Safeguarding

Woking Pickleball Club – Safeguarding Policy

Purpose
Woking Pickleball Club is committed to providing a safe, positive and inclusive environment for everyone. Safeguarding is mandatory for all clubs, volunteers, coaches and members.

Who We Protect

Children and young people (under 18, with extended protections up to 21/25 in some cases).
Adults who may be additionally vulnerable, recognising that vulnerability can be temporary, situational or related to lived experience.

Core Principles

Safety and welfare come first.
Everyone has the right to enjoy pickleball free from harm, discrimination or abuse.
Concerns must be taken seriously and reported promptly.
Respect, inclusion, empowerment and partnership underpin all safeguarding practice.

Legal Framework
The policy aligns with UK safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and sport-sector standards.

Recognising Concerns
Abuse can occur in any setting. Everyone must look out for changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, isolation, fear, inappropriate conduct, grooming, or anything that “doesn’t feel right.” Trust your instincts and seek advice early.

Club Responsibilities

Adopted WPC’s safeguarding policy.
Appointed a trained Club Safeguarding Officer (and deputy).
Ensure all coaches and volunteers complete enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training.
Promote safe practice and uphold the WPC Code of Conduct.

Practices Never Allowed
Examples include: being alone with a young person, transporting them alone, inappropriate physical contact, sexualised behaviour, humiliating or favouring individuals, private messaging without parental knowledge, or failing to report concerns.

Reporting & Whistleblowing
Concerns must be shared with the Club Safeguarding Officer, WPC’s Safeguarding Team, or statutory agencies. Confidentiality is respected, and individuals raising concerns will be supported.

Positions of Trust
Coaches, leaders and volunteers hold a position of authority. Boundaries must be maintained at all times.

Safeguarding Contacts

Welfare Officer - Mr. Kamran Iqbal, welfare@wokingpickleball.com

Deputy Welfare Officer - Ms Caroline Bird

🟣 SAFEGUARDING: SPEAK UP IF YOU’RE WORRIED
🟪 1. Something Doesn’t Feel Right? Report It
Look out for:
Bullying or intimidation
Unexplained injuries
Someone looking scared or distressed
Inappropriate behaviour from a coach, volunteer, or member
Anything someone tells you that sounds worrying
You don’t need proof — just a concern.
🟣 2. Keep the Person Safe
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
Stay calm and supportive
Don’t promise to keep secrets — you may need to tell someone who can help
🟪 3. Report It Straight Away
Tell the Safeguarding Officer (or Deputy) as soon as possible, share:
What happened
When and where
Who was involved
What was said (use exact words if you can)
If they’re unavailable, speak to a committee member.
🟣 4. Write It Down
Keep it short and factual:
What you saw, heard, or were told
No opinions or guesses
Sign and date it
Give it securely to the Safeguarding Officer.
🟪 5. The Safeguarding Officer Will Handle It
They will:
Review your concern
Decide what needs to happen
Contact outside agencies if needed
They may not share full details, but they will confirm it’s being dealt with.
🟣 6. If You Feel It Wasn’t Taken Seriously
You can go directly to:
The national governing body’s safeguarding team
Local authority safeguarding services
The police (if urgent)
No one is criticised for raising a genuine concern.
🟪 Safeguarding Is Everyone’s Responsibility
If something feels wrong, say something. Together we keep our pickleball community safe, respectful, and welcoming.

Contact

info@wokingpickleball.co.uk

Woking, UK

SOCIAL

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest news & updates

Our Sponsors