Safeguarding Home Page

Use the drop-down headings under Safeguarding to find our Parent's Hub and Young Person's Hub.

Visit our news section for an important update on guidance for members.

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Safeguarding and Good Practice: Youth Bodyweight Categories at WW Events

At Weightlifting Wales (WW), we recognise that young lifters are growing and adapting to training. To support their development and wellbeing, the following trial rules will apply at WW events:

• Under 12s:
  There will be no weigh-in procedure for U12 lifters. Openers and paperwork will still be completed 2 hours before competition as would have been done during the weigh-in, this will now be called the 'U'12 competition final registration' in the competition schedule.
  Results will be based on technical points, with an emphasis on safe, efficient lifting.
• U13–U17s:
  If a lifter weighs over or under their selected category on the day, they will be moved into the correct category and remain in full competition - not as a guest. Their results will be transferred accordingly.
• Bodyweight Category Changes:
  All lifters can inform the competition organiser of any category changes up to 3 days prior to the event to help ensure smooth scheduling.
   

Reducing Weight:
WW strongly discourages any lifter under 18 from cutting weight for competition. If a change of category is needed, please let the organiser know - it is no problem to update this before the event.

Weightlifting Wales is committed to safeguarding people participating in the sport, it is therefore vital that everyone involved in Weightlifting Wales, including coaches, volunteers and staff, are aware of their duty to safeguard the interest of children, young people and adults at risk.

In 2022 new legislation was published, closing a loophole which had previously enabled some sport leaders to abuse their position of trust. (See 2.2 in Safeguarding Policy).

People who hold a position of trust; such as a coach, a welfare officer, an official or a member of staff within a club or organisation, have a responsibility for the welfare of the under 18's members of their club / organisation, and therefore should not engage in a sexual relationship with anyone within their care, who is under the age of 18 years old.

If you are concerned about the behaviour of someone who is in a position of trust, you can report this to:

• Your/your child's Club Welfare Officer
• Weightlifting Wales Lead Safeguarding Officer (simon.roach@weightlifting.wales)
• Weightlifting Wales Safeguarding Lead (hannah.powell@weightlifting.wales)
• British Weight Lifting Safeguarding Officer (Sue Ward - via email: sue.ward@britishweightlifting.org or telephone: 01132 249 402.)
• The Police

REMEMBER
It's not your responsibility to decide whether or not abuse has taken place, but it is your responsibility to act if you have concerns. No action is not an option. Never ignore a concern; your information may be vital, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.

Take a look at this NSPCC animation video below: 'How to talk to Children: Receiving a Disclosure from a Child'

Safeguarding and protecting children (essential for all licensed Coaches, Club Welfare Officers and Officials)

Safeguarding Adults

Choose the right training here (Child Protection in Sport Unit)
 

Time to Listen Club Welfare Officers (Online) 
 

Click here for upcoming courses through Welsh Sport Association
 

Training and Webinars NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit
 

CLUB RESOURCES

As part of our commitment to safeguarding in sport, Weightlifting Wales uses the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) DBS Checking Service for Sport & Leisure. The service is run through its trading arm Vibrant Nation, and provides bilingual, online DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service, formally CRB).

The WSA is the only provider of a fully bilingual system and service in Wales, and even offer a free DBS bilingual helpline should you have any questions. WSA offer a range of ID verification options, including the Post Office. The system also utilises the DBS Update Service, allowing Weightlifting Wales to fully enhance our safeguarding practices.

The system is entirely web-based and can be accessed from any location, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system will also guide you through the process, ensuring that all correct information is provided thus reducing the likelihood of errors. Most applications are returned within 2 weeks, although many come back much quicker than this, some as quickly as 24 hours.

All individuals working with/having regular unsupervised contact with children should undertake an enhanced disclosure DBS check. Additionally, in Weightlifitng all licensed coaches must have an enhanced disclosure DBS check

For more information on DBS checks, please contact the Welsh Sports Association via the e-mail address or Helpline service below:

admin@vibrantnation.co.uk Tel 029 2033 4995

Alternatively contact your Weightlifting Wales safeguarding officer Simon Roach via the details below:

Simon.roach@weightlifting.wales