GUIDE TO SAFEGUARDING: MARTIAL ARTS
Safeguarding should be a top priority for all those involved in every sport, whether a club, organisation, an individual or as a parent. This is why Sport England have brought leading bodies from Safeguarding together with the Martial Arts sector to launch the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts.
Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts
The Safeguarding Code gives everyone an opportunity to work towards earning recognition that shows they have reached and maintained excellent safeguarding standards. By attaining the Safeguarding Code ‘mark’, all clubs and instructors can demonstrate that they are actively working to protect the children, young people and adults that are involved in their activities – as well as their own coaches and instructors.
The mark demonstrates that quality safeguarding processes and practices are in place. The mark also helps participants, parents and carers in their decision of where to go to get involved in Martial Arts.
Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts – STANDARDS
Clubs and individual instructors that meet the specific standards of the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts will be able to display the Safeguarding Code mark on all marketing literature, newsletters, website and social media pages, reassuring parents, carers and participants that they are fully committed to safeguarding at all levels.
The process is simple and there are lots of resources and template documents in place to support you through your submission. A checklist is available to download before you begin, outlining everything you will need to complete your submission so that you can collate it all before you return to demonstrate that you meet the Safeguarding Code’s standards.
REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITION
Since 2019, all martial arts clubs, organisations and individuals who have attained the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts mark are also published on a public facing database which has been set up to help give confidence to parents, carers and educational establishments when selecting a local club.
Registration is free and easy, and all Martial Arts clubs and instructors are encouraged to start working towards the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts now by visiting www.safeguardingcode.com.
USEFUL LINKS
Further information, advice, and guidance on safeguarding issues can be accessed via the below links.