Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 1st of July 2026
Review Date: Annually

Safeguarding Statement

The welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is our highest priority. Everyone involved with ProNetBall—including directors, coaches, staff, volunteers, parents and participants—shares responsibility for safeguarding.

We are committed to promoting the wellbeing, safety and development of every participant through clear policies, safe working practices and a culture of respect.

Our Commitment

ProNetBall will:

• Place the welfare of children and adults at risk above all other considerations.
• Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Listen to and respect the views of children and young people.
• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to any concern or allegation.
• Recruit staff and volunteers safely.
• Ensure appropriate safeguarding training is completed where required.
• Maintain appropriate safeguarding records in line with UK GDPR.
• Work alongside parents, carers, governing bodies and statutory agencies where necessary.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

• Directors
• Employees
• Coaches
• Assistant coaches
• Volunteers
• Guest coaches
• Officials
• Contractors
• Players
• Parents and carers
• Anyone representing ProNetBall

It applies at:

• Training sessions
• Academies
• Camps
• Trials
• Events
• Competitions
• Online coaching
• Video analysis sessions
• Social media activity
• Any activity organised by ProNetBall

Safeguarding Principles

We believe:

• Every child has the right to feel safe.
• Every participant deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Abuse is never acceptable.
• Everyone has a responsibility to report concerns.
• Concerns should always be taken seriously and acted upon.

Safer Recruitment

Where roles involve regulated activity or regular contact with children, ProNetBall aims to:

• Carry out Enhanced DBS checks where appropriate.
• Verify identity.
• Verify coaching qualifications.
• Obtain references where appropriate.
• Ensure coaches understand safeguarding responsibilities.
• Provide safeguarding induction and ongoing training.

Code of Conduct

All staff, coaches and volunteers must:

• Treat every participant fairly and with respect.
• Be positive role models.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Never engage in bullying, intimidation or discriminatory behaviour.
• Never develop inappropriate relationships with participants.
• Never communicate privately with junior players through personal social media accounts.
• Use appropriate language at all times.
• Respect confidentiality while recognising that safeguarding concerns must be reported.

Participants are expected to:

• Treat others respectfully.
• Follow coaching instructions.
• Behave appropriately.
• Report concerns if they feel unsafe.

Parents and carers are expected to:

• Support positive behaviour.
• Respect coaches, officials and volunteers.
• Raise concerns appropriately.
• Help create a positive sporting environment.

Recognising Abuse

Safeguarding concerns may involve:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying
• Cyberbullying
• Grooming
• Exploitation
• Domestic abuse
• Online abuse
• Discrimination
• Radicalisation
• Poor coaching practice

Safeguarding concerns may arise both within and outside sport.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone with a safeguarding concern should report it immediately.

If a child or adult is in immediate danger:

• Call 999 immediately.
• Then notify ProNetBall’s Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

Where there is no immediate danger:

• Record the facts accurately.
• Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Do not investigate yourself.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Cooperate with any investigation.

No person will be treated unfairly for reporting a genuine safeguarding concern.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Lucy French

Email: [email protected]

Photography and Video

ProNetBall may use photography and video for coaching, promotional and educational purposes.

We will:

• Obtain appropriate parental consent where required.
• Never identify children by full name alongside images.
• Store images securely.
• Remove images if consent is withdrawn where reasonably practicable.
• Expect parents and spectators to use images responsibly.

Online Safety

Online coaching and communication will be conducted professionally.

ProNetBall will:

• Use appropriate communication platforms.
• Keep communications relevant to coaching.
• Avoid one-to-one messaging with junior participants where possible.
• Encourage parents to be involved in online sessions for younger participants.
• Take online safeguarding concerns seriously.

Anti-Bullying

ProNetBall operates a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.

Bullying includes:

• Physical bullying
• Verbal abuse
• Social exclusion
• Online bullying
• Discrimination
• Harassment

Any bullying concerns will be investigated promptly and appropriate action taken.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ProNetBall welcomes participants from every background.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of:

• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marriage or civil partnership

Discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated.

Health and Safety

ProNetBall aims to provide a safe environment by:

• Completing risk assessments where appropriate.
• Maintaining suitable first aid provision.
• Recording accidents and incidents.
• Ensuring venues are suitable for activity.
• Monitoring participant welfare throughout sessions.

Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect children or adults at risk.

Information will be managed in accordance with UK data protection legislation.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• Governing body guidance changes
• Serious incidents occur
• Best practice develops

Useful Contacts

Emergency Services: 999

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

If you have any safeguarding concerns relating to ProNetBall activities, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead using the details provided above.

ProNetBall believes safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Together we can ensure every participant enjoys netball in a safe, supportive and positive environment.