Safe Practice Policy
It is a requirement that all clubs adopt our safe practice policy in order to safeguard the welfare of ALL participants.
Health and Safety
Risk Assessment: you must risk assess your venue/training area and the activities you plan to deliver. We have prepared a risk assessment template (based on the one recommended by the HSE) and you can download it here
Concussion: the government has issued guidance for grass roots clubs. You can download the document here. In light of recent and tragic events in martial arts, it’s essential that all coaches have a clear understanding of how to deal with concussion, possible concussion and prevention/risk mitigation strategies. Visit this website to access the most recent version of the guidance: https://sportandrecreation.org.uk/campaigns-and-policy/concussion/concussion-guidelines-for-grassroots-sport
Health & Safety Policy statement: Each Association/Club should have a statement regarding how you will manage health and safety within your organisation/group. This Policy Statement will be unique to you, but we have prepared a template for you to use, along with some guidance on what you might include.
Using weapons
Government briefing paper on offensive weapons
Alliance Weapons policy: please ensure you follow the guidance in this document to remain compliant with our insurance cover. NO live blades are to be used (i.e. sharp blades, shinken etc)
Recruiting Coaches, Helpers, Assistants.
If you employ PAYE staff then normal HR and legal requirements will apply (more information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/employing-staff).
Most clubs will be using volunteers and many duty of care requirements stay the same. Some legislation make no distinction between paid employees and volunteers.
If your volunteers are going to be working with anyone under the age of 18 then safeguarding requirements apply (see menu bar at the top of the website for more information).
Your Association Safeguarding Officer (ASO) will be able to help you with recruitment of volunteers who will be working with/have contact with under 18s. Please discuss requirements with your ASO before appointing anyone to a role with under 18s.
Junior class resources and downloads
Downloads and resources from Kidscape – the UK’s leading anti bullying charity. Check their website in November each year for resources to support National Anti Bullying week.
https://www.kidscape.org.uk/resources/
The Child Protection in Sport Unit. A wealth of resources for safeguaring in sport. Remember, you need to adhere to the Alliance Safeguaring Policy documents – but there are lots of additional resources on the CPSU website.
These downloadable resources are from UK Coaching – they are designed to embed basic skills into sports sessions
Safeguarding
First Aid
Having an instructor who is First Aid qualification as a coach is not mandatory within Alliance-affiliated clubs. However, your risk assessment may indicate that a first aid qualification is recommended as part of your risk mitigation (for example, if you coach in a more remote facility or without support on hand from facility staff). All clubs will have this duty of care towards their members.
The Resuscitation Council has lots of free resources which you can access here (they will not replace a first aid certificate but can help you learn vital skills and understand how best to deal with an emergency.
https://www.resus.org.uk/public-resource
This is a free online course which guides you through the process of dealing with a sudden cardiac arrest. Highly recommended as CPD
https://www.ukcoaching.org/sca
Coaching and Neurodiversity
Here are some links to resources
Coaching Neurodiverse participants
UK Coaching provides a range of resources, some of which require a premium membereship to access:
https://www.ukcoaching.org/resources/topics/tips/coaching-people-with-autism
The National Autistic Society has a resource specifically for sports coaches:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/leisure/sports/sports-coaches
A Blog discussing martial arts and neurodiversity
https://www.hollyworton.com/martial-arts-and-the-autism-spectrum-the-challenges-and-benefits-of-martial-arts-for-autism/
Data Protection
You can use the ICO self assessment online checklist to see if you have to register and pay a fee: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-fee/data-protection-fee-self-assessment/