Child Protection Policy

Sheen Lawn Tennis & Squash Club aims to create an enjoyable environment for all juniors who wish to take part in tennis or other sport and social activities at the club.

We believe that children and young people have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat.

We believe that young people have the right to be treated with respect, and to have their concerns listened to and acted upon.

We will ensure that the club provides for the needs of junior members through specific programmes, designated facilities, and safe practice.

We have procedures in place to address poor practice, and to help any young person who appears to be at risk, or who appears to be the victim of abuse. We will offer help and support when a child or young person tells us that they are affected by these issues.

We will take steps to ensure that any club volunteers or professionals working with children are suitable to do so, through the use of references and background checks. We will ensure that all relevant people have been vetted and approved through the LTA's Criminal Record Bureau disclosure process.

We will ensure that all of those working with children are made aware of the LTA code of conduct for people working with children in tennis, and are required to follow it.

The club has an adult member who is specifically responsible for children, young people and child protection, her name is Caroline Barker, and she can be contacted on 020 8876 0517.

Equality and Diversity Policy

The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that members, non members and visiting clubs and teams are not denied access to Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club because of a discriminatory reason.

a) Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Tennis should be enjoyed by everyone who wants to play the game.

b) Our commitment is to eliminate discrimination by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

c) This policy is fully supported by the Sheen Lawn Tennis Club management committee which is responsible for the implementation and review of this policy.

d) Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, in all its activities, will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability. The Sheen Lawn AND Squash Club will ensure that it treats its employees, members, non-members and visiting clubs and teams fairly and with respect and will ensure that all members of the community have access to and have opportunities to take part in, and enjoy, its programmes of activities, competitions and events.

e) Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of any individual which the Club regards as forms of discrimination. This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal.Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

f) Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any complaints of discrimination on the above grounds, once they are brought to its attention. Complaints will be dealt with in accordance with its complaints policy and, where such a complaint is upheld, the Club may impose such sanction as it considers appropriate and proportionate to discriminatory behaviour.

g) Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist and the development of a programme of on-going training and awareness in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and to promote equality and diversity in tennis.

h) Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and employees and requires all members and employees to abide by and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the relevant equalities legislation, including the Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Age Discrimination Act 2006 as well as any amendments to these acts and any new legislation.

Code of Practice for Parents and Guardians

Sheen Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents/guardians associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with

Christine Beynon, Club Manager Tel: 020 8878 7650

As a member of Sheen Lawn Tennis & Squash Club you are expected to abide by the following code of practice:

• Encourage your child to learn the rules of tennis and play within them.

• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.

• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.

• Never force your child to take part in sport.

• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.

• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.

• Publicly accept judgements made by officials.

• Support your child's involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.

• Use correct and proper language at all times.

• Allow your child to play in the Mini Tennis colour stage that is appropriate to them. This will ensure they enjoy playing the game, develop their skills and gain confidence.

• Purchase balls and rackets that match the stage your child is in.

• Be patient. Steady progression is unusual in children; peaks and plateaus are common.

• Your first question following any match should be: “Did you enjoy it?” not “Did you win?”

• At no stage should you communicate with your child or interfere with the on-court helpers and referees during a match – just enjoy the game and let officials take care of the rules!