Child Safeguarding Policy
The full policy behind our safeguarding commitment — what we do, why, and who to contact if something's wrong.
Statement of Commitment
New Ground Jiu Jitsu Academy recognises its moral and legal duty to protect children and young people taking part in our Youth Academy. The welfare of the child is our first consideration, ahead of performance, competition, or the reputation of the club. This applies to every coach, assistant, volunteer, and visitor on our mats, regardless of position or seniority.
This policy applies to all academy activities: youth classes, gradings, open mats, competitions, and any club-organised travel or event involving members under 18.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
This policy is written to meet the legislation, statutory guidance, and sport-specific standards that apply to a club based in Belfast, Northern Ireland:
Our Framework
Our practice is built around the seven Safeguarding in Sport Standards set by Sport NI.
Organisational Responsibility
A named lead, a written policy, and clear ownership of safeguarding at committee level.
Safe Recruitment
Every coach and assistant working with under-18s is AccessNI checked and reference-verified before they teach unsupervised.
Managing Staff & Volunteers
Induction, supervision, and a minimum ratio of coaches to students in every youth class.
Reporting Concerns
A clear, known process for any child, parent, or coach to raise a concern.
Codes of Behaviour
Written standards of conduct for coaches, parents, and young people, agreed on joining.
Sharing Information
Concerns are recorded and shared appropriately with statutory agencies, never left undocumented.
General Safety
Risk-assessed mats, changing arrangements, photography rules, and travel to competition.
Designated Safeguarding Officer
Any concern about a child's welfare, on the mats or outside the club, should go to our Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO). You do not need proof — if something doesn't feel right, tell us.
Recognising Abuse & Neglect
Coaches and volunteers are trained to be alert to the recognised categories of harm — physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and bullying (including online bullying) — and to the general signs that a child's welfare may be at risk, whether inside the club or elsewhere in their life. No coach is expected to investigate a concern themselves; their responsibility is to notice, record, and pass it on to the DSO.
Reporting a Concern
A child's safety always comes before club process. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first.
Non-emergency, but urgent
Speak to Martin McClenaghan, our Welfare Officer, directly, in person or by phone on 07458 968587. If you'd rather not raise it face to face, email info+safeguarding@newgroundjja.com and we will respond within 24 hours. Every concern raised is recorded in writing, including what was reported and what action was taken.
Safer Recruitment
All coaches and volunteers working with the Youth Academy hold a current Enhanced AccessNI check, renewed in line with AccessNI guidance, alongside reference checks and a structured induction before they coach unsupervised. This requirement is currently met by our full coaching team.
Related Policies
This policy is supported by two Codes of Conduct and a Photography & Social Media Policy.