Netball Dorset Satellite Development Academy Athlete Handbook | Page 24

SAFEGUARDING

"Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility"

A young person's guide to staying safe in netball

Being in the Performance Pathway should be an enjoyable experience, which will support and encourage you to achieve your full potential in a safe and supportive environment.

During your training and at competition, something is wrong if someone (including your Coach, Umpires, other players or spectators):

Constantly teases you, shouts at you or calls you names

Threatens, hits, kicks or punches you

Touches you inappropriately or does anything in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable

Makes suggestive remarks or tries to pressurise you into sexual activity

Damages or steals your belongings

Deliberately makes you feel embarrassed, unhappy, lonely, unsafe or hurt

What to do if you feel worried, upset or uncomfortable about something

Speak to the person in charge (e.g. Team Manager or Head Coach)

If this is not possible you should tell your parents or carers, or the EN Lead Child Protection Officer, or an adult you trust. If this is difficult, you could ask one of your friends to speak to an adult for you.

If you feel in any immediate danger, get away from the situation quickly, go to a public place to find help or call the police (999).

Childline

There is a free 24 hour confidential helpline you can call for help, called Childline. You can call them for free on 0800 1111. Keep trying if you don't get through straight away.

And remember - netball should be fun. If you are unhappy or uncomfortable about something, don't keep quiet about it, and always tell someone you trust. Don't give up until someone helps you, and you feel safe.