Child Protection Policy

[Keith Clements]

I have just received from the MotorSports Association instruction that the Club should have a statement on our policy to prevent child abuse. There is a guidance document of some 16 pages with an implementation guide that says the club will need to state they accept the MSA policy on renewal in 2007.
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentvi ... ticle=2575
I find it disturbing that we need to scrutinise our procedures and, worse, our helpers to protect ourselves legally. However, if it saves just one child from abuse then it is worth it; but it should not make us paranoid when involved with children (who, by the Act, are up to the age of 18 years). I have seen implemenations of CP policy at Rugby matches which were ludicrous and no doubt you have heard about such at some schools.
I urge you to read the document and express, either publicly or through a Private Message or email, your thoughts. We will discuss this at the exec meetings and probably the AGM.

The MSA Policy Statement on Child Protection is as follows:

The child’s welfare is paramount.

All children whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse.

All suspicions and allegations of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

As defined in the Children’s Act 1989 anyone under the age of 18 years should be considered as a child for the purposes of this document.
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentvi ... ticle=2574
You will notice a link from this page to the suggestion of the appointment and duties of a child protection officer. I would suggest that the executive appoint someone to fill this post just to satisfy us and the powers that be.
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentVi ... ticle=2576

[Drummond Black]

As we have a section for Jowett Juniors then Directly or indirectly the Club take this seriously.....