Safeguarding

British Taekwondo Council

Safeguarding Policy

The British Taekwondo Council (BTC) is committed to working in partnership with all relevant agencies to provide information, training, and guidance that support best practice when working with children and vulnerable adults. By promoting and maintaining these high standards, we aim to safeguard participants from potential harm and protect instructors, coaches, officials, and volunteers from unfounded allegations.
Our safeguarding policies ensure that children and vulnerable adults can thrive in a safe, positive environment and give parents, guardians, and carers confidence in the club’s standards and values.

The club is dedicated to promoting good practice and ensuring the protection of all children and young people. Staff and volunteers acknowledge their responsibility to create and maintain an environment where safety and welfare are always prioritised.

To achieve this, the club and all staff/volunteers will:

Develop an understanding of the issues that may place children and vulnerable adults at risk.
Create an open and supportive environment, including appointing a designated safeguarding officer whom children can approach if they need help or wish to talk.
Adopt child-centred, democratic coaching approaches.
Implement and follow all BTC/T.A.G.B./NGB safeguarding policies and guidelines, including codes of conduct for members, instructors, parents, and volunteers.
Use thorough recruitment, selection, and management procedures, ensuring regular support and supervision for all staff and volunteers.
Maintain clear complaints, grievance, and disciplinary procedures.
Share relevant information appropriately with children, parents, and others who need to know when concerns arise.
Provide necessary information and updates to the management committee.
Promote and maintain safe working and training practices.
Participate in and promote relevant training provided by partner agencies, strengthening collaborative relationships.
Implement immediately any updates or changes to BTC/T.A.G.B./NGB safeguarding policies.
Have specific procedures addressing bullying, trips and activities away from the club, transport arrangements, and the use of photography.

Codes of Conduct

The club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members.
We believe that members, coaches, administrators, officials, volunteers, and parents should always show respect for one another and feel comfortable raising any concerns or complaints with designated club officers.

Clear codes of conduct help define acceptable behaviour, set standards for those in positions of responsibility, and create a positive culture within the club. All adults working with or supporting young people must follow these codes at all times.

Code of Conduct for Instructors

Instructors must:

Treat everyone fairly, respectfully, and without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs.
Recognise the influence of their role and set a positive example through their behaviour and conduct.
Never manipulate or exploit the rules for personal or club gain.
Encourage all participants to follow the rules, regulations, and spirit of Taekwondo.
Avoid all foul, sexist, or racist language.
Use their position to address harassment, abuse, or discriminatory behaviour from anyone involved in club activities.
Ensure sessions are supervised by appropriately qualified instructors and officials promoting good behaviour and technical skill.
Check that all equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
Respect the rights and reputations of other clubs and their members.
Show respect to students, instructors, officials, and volunteers at all times.
Never attempt to influence the outcome of any event or competition outside the rules.
Prioritise enjoyment and minimise overemphasis on awards.
Act in the best interests of the art, especially when expressing public opinions about Taekwondo or its participants.
Reject all illegal, unsafe, or banned techniques or substances.
Promote ethical principles and good practice at all times.

Code of Conduct for Officials

Officials must:

Treat everyone fairly, respectfully, and without discrimination.
Be consistent, objective, impartial, and courteous when applying rules.
Acknowledge good performance when appropriate.
Encourage all participants to compete within the rules and spirit of the event.
Allow events to flow with minimal unnecessary interruption.
Show understanding toward less experienced students.
Make decisions confidently, fairly, and without influence from protests or external pressure.
Treat all students and team officials with respect.
Remain honest and impartial at all times.
Notify the appropriate person if unable to officiate.
Refrain from requesting or accepting excessive hospitality.
Prioritise the best interests of the event or competition when expressing any public opinion.
Refuse to tolerate foul, sexist, or racist language from anyone.
Use authority responsibly, respectfully, and with good judgement.
Prioritise participant safety at all times.
Treat participants respectfully, including when addressing rule infringements.
Submit reports based solely on factual information, without attempting to justify decisions.
Protect fellow officials when necessary, without compromising participant safety.
Avoid publicly criticising other officials.
Support the development of less experienced officials.

Code of Conduct for Volunteers

Volunteers must:

Remember that their behaviour reflects on the club and its reputation.
Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of participants above performance outcomes.
Build appropriate relationships with participants based on mutual trust and respect.
Ensure activities are suitable for the age, experience, and ability of participants.
Promote the positive aspects of the sport and emphasise the importance of fair play.
Maintain high standards of behaviour and personal presentation.
Follow all guidelines set by the national governing body, the T.A.G.B., and the club.
Hold valid qualifications and insurance where required.
Never use their position to gain personal advantage.
Never condone rule breaking, rough play, or the use of prohibited substances.
Encourage participants to value performance and effort over results.
Support participants in taking responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

Safeguarding

Link Below for BTC Safeguarding page.

https://www.tkdcouncil.com/content/1380/safeguarding/