Child Welfare &
Safeguarding Policy

Runnymede Rockets BMX Club is committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children and young people involved in our activities. We believe that every child has the right to participate in sport in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment, free from abuse, exploitation or harm of any kind.

This policy applies to all club officials, coaches, volunteers, parents and any other adults who come into contact with children through the club. All persons in a position of trust at the club are required to adhere to this policy at all times.

As a British Cycling affiliated club, Runnymede Rockets operates in accordance with the British Cycling Safeguarding Framework and the UK Cycling Alliance guidelines.

Runnymede Rockets has a designated Safeguarding Lead who is the first point of contact for any welfare concern at the club. All concerns must be reported to the DSL as soon as practicable.

If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact the club via runnymedewelfare@gmail.com. In an emergency, always call 999 first.

Any person who has a concern about the welfare of a child must report it immediately. You do not need proof — if something feels wrong, report it.

• Contact the club Safeguarding Lead at runnymedewelfare@gmail.com
• If the concern involves the Safeguarding Lead, contact British Cycling's safeguarding team directly
• In an emergency or if a child is at immediate risk, call 999
• For non-emergency concerns, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000
• Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111

All coaches and volunteers at Runnymede Rockets must:

• Hold a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check appropriate to their role
• Complete British Cycling safeguarding training as required for their level
• Never be alone with a child in a situation that could be considered inappropriate
• Communicate with young riders in an open, transparent manner — parents should be copied on any written communication with under-18s
• Never use physical punishment, abusive language, or humiliation as a coaching tool
• Report any concerns about a child's welfare immediately to the Safeguarding Lead
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times

Runnymede Rockets respects the privacy and dignity of all young riders. The following rules apply to photography and the sharing of images:

• Official club photography is taken by authorised club officials only
• Parental or guardian consent is required before images of under-18s are published on club social media or the website
• Images of young riders must be appropriate and in the context of sporting activity
• Photographs must not include personal information that could identify a child's location (e.g. school uniforms)
• Any member, parent or visitor wishing to photograph or video young riders at club events must make themselves known to a club official
• Sharing images of other people's children on personal social media without parental consent is not permitted

Runnymede Rockets has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying of any kind — whether physical, verbal, online or social exclusion. Any reports of bullying will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly in line with British Cycling guidelines.

Bullying by any member, coach or parent — whether on-site or online — may result in suspension or removal from the club.

Parents and guardians of young riders at Runnymede Rockets are expected to:

• Read and adhere to the Parent Code of Conduct
• Ensure their child is appropriately supervised when not participating in a coached session
• Report any concerns about their child's welfare at the club to the Safeguarding Lead
• Not approach coaches, officials or other riders in an aggressive or threatening manner

As a British Cycling affiliated club, we operate under their safeguarding framework. Further resources and guidance are available at:

• British Cycling Safeguarding
• NSPCC
• Childline