Parents and Guardians

Parents and Guardians play a vital part in safeguarding children in sport. Children may come to you when they are concerned or worried about something that has happened to them or about something they have witnessed happening to someone else. You may also notice changes in behaviour that may indicate that there is something upsetting your child. In such cases, it is important to know what to do to help your child.

If you're worried that your child is being abused, suspect poor practice or are worried that your child is being put at risk during sports activities, it's vital that you talk to someone who can help. 

The animation below is a useful guide for parents/guardians of children participating in sport.

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 Safeguarding Officer (simon.roach@weightlifting.wales )
• British Weight Lifting Safeguarding Officer (Sue Ward - via email: sue.ward@britishweightlifting.org or telephone: 01132 249 402.)
• The Police

If you need to make a report to Weightlifting Wales, you can complete the Safeguarding Concern form (below) and email to Simon Roach, Lead Safeguarding Officer on simon.roach@weightlifting.wales or to Deputy Safeguarding Officer on hannah.powell@weightlifting.wales.