Safeguarding, Safety and Emergency Guidance
Every Stormers coach has a responsibility to protect the welfare of players and respond appropriately when a concern, injury or emergency occurs. This page provides practical courtside guidance. It does not replace the club’s formal safeguarding policies, emergency procedures, first-aid guidance or reporting forms.
Protect the child. Get help. Report through the correct club process.
If a Child Shares a Concern
Listen Calmly
Give the child your attention and allow them to speak in their own words.
Reassure Them
Tell the child they did the right thing by speaking to you.
Do Not Promise Confidentiality
Explain that you may need to share the concern with the appropriate club safeguarding person to help keep them safe.
Do Not Investigate
Do not ask leading questions, challenge the child or try to establish proof.
Record and Report
Write down what was said as accurately as possible and report it promptly through the club’s safeguarding process.
Listen. Reassure. Record. Report. Do not investigate.
Create a Safe Coaching Environment
Maintain Appropriate Supervision
Make sure players are properly supervised before, during and after practice.
Avoid Being Alone with a Child
Use open, observable spaces and follow the club’s safeguarding arrangements for one-to-one situations.
Record Attendance
Keep an accurate record of who attended the session and who was responsible for coaching.
Manage Collection Safely
Make sure children leave with the correct parent, guardian or agreed responsible adult.
Use Appropriate Boundaries
Keep communication, physical contact and coach-player interactions suitable, respectful and related to coaching.
Respond to Distress
Notice changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fear, upset or frustration and take concerns seriously.
Safety includes physical safety, emotional safety and appropriate boundaries.
Before Every Session, Know These Answers
Who is responsible for first aid?
Confirm who will take the lead if a player is injured or becomes unwell.
Where is the first-aid kit?
Make sure it is accessible and stocked.
Where is the AED?
Know its exact location and how to access it quickly.
What is the venue address?
Have the full address and access instructions ready for emergency services.
Where is the assembly point?
Know where players and coaches should go during an evacuation.
Who must be contacted?
Know the parent or guardian contacts and the appropriate club safeguarding or committee contact.
Do not wait for an emergency to find the answers.
Respond to Injury or Illness
Stop the Activity
Pause play immediately and make the area safe.
Assess the Situation
Check the player’s condition and decide whether first aid, additional help or emergency services are needed.
Use the First-Aid Plan
Know who is responsible for first aid and where the first-aid kit and AED are located.
Do Not Rush a Return
Do not allow a player to return if there is doubt about their safety, especially after a head injury.
Contact the Parent or Guardian
Inform the parent or guardian promptly when a player is injured, unwell or needs to leave.
Record the Incident
Complete the correct injury or incident form and inform the appropriate club officer.
Stop. Assess. Protect. Get help. Contact. Record.
Report and Follow Up
Record Facts Promptly
Write down what happened as soon as possible using clear, factual language.
Use the Correct Form
Complete the appropriate safeguarding, incident or injury report form.
Inform the Right Club Officer
Report the matter to the Designated Liaison Person, safeguarding lead or other responsible club officer as required.
Protect Confidentiality
Share information only with the people who need it to protect the child and manage the incident properly.
Check What Happens Next
Make sure any required parent contact, medical follow-up, safeguarding action or venue notification is completed.
Review the Session
Consider whether equipment, supervision, grouping or procedures should change before the next practice.
Record clearly. Report promptly. Follow through.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Call Emergency Services When Needed
For a serious injury, medical emergency or immediate danger, call emergency services without delay.
Know the Venue Details
Know the full venue address, access point, assembly point and how emergency responders can reach the court.
Follow the Evacuation Procedure
In a fire or evacuation, stop the session, lead players to the agreed assembly point and check attendance.
Respond to a Missing Child
Secure the remaining group, alert the venue and club safeguarding lead, contact the parent or guardian and escalate promptly.
Follow Known Medical Plans
Be aware of agreed plans for asthma, severe allergies, epilepsy or other known medical needs.
Manage Aggressive Behaviour Safely
Separate players, protect others, avoid escalating the situation and seek additional support where needed.
Know the venue. Know the contacts. Know the plan.
Protect the Player. Follow the Process.
Coaches are not expected to investigate safeguarding concerns or manage serious incidents alone. Your responsibility is to respond calmly, protect the child, get the right help and follow the club’s reporting process.