Recently, here at the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts, we’ve been working with a Local Authority Designated Safeguarding Officer to review an allegation of sexual assault within a martial arts club.

This situation was made worse for the young member by the fact that she felt her club couldn’t support her during this process – the accused was an instructor related to the Welfare Officer. Would the Welfare Officer therefore listen? Be independent in their view? Believe her? As a result, the member and her family made the decision to report the incident directly to the Police.

This is a common situation, in martial arts clubs where husband and wife teams take on important roles like this together and sometimes, employ family members as instructors. Another case recently reported to us was complicated by a mother/son relationship.

“You always think it’s never going to happen to you,” said the Club’s owner who found himself in a situation where a family member was being investigated by the Police and a long-standing young member was displaying trauma and unable to return to the Club.

The lesson was learned too late here about the important role of independence in appointing someone to this key job in a club. This role is supposed to exist to support members and look after their “welfare” – in this case, that was, unfortunately, not possible and the immediate escalation to the Police was the inevitable result.

These types of safeguarding issues are happening and are happening NOW! Don’t wait for it to happen in your club before you do something about it.

· There are some key learnings to share from this experience:

a) Make sure your Welfare Officer is completely independent, easily accessible and open to listening.

b) Review your Codes of Conduct with your instructors so they know what’s expected of them.

c) Make sure that all members also know what’s in the Code of Conduct so they all know what to expect from their instructors.

d) Talk to parents and carers and make sure that they understand the reporting route – who do I go to if I have concerns?

Following the advice, the club in question worked hard with an external agency to deliver an independent investigation and report on the incident. They have reviewed the Welfare Officer role and appointed someone with independence. A review of all processes, Codes of Conduct and Safeguarding Policies have taken place and they’ve also taken the time to work to educate parents and carers of members of the Club’s reporting channels and ensure children understand how to know when something isn’t appropriate.

DON’T WAIT TILL IT IS TOO LATE – REVIEW YOUR SAFEGUARDING PROCESS TODAY.

Can you demonstrate the independence of your club welfare officer? Go to www.safeguardingcode.com if you’re a martial arts club in England. It’s free and we would love to help!