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Child protection concern? What you can do 

Welsh Gymnastics want everyone to enjoy a fun, positive experience where gymnasts can fulfil their potential in an environment safe from any form of abuse.

If you're a young gymnast, read more information about staying safe and who you can talk to. Remember, if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

What to do if you have a concern

  • If you think a child is in immediate danger of abuse or at risk of significant harm or in need of protection, then call the police on 999 and/or your local social services
  • Read the do's and don'ts of how to handle concerns and speaking appropriately to a child.
  • If the matter is not immediate, speak to your club. This will usually be the club welfare officer (ask a club official who this is, or look for this information on the club notice board). The welfare officer, or another club official, should complete and send an  incident report form to Welsh Gymnastics:

Child protection incident report form (Word document, 2MB, opens in new window)
Child protection incident report form (Pdf, 970 KB, opens in new window)

  • For safeguarding advice, you can call Welsh Gymnastics on 029 2033 4960 (during office hours). Ask for the Safeguarding Lead Officer
  • You can also email contactus@welshgymnastics.org for safeguarding advice
  • Support is also available from British Gymnastics' Safeguarding and Compliance Team by calling 0345 1297129

Do's and don'ts

Do

  • Stay calm
  • Show and tell the child you are taking what he/she says seriously
  • Reassure the child and stress she/he is not to blame
  • Ask open questions but do not probe or put words into the child's mouth
  • Clarify anything you are uncertain of
  • Be honest, explain that you will have to tell someone else to stop the abuse
  • Make a note of what the child has said as soon as possible after the event
  • Involve parents where appropriate
  • Maintain confidentiality - only tell others if it will help to protect the child
  • Follow National Governing Body Guidelines (link opens in new window)

Don't

  • Panic
  • Rush into assumptions and actions that may be inappropriate
  • Make promises you cannot keep
  • Make the discloser keep repeating their concerns
  • Take responsibility for further action
  • Record opinion/hearsay/impressions - record only what was said or seen

REMEMBER
It's not your responsibility to decide whether or not a child is being abused, but it is your responsibility to act if you have concerns. No action is not an option.
(Go back to 'what to do if you have a concern').

Other pages in Keeping Safe

Young gymnasts: How to keep safe
Clubs - child protection
Information for welfare officers
Criminal record (DBS) checks
More information and useful links

CYNLLUN CHWARAEON DIOGEL GYMNASTEG CYMRU 2023-25

WELSH GYMNASTICS SAFE SPORT ACTION PLAN 2023-25

 

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