Safeguarding
Every young person who steps onto our mats deserves to train somewhere they are safe, respected, and looked after. This page sets out how we meet that responsibility, in line with safeguarding law and sport guidance in Northern Ireland.
Our 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.
Our Framework
Our practice is built around the seven Safeguarding in Sport Standards set by Sport NI, and self-assessed against the Child Protection in Sport Unit's Club Framework for Safeguarding Standards in Sport.
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 — see below.
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.
The Law Behind This Page
As a club based in Belfast, our policy is written to meet the legislation, statutory guidance, and sport-specific standards that apply in Northern Ireland:
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.
If Martin is unavailable, or the concern involves him directly, use the external contacts below.
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.
What We Ask Of Everyone
Short, practical rules that keep training safe for every young person in the academy:
- Coaches never train alone, unsupervised, with a single child — a second adult or open, visible mat space is always maintained.
- Photography or video of youth classes for social media only happens with written parental consent, and never in changing areas.
- Physical contact for coaching (grips, positioning, technique correction) is kept appropriate to the technique being taught, and explained before it happens.
- Any injury, however minor, is logged and a parent or guardian is informed the same day.
- Coaches and older students communicate with youth members through club channels only — never one-to-one on personal social media.
- Every coach and assistant working with the Youth Academy holds a current Enhanced AccessNI check.
Policy Documents
The full versions of our policies are below, or available on request from the club.