CHI COMBAT SYSTEM CROYDON

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Version 2.0 — 

1. Our Commitment

Chi Combat System Croydon is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive martial arts environment.

The welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is a priority.

We believe everyone has the right to participate in martial arts free from abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination and exploitation.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

This policy applies to instructors, assistants, volunteers, managers and others acting on behalf of CCS.

2. Safeguarding Responsibilities

CCS will maintain designated safeguarding responsibilities and clearly identified reporting arrangements.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

[Insert verified name]

Safeguarding contact:

[Insert verified contact details]

Deputy or alternative reporting contact:

[Insert verified details]

The designated safeguarding lead is responsible for coordinating safeguarding procedures, receiving concerns, maintaining appropriate records and supporting necessary referrals.

Concerns about the safeguarding lead must be reportable through an alternative channel.

3. Safer Recruitment

CCS will use appropriate recruitment and screening procedures for people working with children.

These may include:

• Identity verification.

• Appropriate references.

• DBS checks where eligible and applicable.

• Relevant safeguarding training.

• Suitable qualifications.

• Clear codes of conduct.

• Appropriate induction and supervision.

Coaches and assistants must understand their safeguarding responsibilities before undertaking relevant duties.

4. Instructor Code of Conduct

All instructors must maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Instructors must:

• Treat students respectfully.

• Use appropriate language.

• Follow approved safeguarding procedures.

• Avoid favouritism and inappropriate personal relationships.

• Avoid unnecessary isolated situations with children.

• Maintain appropriate physical-contact boundaries.

• Report safeguarding concerns promptly.

• Use approved communication methods.

Any allegation of abuse or serious misconduct must be addressed through appropriate reporting procedures.

5. Safe Training and Supervision

CCS will consider the age, experience and individual needs of students when organising training.

Class supervision should reflect:

• Student numbers.

• Age and ability.

• Contact level.

• Training activity.

• Instructor availability.

• Individual safety and support needs.

Coaches must provide appropriate instructions and use suitable risk controls.

Students should not participate in activities beyond their current ability or without appropriate supervision.

6. Physical Contact

Martial arts instruction may require controlled physical contact.

Physical contact must have a legitimate training or safety purpose.

Coaches should explain techniques appropriately and respect student boundaries.

Physical contact must never be used as punishment, intimidation or an excuse for inappropriate behaviour.

7. Sparring and Competitions

Students must only participate in sparring activities suitable for their age, ability and readiness.

Appropriate protective equipment must be used.

Coaches will supervise sparring and intervene where necessary.

Competition participation will be subject to relevant eligibility requirements, event rules, permissions and safety assessments.

No student should be pressured into inappropriate contact activities.

8. Private Lessons

Private lessons involving children require additional safeguarding safeguards.

Sessions should take place in appropriate environments with suitable visibility and oversight.

Parents or guardians should be informed of lesson arrangements.

Coaches must maintain professional boundaries and follow approved procedures.

Any additional supervision requirements will be determined by the student's circumstances and the safeguarding arrangements in force.

9. Arrival and Collection

CCS will communicate clear arrival and collection arrangements for children.

Parents and guardians are responsible for following those arrangements.

Younger children must not be released to unauthorised individuals where collection permission is required.

Where a child is not collected as expected, coaches must follow the club's agreed late-collection procedure.

Children must not be left unsupervised contrary to the applicable arrangements.

10. Bullying and Discrimination

CCS does not tolerate bullying, harassment, intimidation or discrimination.

All students should be treated fairly and respectfully.

Concerns will be assessed and addressed promptly.

Depending on the circumstances, CCS may take appropriate disciplinary or safeguarding action.

11. Supporting Students With Additional Needs

CCS aims to provide an inclusive training environment.

Where a student has a disability, medical condition or additional support need, instructors will consider reasonable adjustments and individual safety arrangements.

Any decision restricting participation should be based on an individual assessment rather than assumptions about a diagnosis.

Where necessary, CCS may consult with parents, guardians or relevant professionals to establish appropriate training arrangements.

12. Photography and Filming

Photography and filming must comply with the CCS Photography and Filming Policy.

Coaches must respect parental permissions, student preferences and safeguarding restrictions.

Photographs and videos must not be taken in changing rooms or other inappropriate settings.

Student images must only be stored and shared through authorised arrangements.

13. Online Communication

Instructors must maintain appropriate boundaries when communicating with children.

Communication relating to training should take place through approved CCS channels.

Where appropriate, parents or guardians should be included in communications.

Instructors must not use private messaging to establish inappropriate relationships with students.

Club communication groups must be appropriately managed and moderated.

14. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be taken seriously.

Individuals should report concerns promptly through the designated safeguarding arrangements.

Reports should be factual and include relevant observations, dates, times and information provided.

Coaches must not attempt to investigate serious allegations themselves.

Where a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted.

Where necessary, concerns will be referred to appropriate statutory safeguarding authorities.

15. Responding to Disclosures

If a student reports abuse or another serious concern:

• Remain calm.

• Listen carefully.

• Avoid leading questions.

• Do not promise absolute confidentiality.

• Explain that relevant information may need to be shared to keep people safe.

• Make an accurate record.

• Report the concern promptly through the safeguarding procedure.

The welfare of the individual must guide the response.

16. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Allegations involving instructors, staff or volunteers must be taken seriously.

Where required, concerns must be referred to the appropriate external safeguarding agencies, including the local authority designated officer arrangements for allegations involving people who work with children.

The person who is the subject of an allegation must not control the reporting or assessment process.

CCS will cooperate with statutory agencies and follow appropriate employment, safeguarding and legal procedures.

17. Recording and Confidentiality

Safeguarding information must be recorded accurately and stored securely.

Access must be restricted to authorised individuals with a genuine need.

Information will be shared where necessary and lawful to protect individuals or comply with relevant obligations.

Confidentiality must not prevent appropriate safeguarding referrals.

18. Emergencies and First Aid

CCS will maintain appropriate emergency arrangements for its training activities.

Coaches must know how to respond to injuries, medical emergencies and immediate safety concerns.

Relevant emergency contact information should be available to authorised staff when required.

Incidents must be recorded and escalated in accordance with club procedures.

19. Complaints and Concerns

Parents, students and staff may raise concerns about safety, conduct or safeguarding.

Complaints involving safeguarding matters must be considered under the appropriate safeguarding procedure rather than treated solely as ordinary customer-service issues.

20. Training and Policy Review

CCS will review safeguarding arrangements regularly and following significant incidents or material changes.

Coaches and relevant personnel must receive training appropriate to their responsibilities.

Operational procedures must be updated where necessary to reflect current guidance.

21. Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead: M.Messaoudi

Direct safeguarding contact: support@croydonchicombat.com

Alternative reporting contact: T.Tosin 

CCS general enquiries: support@croydonchicombat.com

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

For non-emergency police assistance, call 101.

Effective date:9/11/2026

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