Learn - Practice - Improve
Quality tennis coaching in Streatham.
Learn - Practice - Improve
Quality tennis coaching in Streatham.
Learn, practise and improve...
Serious About Tennis is determined to deliver great tennis coaching at an affordable price. Our philosophy is to teach players of any age or standard to love the game of tennis. We love to share our life long passion for the game of tennis by helping people from all backgrounds and experience. We use up to date equipment and programmes to help players achieve their goals and have fun on the tennis courts.
Lessons are planned to be age and skill level appropriate.
We run group courses for players as young as 3 years old. For more information about group tennis coaching please click on the JUNIOR TENNIS COACHING and ADULT COACHING tabs at the top of this page. Our Head Coach Dino Skeete is an LTA Level 4 Performance Coach and has trained many junior and adult players up to top club and county level. When free he is available for private lessons at Hillside Gardens Park.
If you need your racket strung professionally we have a racket stringing service available. Please text Dino on mobile: 07940083803 to book your racket in for a service.
Email: seriousabouttennis@gmail.com
Text: 07940 083803
Facebook: Serious About Tennis
Email: seriousabouttennis@gmail.com
Text: 07940 083803
Facebook: Serious About Tennis
Hillside Road
Streatham/Tulse Hill
SW2 3HL
07940 083 803
seriousabouttennis@gmail.com
For any other questions about group tennis coaching, racket restringing and private tennis coaching please use the form on the right.
Dino is a very experienced, level 4 qualified tennis coach having coached for over 20 years.
Award winning and recognised as a coach of national significance through the Aegon Awards, he has regularly produced County players. Some of his best pupils have gone on to have
careers in the world of tennis. He is ranked in the top 10 over 45 British tennis players and
set up Serious About Tennis to give more people the chance to learn and excel at tennis.
Rosena Skeete is a level 2 qualified and registered tennis coach specialising in
teaching younger children and beginners. She has been assisting with mini red groups for
the last four years, and enjoys coaching the younger players helping them to build their
skills, and watching them progress.
Serious About Tennis Hillside Gardens Park is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and adults at risk, promoting safeguarding in our club at all times, including all programmes and events we run. This Policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive tennis experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.
Child: a person under the age of eighteen years.
Note that some legislation in Scotland defines a child as a person under sixteen years old. However, where there is any safeguarding concern, anyone under the age of 18 is regarded as a child unless advised otherwise by the LTA Safeguarding Team.
Adult at risk of abuse or neglect: a person aged eighteen years or over who is, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of disability, age or illness; and is, or may be, unable to take care of, or unable to protect him or herself against abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding children: protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing the impairment of children’s health or development, ensuring that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances.
Safeguarding adults at risk: protecting adults from abuse and/or neglect. Enabling adults to maintain control over their lives and make informed choices without coercion. Empowering adults at risk, consulting them before taking action, unless someone lacks the capacity to make a decision, or their mental health poses a risk to their own or someone else’s safety, in which case, always acting in his or her best interests.
This Policy is applicable to all staff, volunteers, committee members, coaches and club members. It is in line with national legislation and applicable across the UK.
Advice, guidance and support is available from the LTA Safeguarding Team.
· Our club’s committee has overall accountability for this Policy and its implementation
· Our club Welfare Officer, Ashley Martinis responsible for updating this Policy in line with legislative and club developments
· All individuals involved in/present at the club are required to adhere to the Policy and Code of Conduct
· The LTA Safeguarding Team and Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and Tennis Foundation Safeguarding Leads can offer support to help clubs proactively safeguard.
· The individual who is told about, hears, or is made aware of the concern/disclosure is responsible for following the Reporting a Safeguarding Concern Procedure. Unless someone is in immediate danger, they should inform their club Welfare Officer, LTA Safeguarding Team or National Safeguarding Lead.
· The club Welfare Officer and Safeguarding Leads are responsible for reporting safeguarding concerns to the LTA Safe Safeguarding Team.
· The LTA Safeguarding Team is responsible for assessing all safeguarding concern/disclosures that are reported to them and working with the club Welfare Officer and national Safeguarding Leads to follow up as appropriate on a case-by-case basis, prioritising the well-being of the child/ adult at risk at all times. Dependent on the concern/disclosure, a referral may be made to:
Breaches of this Policy and/or failure to comply with the outlined responsibilities may result in the following:
· Disciplinary action leading to possible exclusion from the club, dismissal and legal action
· Termination of current and future roles within the club and roles in other clubs, the LTA, Tennis Wales, Tennis Scotland and the Tennis Foundation.
Actions taken by players, parents or carers, staff, consultants, volunteers, officials, coaches inside or outside of the club that are seen to contradict this Policy may be considered a violation of this Policy.
Where an appeal is lodged in response to a safeguarding decision made by the club, the individual should adhere to the club’s appeal procedure.
Safeguarding children and adults at risk requires everyone to be committed to the highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability. As a club, we are committed to encouraging and maintaining a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously.
In the context of safeguarding, “whistle blowing” is when someone raises a concern about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk.
A whistle blower may be:
· a player;
· a volunteer;
· a coach;
· other member of staff;
· an official;
· a parent;
· a member of the public.
If a child or an adult at risk is in immediate danger or risk of harm, the police should be contacted by calling 999.
Where a child or an adult at risk is not in immediate danger, any concerns about their well-being should be made without delay to the Club Welfare Officer. The Club Welfare Officer will pass the details of the concern on to the LTA Safeguarding Team at the earliest opportunity and the relevant local authority and the police will be contacted, where appropriate.
If, however, the whistle blower does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer, the whistle blower should contact the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
The whistle blower should provide as much information as possible regarding the incident or circumstance which has given rise to the concern, including:
· their name and contact details (unless they wish to remain anonymous);
· names of individuals involved;
· date, time and location of incident/circumstance; and
· whether any witnesses were present.
All concerns raised by a whistle blower about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk will be taken seriously and every effort will be made to deal with each concern fairly, quickly and proportionately.
If the whistle blower does not believe that the concern has been dealt with appropriately and wishes to speak to someone outside the club or the LTA Safeguarding Team, the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line should be contacted on 0800 028 0285 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.
The club will not tolerate any harassment, victimisationor unfair treatment of, and will take appropriate action to protect, whistle blowers when they raise a concern in good faith.
· Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times
· Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
· Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
· Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court
· Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language
· Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer
· Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk
· Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
· Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
· Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
· Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)
· Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions
· Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
· Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances
· Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle
· Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
· Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for
· Not to have a relationship with anyone over 18 whilst continuing to coach or be responsible for them
· Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
· Play fairly and honestly
· Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions
· Behave, respect and listen to your coach
· Take care of your equipment and club property
· Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
· Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
· Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
· Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events
· Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others
· Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis
· Use appropriate language at all times
· Be realistic and supportive
· Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match
· Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect
· Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
· Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
· Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
· Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
· Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
· Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct
· Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations
· Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history
This Policy is reviewed every two years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation).
This Policyis recommended for approval by:
Club Committee Chair Dino Skeete Date: 1/09/2018
Club Welfare Officer Ashley Martin Date: 1/09/2018
Safeguarding: protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing the impairment of children’s health or development, ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances. Enabling adults at risk to achieve the outcomes that matter to them in their life; protecting their right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Empowering and supporting them to make choices, stay safe and raise any concerns. Beginning with the assumption that an individual is best-placed to make decisions about their own wellbeing, taking proportional action on their behalf only if someone lacks the capacity to make a decision, they are exposed to a life-threatening risk, someone else may be at risk of harm, or a criminal offence has been committed or is likely to be committed.
Physical abuse: A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child or adult at risk. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness
Sexual abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in abuse sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children
Emotional abuse: The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child or adult at risk such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on their emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child/ adult at risk that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person; not giving them opportunities to express their views; deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed, including interactions that are beyond a child or adult at risk’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing them participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing a child or adult at risk to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child/ adult at risk’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of their health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to:
o provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
o protect a child/ adult at risk from physical and emotional harm or danger;
o ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
o ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s or adult at risk’s basic emotional needs. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.
Financial abuse: having money or property stolen; being defrauded; being put under pressure in relation to money or other property; and having money or other property misused.
Discriminatory abuse: treating someone in a less favourable way and causing them harm, because of their age, gender, sexuality, gender identity, disability, socio-economic status, ethnic origin, religion and any other visible or non-visible difference.
Domestic abuse: includes physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse by someone who is, or has been a partner or family member. Includes forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence (an act of violence based on the belief that the person has brought shame on their family or culture). Domestic abuse does not necessarily involve physical contact or violence.
Psychological abuse: including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
Organisational abuse: where the needs of an individual are not met by an organisation due to a culture of poor practice or abusive behaviour within the organisation.
Self-neglect: behaviour which threatens an adult’s personal health or safety (but not that of others). Includes an adult’s decision to not provide themselves with adequate food, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, or medication (when indicated), or take appropriate safety precautions
Modern slavery: encompasses slavery, human trafficking, criminal and sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
· A person who is being abused may experience more than one type of abuse
· Harassment, and bullying are also abusive and can be harmful
· Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is now recognised as a form of physical, sexual and emotional abuse that is practised across the UK
· Child Sexual Exploitationis recognised as a form of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status
· Child trafficking is recognised as child abuse where children are often subject to multiple forms of exploitation. Children are recruited, moved or transported to, or within the UK, then exploited, forced to work or sold
· People from all cultures are subject to abuse. It cannot be condoned for religious or cultural reasons
· Abuse can have immediate and long-term impacts on someone’s well-being, including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, eating disorders and self-destructive Conducts, offending and anti-social Conduct
· Those committing abuse are most often adults, both male and female. However, child-to-child abuse also takes place.
1. Listen carefully and calmly to the individual
2. Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing and what they have told you is very important
3. Avoid questioning where possible, and never ask leading questions
4. Do not promise secrecy. Let the individual know that you will need to speak to the Welfare Officer/LTA Safeguarding Team because it is in their best interest. If you intend to speak to the police or social care, you should let them know this too.
5. Report the concern. In an emergency, call the police (999), otherwise talk to the Welfare Officer/LTA Safeguarding Team as soon as possible. Do not let doubt/personal bias prevent you from reporting the allegation
6. Record details of the disclosure and allegation using the LTA Reporting a Concern Form. Make certain you distinguish between what the person has actually said and the inferences you may have made. Your report should be sent to the LTA Safeguarding Team within 48 hours of the incident. If you do not have access to this document, write down the details using what you have available then sign and date it.
To view our Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Procedures click HERE.
All employees, those under contractual arrangements, club officials, volunteers, members and others using the club facilities are required to abide by this Code of Conduct. This is required in order to support the club in providing a welcoming and safe environment for all children and young people and in the implementation of its child protection policy and procedures.
Those working in the club should at all times:
Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at all times.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of our sports.
Display high standards of behaviour. Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private, or unobserved, situations). Act with integrity at all times.
Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court and promote the Fair Play values: enjoy; respect.
Place the well-being and safety of children above the development of performance.
Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs.
Keep clear boundaries between your professional and personal life, including on social media.
Check you have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos.
Ensure your own roles and responsibilities, and those of everyone you are responsible for, are clearly outlined and everyone has the information, training and support to carry them out.
Where possible, do not be alone with a child or adult at risk (NB LTA guidance does allow for public 1 to 1 coaching as defined within the good practice guidelines).
Coaches and volunteers must take positive action to protect both themselves and raise concerns if they feel uncomfortably placed in a position of working alone and/or unsupervised.
Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such.
Doing nothing is NOT an option: report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, following the Concern Reporting Procedure. If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (999).
The Code of Conduct should be interpreted in a spirit of integrity, transparency and common sense, with the best interests of children and adults at risk as the primary consideration.
We strive to create and maintain a safe and inclusive venue for everyone.
We strive to create and maintain a safe and inclusive venue for everyone.
At Serious About Tennis we strive to create and maintain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. We have chosen to focus on Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
‘Safe and Inclusive tennis’ means safeguarding and EDI.
Serious About Tennis has adopted the Lawn Tennis Association's Welfare Policies and adapted them for our club.
If you wish to report a concern, have a disclosure or want to give us feedback on our venue and Safeguarding policy - Please complete the form below
Name: Ashley Martin, Contact details: Mobile: 07727 437933, Email: ashleyjammartin@hotmail.com
Lambeth Safeguarding Children Board
(About a child or young person)
Professional line: 020 7926 3100
Public line: 020 7926 5555 (24 hours)
Form: Report abuse of a child or young person
Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board
(About an adult at risk)
Professional line: 020 7926 5555 (24 hours)
Public line: 020 7926 5555 (24 hours)
Email: adultsocialcare@lambeth.gov.uk
Form: Report neglect or abuse of an adult
LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team
02084877000 / safeandinclusive@lta.org.uk
(Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Tennis Wales Safeguarding Lead
01978352773 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Tennis ScotlandSafeguarding Lead
01314441984 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
NSPCC
08088005000
Parent Line Scotland
08000282233
In an emergency call 999
This Policy sets out our commitment and includes our Safe and Inclusive Standards, Code of Conduct (page 8 & 9) and Reporting Procedure (page 2) and it supports our overall aims for diversity and inclusion that are to ensure that:
· Tennis is diverse and inclusive
· Diversity and inclusion are embedded in our club’s culture and our behaviours
· We create a culture where inclusive leadership thrives
· We take a proactive approach using positive action to ensure that communities and individuals are valued and able to achieve their full potential.
To achieve these aims we believe that everyone involved in Tennis has a vital role to play in promoting diversity and inclusion and we ask everyone to become Safe and Inclusive Tennis Champions – proactively promoting Safe and Inclusive tennis and taking action against all forms of discrimination.
We are proud to have a Diversity and Inclusion Policy that demonstrates our commitment to making tennis diverse and inclusive. The commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is upheld by, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and the Tennis Foundation.
These commitments are fully supported by the Hillside Gardens Park - Serious About Tennis Committee.
Together we can make a positive difference to people from different backgrounds to participate in Tennis at our Club.
Thank you.
This Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure are applicable to Serious About Tennis Hillside Gardens Parkand is based on similar policies of:
· The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
· Tennis Scotland
· Tennis Wales
· The Tennis Foundation.
As a club we contribute actively to enable more people to play tennis more often, in a manner that it is safe, inclusive, and fair. This applies regardless of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment status, sex, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, race or sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other background.
We recognise that many concerns and/or disclosures may have both safeguarding and inclusion, and diversity and inclusion elements to them. This policy reflects this through its reporting procedures, which replicate the safeguarding concern reporting procedures.
This Policy strives to minimise risk and support our venue and individuals to deliver programmes and events so everyone has a positive tennis experience. The Reporting Procedures on page 2 outlines how to respond to safeguarding or discrimination concerns/disclosures.
We have adopted the following definitions to explain our approach to diversity and inclusion in tennis:
Discrimination –treating someone in a less favourable way and causing them harm, because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation
Diversity – acknowledging, celebrating and respecting the differences between groups of people and between individuals. We will work to ensure that people can beassured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to enjoy their sport without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.
Harassment –unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating and intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. The focus is on the perception of the complainant not the intent of the perpetrator. Employees can complain of behaviour they find offensive even if it is not directed at them.
Inclusion–ensuring that tennis is equally accessible to any member of the community so they can be fully involved in whatever capacity they choose; and that they are supported to achieve their potential in any capacity e.g. player, employee, volunteer, coach or official. We will work to ensure that people have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, that they feel respected and valued and are not singled out, with regard to their age, disability, gender reassignment status, sex, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, race or sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other background.
Positive action -Serious About Tennis Hillside Gardens Park is committed to taking positive steps to counteract the effects of physical or cultural barriers – whether real or perceived – that restrict the opportunity for all sections of the community to participate equally and fully. We will ensure that we institute, support or contribute to appropriate measures or initiatives that enable access to tennis and participation in associated activities by people from any group that is under-represented in tennis or has difficulty accessing it and that they can do so with dignity or without being singled out.
(See Appendix B for full glossary of terms)
Hillside Gardens Park - Serious About Tennis has direct safe and inclusive responsibility for:
· Staff, consultants, coaches and officials they employ;
· Volunteers, including board members and councillors they recruit;
· Venues they own;
· Events and programmes they run; and
· Ensuring all accreditation requirements are met by accredited coaches, officials and venues.
We recommend and support the development of good diversity and inclusion practice to:
· Accredited coaches, officials and venues;
· Players, parents and carers;
· Volunteers recruited by other organisations;
· Venues hired by or on our behalf
· Club Events.
This Policy is in line with national legislation (see Appendix Cfor details of the relevant legislation) applicable to our club, specifically toevery person and place that we have direct safe and inclusive responsibility for.
Diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility: not responding to discriminatory or unacceptable language and behaviour is not an option.
· The Club’s Committee and Chair have overall accountability for this Policy and Reporting Procedure, for being the strategic lead on diversity and inclusion and for ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation (see Appendix for details).
· The Club’s chair Dino Skeete and Welfare Officer Ashley Martin have overall responsibility for the implementation of the policy.
· The Chair and Welfare Officer of the Club are responsible for updating this Policy and Reporting Procedure in line with legislative and organisational developments; and develop a strategic and proactive approach to diversity and inclusion and respond to discrimination concerns.
· The Hillside Gardens Park - Serious About Tennis Club’s Welfare Officer Ashley Martin is responsible for supporting the Club to identify where diversity and inclusion support is required; to implement safe and inclusive procedures; promote diversity and inclusion principles, including the Safeguarding and Reporting Procedure, to all the venues they manage, programmes, events and individuals including players, parents and carers.
· All staff, consultants, coaches, officials and volunteersinvolved in tennis are responsible for raising diversity and inclusion concerns with the Club’s Welfare Officer to start with; then the Safe and Inclusive Tennis team if applicable, as outlined in the Reporting Procedure.
· Players, parents and guardians are responsible for upholding the Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure.
· The Hillside Gardens Park - Serious About Tennis is committed to:
formally adopt this policy,
take steps to ensure that our committee, members, participants and volunteers behave in accordance with the policy, including where appropriate taking disciplinary action under our constitution;
ensure that access to membership as well as access to participation is open and inclusive;
publish accurate information about the location and accessibility of our facilities; and
support measures and initiatives that British Tennis may institute or take part in to advance the aims of this policy as part of our commitment to our LTA membership.
Where there is a diversity and inclusion concern/disclosure:
· The individual who is told about, hears, or is made aware of the concern/disclosure is responsible for following the Concern Reporting Procedure above.
Where there are concerns that diversity and inclusion good practice has not been followed, all staff are encouraged to follow the Club’s whistleblowing policy; consultants, coaches, officials, volunteers and players are encouraged to:
Complain directly to the person or organisationand seek resolution. In the first instance, this can often resolve many disputes or concerns
If required, you can contact the LTA Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@lta.org.uk - they can assist in liaising with the club and investigating the matter. Alternatively, the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line: 0800 028 0285; help@nspcc.org.uk can be contacted.
Seek further advice from the Equality Advisory Support Service a call on 0808 800 0082. For further information their website is: http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/ask
If someone comes to you with a concern around discrimination, listen to their complaint, reassure them and advise them of the routes listed above (1-3).
Breaches of this Policy and/or failure to comply with the outlined responsibilities may result in the following by the LTA, Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and/or the Tennis Foundation:
· Venues – Potential removal of LTA accreditation.
· Staff – disciplinary action leading to possible dismissal and legal action.
· Contracted consultants, officials and coaches – termination of current and future roles within all four organisations and possible legal action.
· Recruited volunteers, including councillorsand board members – termination of current and future roles within all four organisationsand possible legal action.
Actions taken by staff, consultants, volunteers, officials, coaches, venues, clubs and/or events outside of the LTA, Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and/or the Tennis Foundation that are seen to contradict this Policy may be considered a violation of this Policy.
Where an appeal is lodged in response to a safeguarding decision made by the LTA Safeguarding Team and Safeguarding and Protection Committee and/or Licensing and Registration Committee, an independent appeal body such as Sport Resolutions may be used. Their decision is final.
6. Related policies and guidance: -
· Safeguarding Policy
· Disciplinary Policy
· Grievance Policy
· Harassment Policy
· Bullying Policy
· Complaints Policy
· Transgender Policy
· Whistle-blowing Policy
· Data Protection Policy
· And others as may be identified from time to time.
7. Our existing policies and guidance: -
· Safeguarding Policy
· Safeguarding and Inclusion Policy
· Safeguarding Policy
· Recording and published images Policy
· Sun safe Policy
· Privacy Policy
· Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times
· Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
· Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
· Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court
· Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language
· Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer
· Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk
· Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
· Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
· Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
· Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)
· Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions
· Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
· Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances
· Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle
· Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
· Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for
· Not to have a relationship with anyone over 18 whilst continuing to coach or be responsible for them
· Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
· Play fairly and honestly
· Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions
· Behave, respect and listen to your coach
· Take care of your equipment and club property
· Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
· Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
· Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
· Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events
· Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others
· Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis
· Use appropriate language at all times
· Be realistic and supportive
· Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match
· Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect
· Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
· Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
· Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
· Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
· Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
· Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct
· Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations
· Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history
Age: This refers to a person belonging to a particular age group, which can mean people of the same age (e.g. 32-year old’s) or range of ages (e.g. 18 - 30-year old’s, or people over 50).
Bisexual or Bi : – refers to a person who has an emotional and/or sexual orientation towards more than one gender.
Bullying: can involve any form of physical, emotional, sexual or discriminatory abuse. It can also include cyber-bullying – using social media or mobile phones to perpetrate bullying.
Direct discrimination: treating someone less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic.
Disability: A person having a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Discrimination: treating someone in a less favourable way and causing them harm, because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Discrimination by association: discrimination against someone because they are associated with another person who possesses a protected characteristic.
Discrimination by perception:discrimination against someone because of the belief that someone possesses a protected characteristic.
Diversity: acknowledging and celebrating the differences between groups of people and between individuals.
Equality: treating everyone with fairness and respect and recognising and responding to the needs of individuals. Taking positive actions to address existing disadvantages and barriers affecting how people engage with and participate in tennis.
Ethnicity: the social group a person belongs to, and either identifies with or is identified with by others, as a result of a mix of cultural and other factors including language, diet, religion, ancestry and physical features traditionally associated with race. Ethnicity is essentially self-defined and may change over time.
Gay:refers to a man who has an emotional, romantic and/or sexual orientation towards men. Also, a generic term for lesbian and gay sexuality - some women define themselves as gay rather than lesbian.
Gender identity: this is an individual’s internal self-perception of their own gender. A person may identify as a man, as a woman, as neither man or woman (non-binary) or as androgyne/polygender.
Gender reassignment: The process of changing or transitioning from one gender to another.
Harassment: unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating and intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. The focus is on the perception of the complainant not the intent of the perpetrator. Employees can complain of behaviour they find offensive even if it is not directed at them.
Hate crime: crime that is targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity. This can be committed against a person or property.
Homophobia: the fear, unreasonable anger, intolerance or/and hatred toward homosexuality, lesbian gay and bisexual people whether that person is homosexual or not.
Inclusive leadership: leaders who are aware of their own biases and preferences, actively seek out and consider different views and perspectives to inform better decision-making. They see diverse talent as a source of competitive advantage and inspire diverse people to drive organisational and individual performance towards a shared vision.
An Inclusive Leader: is a role model exemplar of inclusive behaviour; listens to and seeks out the views of diverse people and takes account of these views, without bias, in the decisions they make; appreciates that a diverse group of people will generate more creative solutions to problems and encourages this; inspires people through a shared vision of future success and motivates them to deliver it; leverages difference for high performance and provides responsive excellence to customers’, clients’ and service users’ needs; provides positive feedback to boost people’s self-efficacy; puts effort into helping diverse people identify their talents and develop them for performance now and future advancement; communicates authentically and honestly in a way that inspires trust, loyalty and well-being.
Inclusion: recognising that people from different backgrounds may have difference needs and expectations and may experience barriers in trying to access tennis. An inclusive venue is one that takes steps to attract and engage with people from many different backgrounds and meet their needs so that everyone has a positive experience and has the opportunity to achieve their potential.
Indirect discrimination: a practice, policy or rule which applies to everyone in the same way, but that has a worse effect on some people than others.
LGBTQ: an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning.
Lesbian: a woman who has an emotional romantic and /or sexual orientation towards women.
Monitoring equality: refers to data collection and analysis to check if people with protected characteristics are participating and being treated equally. For example: monitoring of the number of people with a disability who play tennis at our venue.
Non-binary: an umbrella term for a person who does not identify as only male or only female, or who may identify as both.
Positive action: a range of lawful actions that seek to overcome or minimise disadvantages (for example in employment opportunities) that people who share a protected characteristic have experienced, or to meet their different needs.
Pregnancy and maternity: pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Questioning: it refers to the process of exploring your own sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Race: refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.
Radicalisation, extremism and terrorist behavior: Radicalisationis the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and/or forms of extremism. Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. There is no single way to identify an individual who is likely to be susceptible to extremist ideology. The internet and the use of social media can be a major factor in the radicalisationof people.
Reasonable adjustment: What is considered reasonable will depend on all the circumstances of the case including the size of an organisation and its resources, what is practicable, the effectiveness of what is being proposed and the likely disruption that would be caused by taking the measure in question as well as the availability of financial assistance
Religion or belief: religion has the meaning usually given to it but belief includes religious and philosophical beliefs including lack of belief (e.g. atheism). Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sex: refers to the biological makeup such as primary and secondary sexual characteristics, genes, and hormones. The legal sex is usually assigned at birth and has traditionally been understood as consisting of two mutually exclusive groups, namely men and women.
Sexual orientation: a person’s emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction to another person.
Trans: an umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, cross dresser, non-binary, genderqueer (GQ).
Transphobia: the fear, unreasonable anger, dislike, intolerance or/and hatred toward trans people, whether that person has undergone gender reassignment or is perceived to have done that.
Transsexual Person: someone who has started the process of changing their gender identity is undergoing or has undergone gender reassignment.
Unconscious bias or implicit bias: this refers to a bias that we are unaware of, and which happens outside of our control. It is a bias that happens automatically and is triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments of people and situations, influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences.
Victimisation: when someone is treated badly because they have made or supported a complaint or grievance.
The Equality Act 2010[1] legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone.
It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:
age
being or becoming a transsexual person
being married or in a civil partnership
being pregnant or on maternity leave
disability
race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
religion, belief or lack of religion/belief
sex
sexual orientation
These are called ‘protected characteristics’.
People are protected from discrimination:
at work
in education
as a consumer
when using public services
when buying or renting property
as a member or guest of a private club or association
People are also protected from discrimination if:
they are associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, e.g. a family member or friend
they have complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim
Discrimination can come in one of the following forms:
direct discrimination - treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others.
indirect discrimination - putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage.
harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them.
victimisation - treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment.
Our anti-bullying policy sets out how we feel about bullying as a club, what we will do to tackle it and how we’ll support children and young people who experience or display bullying behaviour.
Bullying
• all forms of bullying will be acted upon
• everybody in the club has a responsibility to work together to stop bullying
• bullying can include online as well as offline behaviour
• bullying behavior can include: - physically pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc. - name calling, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and humiliation or the continual ignoring of others - posting of derogatory or abusive comments, videos or images on social media - racial, homophobic, transphobic or sexist comments, taunts or gestures - sexual comments, suggestions or behaviour - unwanted physical contact
Our club or organisation will:
• recognise its duty of care and responsibility to safeguard all players from harm
• promote and implement this anti-bullying policy in addition to our safeguarding policy and procedures
• ensure that bullying behaviour is not tolerated or condoned
• require all members of the club to sign up this policy
• take action to investigate and respond to any reports of bullying from children and young people
• encourage and facilitate children and young people to play an active part in developing and adopting a code of conduct for behavior
• ensure that coaches are given access to information, guidance and training on bullying Each participant, coach, volunteer or official will:
• encourage individuals to speak out about bullying behaviour
• respect every child’s need for, and right to, a play environment where safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are available
• respect the feelings and views of others
• recognise that everyone is important and equal, and that our differences make each of us special and worthy of being valued
• show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities, contributions and progress
• ensure safety by having rules and practices carefully explained and displayed for all to see
• report incidents of bullying behavior they see – by doing nothing you are condoning the behaviour Supporting children
• we’ll let children know who will listen to and support them
• we’ll create an “open door” ethos where children feel confident to talk to an adult about bullying behaviour or any other issue that affects them
• potential barriers to talking (including those associated with a child’s disability or impairment) will be acknowledged and addressed at the outset to enable children to speak out • we’ll make sure children are aware of helpline numbers
• anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened to carefully and reports will be taken seriously
• any reported experience of bullying behavior will be investigated and will involve listening carefully to all those involved
• children experiencing bullying behavior will be supported and helped to uphold their right to play and live in a safe environment
• those who display bullying behaviour will be supported and encouraged to develop better relationships
• we’ll make sure that sanctions are proportionate and fair Support to the parents/guardians
• parents or guardians will be advised on the club or organisation’s bullying policy and practice • any experience of bullying behaviour will be discussed with the child’s parents or guardians
• parents will be consulted on action to be taken (for both victim and bully) and we’ll agree on these actions together • information and advice on coping with bullying will be made available • support will be offered to parents, including information from other agencies or support lines Useful contacts NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 Childline 0800 1111 / www.childline.org.uk Kidscape www.kidscape.org.uk Anti-Bullying Alliance www.antibullyingalliance.org
Date: 10/1/2019 Review date 1/9/2020
At Serious About Tennis, we’re committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.
This Policy explains when and why we collect personal information about people who visit our website, how we use it, the conditions under which we may disclose it to others and how we keep it secure.
We may change this Policy from time to time so please check this page occasionally to ensure that you’re happy with any changes. By using our website, you’re agreeing to be bound by this Policy.
Any questions regarding this Policy and our privacy practices should be sent by email to seriousabouttennis@gmail.com.
How do we collect information from you?
We collect data from you when you book onto courses, join our Club or sign up for events. This is for the express purpose of sending you information from time to time about our offers, courses, competition and our Club. You provide all data directly, such as when you make a purchase or when you register to receive our email newsletters. We use a third party to facilitate membership, events and course booking, Clubspark, their privacy policy can be found here.
What type of information is collected from you?
The personal information we collect might include your name, email address, photo permission and contact phone number, and dates of birth for juniors. In some circumstances this may include health information. If you make a purchase we do not hold your payment details, it is collected by our third-party payment processors, who specialise in the secure online capture and processing of credit/debit card transactions.
How is your information used?
We may use your information to:
· Let you know about matches and competitions coming up, to make arrangements for these
· Seek your views or comments on the services and products we provide
· Notify you of any changes to course times, especially weather related!
· Send you communications which may be of interest to you or your family. These may include information about offers, events, new course, and other sporting opportunities.
We review our retention periods for personal information on a regular basis.
Who do we share your personal data with?
Third Party Service Providers, mainly the Lawn Tennis Association where you have entered a competition: We may pass your information to our trusted third party service providers for the purposes of completing tasks and providing services to you. For example, to the LTA for competition results.
However, when we work with third parties;
• We disclose only the personal information that is necessary to deliver the service.
• We will not release your information to third parties for them to use for their own direct marketing purposes, unless you have requested us to do so.
Your marketing choices
You have a choice about whether you wish to receive information from us. If you do not want to receive email communications from us about our courses and offers any longer you may unsubscribe at any time.
We will not contact you for marketing purposes by email unless you have given your prior consent. You can change your marketing preferences at any time by logging into the My Account area on the Clubspark website or contacting us by email: seriousabouttennis@gmail.com
How you can access and update your information
The accuracy of your information is important to us. If you would like to change your details at any point, please log into your Clubspark account and update the relevant area.
16 or Under.
We are concerned to protect the privacy of children aged 16 or under. All children who are 16 or under‚ must have their parent/guardian's permission beforehand whenever we are provided with their personal information.
Review of this Policy
We keep this Policy under regular review. This Policy was last updated on 23rd May 2018