Child Safeguarding

Child Safeguarding Policy

for Selwyn Combat Sports Centre

1. Purpose

Selwyn Combat Sports Centre is committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive, and positive environment for all children and young people participating in our programmes, classes, events, and activities.

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding children from physical harm, emotional harm, neglect, abuse, bullying, harassment, grooming, and exploitation while participating in activities associated with the gym.

The welfare and wellbeing of children is our highest priority.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All coaches and instructors
  • Employees and contractors
  • Volunteers
  • Parents and caregivers
  • Members and visitors
  • Any person involved in activities run by Selwyn Combat Sports Centre

This policy applies to all children and young people under the age of 18.

3. Our Commitment

Selwyn Combat Sports Centre will:

  • Promote a culture of safety, respect, and wellbeing
  • Treat all children fairly and with dignity
  • Provide safe and appropriately supervised training environments
  • Take all concerns and allegations seriously
  • Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns
  • Ensure coaches and staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities
  • Encourage open communication with children and parents/caregivers
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times

4. Code of Conduct Around Children

All staff, coaches, volunteers, and adults involved with the gym must:

Always:

  • Treat children with respect and fairness
  • Use positive and appropriate language
  • Encourage safe and inclusive participation
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Obtain consent before physical demonstrations or assistance where appropriate
  • Ensure another adult is present where practical during private conversations or instruction
  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

Never:

  • Use physical punishment, humiliation, intimidation, or degrading behaviour
  • Engage in inappropriate conversations, messages, or social media interactions
  • Be alone with a child in isolated areas where avoidable
  • Develop inappropriate personal relationships with children
  • Provide alcohol, drugs, or inappropriate material to minors
  • Ignore or dismiss safeguarding concerns

5. Supervision and Safety

Selwyn Combat Sports Centre will:

  • Ensure children are supervised appropriately during classes and activities
  • Maintain safe training areas and equipment
  • Keep attendance records for children’s classes where practical
  • Require parents/caregivers to ensure children are collected promptly after classes
  • Ensure children are not left unsupervised before or after scheduled sessions

Children should only leave the premises with their parent/caregiver or approved guardian unless prior arrangements have been made.

6. Photography and Social Media

Photos and videos may be used for promotional or educational purposes only with appropriate consent.

The gym will:

  • Respect parent/caregiver preferences regarding photography
  • Avoid publishing sensitive personal information about children online
  • Ensure images are appropriate and respectful
  • Monitor online interactions involving youth members

Coaches and staff must not engage in inappropriate private messaging with minors.

7. Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination

Bullying, harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

This includes:

  • Physical bullying
  • Verbal abuse
  • Social exclusion
  • Online bullying
  • Racism, sexism, or discriminatory conduct

Any incidents should be reported to gym management immediately.

8. Responding to Concerns or Complaints

Any person who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern should report it immediately to gym management.

Concerns may include:

  • Suspected abuse or neglect
  • Inappropriate behaviour by an adult or another child
  • Unsafe conduct
  • Grooming behaviour
  • Bullying or harassment

All concerns will be:

  • Taken seriously
  • Treated confidentially where appropriate
  • Recorded appropriately
  • Investigated promptly
  • Escalated to appropriate authorities where required by law

If a child is believed to be in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

9. Recruitment and Screening

Where appropriate, Selwyn Combat Sports Centre may:

  • Conduct reference checks
  • Require coaching qualifications
  • Require police vetting/background checks in accordance with New Zealand legislation
  • Provide safeguarding guidance and expectations to staff and volunteers

10. Reporting Obligations

All coaches, staff, and volunteers are expected to:

  • Report concerns immediately
  • Cooperate with investigations
  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children

No person will be disadvantaged for raising a genuine safeguarding concern in good faith.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to ensure ongoing compliance with New Zealand safeguarding standards and best practices.

12. Contact

For safeguarding concerns or questions regarding this policy, please contact:

Selwyn Combat Sports Centre Management
 Website: Selwyn Combat Sports Centre

Emergency: Dial 111 (New Zealand)