Pa-Kua Cambridge Safeguarding Policy & Statement

Terminology

Throughout our safeguarding policy we may use certain terminology. To ensure everyone is fully aware of what or who we're referencing, please refer to the below terminology;

Us, We, Our, Club and Community
This refers to our organisations collectively: Pa-Kua Cambridge, Pa-Kua UK, and The Pa-Kua International League.
Instructors, Coaches, Staff
This refers to any registered instructor under our organisation. This may be an Instructor, a Master, or a Club as an entity in it’s own right.
Participant and Student
This is a collective term used for any person actively participating in training within the Club.
Parent and Carer
Refers to any parent or carer of a participant under the age of 18 within our Club
Young Person(s), Child(ren)
This refers to any person under the age of 18.
Adult At Risk and Vulnerable Adult
Refers to anybody legally classed as being an adult at risk of harm or exploitation.
Vulnerable Groups
Refers to any of the above two groups as a collective, where safeguarding obligations are not separate or different in nature.
Member
Refers to anyone actively participating in regular classes with our Club
Governing body, association, BMABA
Refers to BMABA, the British Martial Art & Boxing Association

Statement of intent

Pa-Kua is an international school of martial arts where we emphasizes family atmosphere, personalized attention, acceptance of all people, and individual evolution. We firmly believe that martial arts training presents a positive opportunity for all to learn self defence, improve self confidence and develop as an individual. Every participant is entitled to do so in a safe and properly regulated environment. Accordingly, everyone involved in the delivery of martial arts has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that, when given responsibility for young persons or adults at risk, the highest standards of professionalism and care are exercised at all times.

Pa-Kua Cambridge and the Pa-Kua International League are 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 vulnerable groups and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities without delay.

The aim of this policy is to promote best practice providing vulnerable groups within any club registered under our Club the appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of an instructor. It is also to allow our members (instructors, coaches, Masters 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.

Key Considerations

Safeguarding Statement

Our organisation is committed to the following in respect of safeguarding vulnerable groups and will expect individual member(s) and club(s) affiliated with us to maintain the following priorities in relation to safeguarding at all times;

Safeguarding best practice

Introduction

In order to provide vulnerable groups with the best possible experience and opportunities within martial arts, weapons, combat, archery, self defence and any other training and course provided by our organisation 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. It is, however, 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 vulnerable person as explained in this document.

Best Practice

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

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

Safeguarding poor practice

The following (which is not 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;

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

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

If during the care of the club 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. This is a serious point to consider, and must not be considered optional.

Signs of child abuse

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 or 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. They may also be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming a vulnerable 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, it may follow the individual into adulthood.

Vulnerable Persons 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.

It is not the role of a club or member to identify what form of abuse is taking place, but it is the responsibility of every member of society to raise concerns - however small - with authorities and via relevant channels.

Types Of 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 called Munchausen'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indications 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 and nor should they be expected to be, but indications that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused may include one or more of the following;

Signs of bullying include:

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 abuse is occurring. It IS their responsibility to act on any concerns in line with local and nationally safeguarding policy.

All persons are also reminded that given the nature of martial arts and combat sports - especially combat 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 or combat styles 'rough and tumble' nature. Instead they must act with due diligence to such an assumption being used by any perpetrator.

Use of photographic or filming equipment

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 and/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 with consent provided in advance.

Clubs must ensure parents and any other volunteers viewing or interacting with classes and participants are aware of the club's local photographic and videography policies.

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

Responding to suspicions and allegations

Introduction

It is not the responsibility of any 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.

Evidence Of Possible Abuse

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

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

If a child or vulnerable adults indicates that they are being abused, the instructor to whom the disclosure is made should;

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 club or governing body and should instead contact a relevant statutory authority, such as the local authority designated officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on their 24 hour help line, the number of which will be publicly available.

If information is made available to the governing body at a national level, either through direct or indirect contact with any member of the public or any member of the club / governing body, the governing body 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 / LADO. The member (or instructor / club) in question shall not have the opportunity to over-ride the governing body's response to a safeguarding alert where it is deemed a child or vulnerable adult may be being abused.

Depending on the nature of the allegation, the association may not be able to share or disclose details with the instructor or club prior to involvement of law enforcement.

Recording information

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

It is for this reason that a compulsory membership regulation is in place ensuring that written copies must be made at the soonest opportunity post disclosure. The instructor or other person to whom the disclosure was made must be confined to facts and distinguish as clearly as possible what is the instructor's 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;

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.

Reporting a concern

All suspicions and allegations MUST be reported appropriately and without delay.

The club expects all registered or affiliated members and committee members to discuss any concerns they may have for the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult immediately with the person in charge of safeguarding 'locally' within the club, 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 club's safeguarding officer, the individual should immediately and without delay escalate their concerns to the governing body's safeguarding and welfare officer.

If this advice can not be followed for any reason, the individual should take responsibility for reporting 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 the club, there may be three types of investigation;

As previously referenced, the instructor (or equivalent) nor the association are child protection experts and it is neither's 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 so that qualified persons external to the circumstance being reported can make an informed assessment.

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.

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;

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 with just as much urgency. 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.

The minimum standard of checks required by the governing body is an enhanced disclosure with barring checks and a recognised safeguarding qualification 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.

Concerns Outside Of The Immediate Teaching Environment Or Club

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 if appropriate;

Confidentiality

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

Where a disclosure is made to the governing body, even if this is only a request for information or guidance, there are certain circumstances in which the governing body will be legally bound to report this onto a relevant authority.

Internal Enquiries & Suspension

It is deemed to be the clubs responsibility to ensure that the following is properly addressed:

Irrespective of the findings of the police or social services, the governing body will make the following decisions and processes in relation to any suspected or reported breach of safeguarding protocol;

Summary notes for instructors

Safeguarding can seem like a sometimes over the top and perhaps overwhelming topic but it is essential, and there are no exceptions; you must take this seriously. You are both expected and held to compulsory obligation to ensure safeguarding at club level is effectively managed.

This includes ensuring;

We actively encourage proactive approaches to safeguarding. Please do not feel you can't pick up the phone, drop us an e-mail or start a conversation.

Don't take chance and don't be lazy; safeguarding is not only about prevent harm to a vulnerable person, it's also a key part of your professional competency and will help to protect you and your club from unfounded allegations.

This policy was last reviewed and updated on 27/08/2021.

Contacts

Pa-Kua Cambridge

website: https://pakua-cambridge.co.uk
email: contact@pakua-cambridge.co.uk phone: 00441223852904

Instructors

Peter Molnar

email: mail@petermolnar.net
phone: 07592011721

Governing body: BMABA

Giovanni Soffietto - Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

email: safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk
phone: 01798306546 - Extension 201

Sarah Shelton Agar - Deputy DSO

email: safeguarding@bmaba.org.uk
phone: 01798306546 - Extension 20