Safe Sport
Safeguarding Lacrosse Standards
England Lacrosse, and all affiliated clubs and organisations, have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that all under 18-year-olds are kept safe whilst participating in lacrosse. It is important that young people involved in our sport can enjoy lacrosse in a welcoming, positive, and safe environment.
England Lacrosse requests that all clubs commit to these minimum standards on an annual basis. A continual commitment to these standards ensures that new and existing club volunteers are up to date in an ever-changing safeguarding and welfare environment.
The minimum ‘Call to Action’ requirements are detailed below, along with documents and guidance to help ensure clubs are compliant. We ask Clubs to complete the self-assessment honestly. It is ok to answer ‘no’ to any standard your club does not currently meet- this can help us to identify where you may require support.
Safeguarding Training
It’s easy to access any safeguarding training information you may need. Click to download any of the below training materials.
Safeguarding Best Practise Training
Information for Clubs
Club Welfare Officers
All clubs in England are required to have an active Welfare Officer as part of their committee or leadership team. This important role covers many safeguarding areas, and we encourage clubs to use the resources provided by England Lacrosse to aid in the successful implementation of the role.
Appropriate Practice
Your club leadership team should continuously promote best practice throughout the club and appreciate the importance of how to recognise poor practice. The tools below should serve as a guide to upholding a safe environment for all.
If you require direct support with implementing Safe Sport and Safeguarding at your club please get in touch at [email protected]
Disclosure & Barring Protocols
Understanding the legal requirements of your club can be daunting, but England Lacrosse have the information you need below to cover a variety of queries.
Photographic Consent
Photographs and videos of lacrosse training and matches are often sought after by players, parents and coaches, but it’s important to adhere to the safeguarding rules surrounding this.
Taking Photographic and Recorded Images of Young People
Video Conferencing and Live Stream Guidance
Reporting a Concern
It is never easy to come forward and report concerns regarding safeguarding or welfare. However, you can call or text our designated safeguarding leads via 07546614756 or 07729720149 for help.
In many cases, it is not easy to tell if the actions of an individual or an organisation constitutes abuse, even to those who have years of experience. This is especially so for those who work in voluntary positions. However, all adults who are working or volunteering in lacrosse have a duty of care to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of poor practice or abuse of a child or vulnerable adult in the sport.
It is not your responsibility to decide if an abuse has taken place, but it is your responsibility to report any concerns you might have to the appropriate person or organisation.
If you have concerns about the welfare of a person or the practices of a club or association, it is very important you report it. This should communicated to your club or regional Welfare Officers, who should be known to you, or to England Lacrosse at [email protected]. If you are concerned someone might be in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 and email [email protected] as a follow up.
Details on how England Lacrosse will respond to a reported concern is detailed below:
Additional Support
For out-of-hours advice and guidance you can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 / [email protected] or the Child Protection in Sport Unit on 0116 366 5590 / [email protected].
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) offer various e-resources and videos on what to do if you have any concerns about a child in sport. You can access their Keeping Children Safe in Sport Campaign animation here, visit their parent’s hub, or explore their free e-learning course here. You can also find a video guide from the NSPCC on how to respond to a disclosure or allegation of abuse by clicking here.
Information for Parents & Players
Information for Parents
Keeping your children safe is a top priority. England Lacrosse have outlined guidance for parents of lacrosse players to ensure you have all the information you need to help your child succeed and most importantly, stay safe.
Information for Young Players
There may come a time when young players are invited to play with or against adults in lacrosse. England Lacrosse want to ensure that young players feel comfortable and confident in understanding their rights in certain situations.
Working With Young People
From time to time, adults may be required to work and travel with young players at either domestic, school, or international level. It’s important to understand what is required to ensure the safety of all involved.
Application Form for Working with Young People
Adults At Risk
As well as ensuring the safety of young people in lacrosse, keeping at risk adults safe is also a priority. The Adults at Risk Guidance provides detailed information on best practices and ways to ensure these are upheld.