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| CHILD PROTECTION IN SHOOTING | 
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The
advice offered here should also be applied in the case of vulnerable
adults Everyone
in the sport of shooting in the Isle of Man has a part to play in
looking after children with whom they are working.
This is both a moral and legal obligation. People have a responsibility to report genuine concerns and,
where suspicion or allegation of abuse takes place, to take such matters
seriously and respond swiftly and appropriately. In other circumstances, when a child has been subject to abuse
outside the sporting environment, sport can play a crucial role in
improving the child’s self-esteem.
There are many ways in which good practice in child protection
can support the welfare of children.
To this end everyone involved in shooting needs to see and
understand this document. Member
bodies and clubs are asked to make sure the document is discussed openly
and widely within their organizations and is actively adopted by them as
part of their own constitutional procedures.
Aim This
policy is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both
children and adults involved in shooting in the Isle of Man.
To achieve this clubs and individuals must recognize that:
Forms
of Abuse While
these descriptions are necessarily general, and abuse can take many
forms, they nevertheless highlight the four main types of abuse:
physical, sexual, emotional and neglect.
It should also be borne in mind that abuse may be inflicted by
women as well as men.
Physical
Abuse is just what the term implies: hurting or injuring a child,
for example, by hitting or shaking. It might also occur if a child is forced to train beyond his
or her capabilities. Bullying
should also be watched for in this category.
Sexual
Abuse occurs when a child knowingly or unknowingly takes part in
something which meets the sexual needs of the other person or persons
involved. It could range
from sexually suggestive comments to actual intercourse.
Emotional
Abuse occurs when a child is not given love, help and encouragement
and is constantly derided or ridiculed or, perhaps even worse, ignored.
Conversely, it can also occur if a child is over-protected.
It is present in the unrealistic expectations of parents and
coaches as to what a child can achieve.
Racially and sexually abusive remarks constitute emotional abuse
and it can be a feature of bullying.
Neglect
usually means failing to meet children’s basic needs such as food,
warmth, adequate clothing, medical attention, etc. It can also mean failing to ensure they are safe or exposing
them to harm.
Indications
of Child Abuse Recognising
child abuse is not always easy, even for experts. The following examples are not exhaustive and they are only
indicators - not confirmation.
Information
- The child says that she or he is being abused, or another
person says they believe (or actually know) that abuse is taking place. Injuries
- The child has an injury for which the explanation seems
inconsistent.
Behaviour
Changes -
The child’s behaviour changes, either over time or quite
suddenly, and he or she becomes quiet and withdrawn, or alternatively
becomes aggressive.
Reaction
to Others -
The child appears not to trust adults – for example, a parent
or coach with whom she or he would be expected to have, or once had, a
close relationship – and does not seem to be able to make friends. Appearance
- The child becomes increasingly neglected-looking, or loses or
puts on weight for no apparent reason.
Good
Practice when Dealing with Children in Shooting
When teams involving children are travelling off the
Island:
If
You Have Concerns About The Welfare of a Child . . . Remember,
it is not your responsibility to decide whether a child is being
abused. You are,
however, being asked to act on your concerns.
Make a detailed note of what you have seen or heard but don’t
delay passing on the information.
If
you are a member, or the parent/carer or friend of a member, of a club
you should tell a club official such as the Secretary, Chairman,
Committee member or, at an event, the Chief Range Officer, unless, of
course, you suspect them of being involved. Talk to the child’s parents/carers about the concerns if
you think there may be an obvious explanation such as a bereavement or
pressure from exams.
Contact your governing body for guidance.
Contact the Isle of Man Social Services Duty Social Worker
(Tel: 686179) or, in an emergency, the Police.
If
you suspect abuse may be taking place outside the environment of the
club and does not involve a club member,
contact the Social Services.
If
a Child Tells You He or She is Being Abused . . . Stay calm
Don’t promise to keep it to yourself
Listen to what the child says and take it seriously
Only ask questions if you need to clarify what the child
is telling you. Don’t ask
the child about explicit details
Make a detailed note of what the child has told you but,
as advised above, don’t delay in passing on the information.
Isle
of Man Target Shooting Federation
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