line with the Association’s ‘global’ safeguarding policy too.

Concerns should be addressed to the Association’s safeguarding team. Contact details are available from the main website, bmaba.org.

KEY POINTS OF CONTACT

Provided immediate points of contact have been reached, the following individual(s) shall be the point of contact for the association;

MR GIOVANNI SOFFIETTO

giovanni.soffietto@bmaba.org

Association Director & Lead Safeguarding Officer

MR CRAIG SANDERSON

info@bmaba.org

Senior Committee Member & Student Liaison Chair