If you are thinking about taking your child to a club or organisation there are a number of things you should think about:

• Has the club achieved accreditation from either their sports national governing body (NGB) or from the Active Surrey Sports Partnership?
  • Accreditation schemes are designed to develop sports clubs into a friendly, safe and effective sports environment, that are particularly recognised for their excellent treatment of young people.  The Active Surrey Club Accreditation and Clubmark (or NGB equivalent) are the quality recognition schemes that parents and young people should particularly look for in their local clubs.
• Does the club have a child protection policy and is it available for new members to look at if they want to?
  • A child protection policy will indicate that the club has thought about the well-being of their young people and that set procedures are in place to safeguard these young people.
• Are the leaders, coaches and volunteers CRB (criminal record bureau) checked?
  • A CRB check is done to make sure that coaches/volunteers do not have previous criminal convictions, which may affect whether they are allowed to work with children. An enhanced disclosure will also include details of any cautions and reprimands received.
• Are there trained first aiders present at all times and is there an appropriate procedure for accidents.
  • This is to ensure that should your child have an accident they are in the best hands.
• Are the coaches/volunteers appropriately qualified and insured to lead/coach?
  • If the coaches are not qualified, this may lead to unsafe practice and risks. All qualified coaches should have insurance to cover their activities.
• What is the coach to young person ratios?
  • The ratio will vary depending on activity, but if there are a high number of children to each coach, accidents are more likely to occur.
• Does the club or group have the correct public liability insurance?
  • This will cover the club should any accidents happen and the policy should pay out for any injury or damage caused.
• Has the group carried out risk assessments for the equipment and activities they provide?
  • Risk assessments are there to ensure that activities are carried out safely and that any risks are managed effectively.
• Is the club or organisation affiliated to the appropriate organisation?
  • Sports Clubs should be affiliated to their appropriate governing body (e.g. Football Association for football)