1. Policy Statement

617 Goalies is committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all participants. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults in line with England Hockey’s Safeguarding & Protecting Young People Policy, statutory guidance, and best practice.

We believe that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • All participants, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio‑economic background, have the right to enjoy hockey in a safe environment.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

617 Goalies follows the England Hockey Spirit of Hockey and Code of Conduct and England Hockey Safeguarding Policy. This policy is in addition to that guidance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All coaching sessions delivered by 617 Goalies

  • All participants (children, young people, adults)

  • Parents/carers

  • Any volunteers or assistants

  • Any digital communication or media activity connected to coaching

3. Legal & Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with:

  • England Hockey’s Safeguarding & Protecting Young People in Hockey

  • England Hockey’s Good Practice Guidance

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Sport guidance

  • GDPR and data protection legislation

4. Definitions

Child / Young Person - Anyone under the age of 18, in line with the Children Act 1989 and England Hockey safeguarding guidance.

Adult at Risk / Vulnerable Adult - An adult aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to disability, illness, mental capacity, or circumstances.

Parent / Carer - The individual with legal responsibility for a child or young person.

Coach - Any individual delivering coaching under the 617 Goalies brand, including assistants or volunteers.

Safeguarding - Actions taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Abuse - A form of maltreatment that may be physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect. Abuse can occur online or in person.

Poor Practice - Behaviour that falls short of expected standards but does not meet the threshold for abuse. Examples include inappropriate communication, unsafe coaching methods, or ignoring safety instructions.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) - The UK system for criminal record checks to assess suitability for working with children or vulnerable adults.

Incident - Any event that results in injury, distress, or a safeguarding concern.

Near Miss - An event that could have resulted in injury or harm but did not.

5. Roles & Responsibilities

Coach Responsibilities

  • Hold an enhanced DBS suitable for working with children.

  • Maintain appropriate safeguarding training (England Hockey or UK Coaching).

  • Hold a relevant and up to date First Aid qualification

  • Create a safe coaching environment through risk assessment and good practice.

  • Respond appropriately to concerns or disclosures.

  • Report safeguarding concerns to the relevant Club Welfare Officer or England Hockey Lead Safeguarding Officer.

  • Always maintain professional boundaries.

Parent/Carer Responsibilities

  • Ensure goalkeepers arrive with appropriate protective equipment.

  • Support safe participation and communicate relevant medical or welfare information prior to sessions through booking forms.

Participant Responsibilities

  • Treat others with respect.

  • Follow safety instructions.

  • Report anything that makes them feel unsafe.

6. Good Practice Standards (England Hockey‑Aligned)

617 Goalies adopts the following good practice principles consistent with England Hockey guidance:

  • Positive Coaching Environment

  • Sessions planned to be age‑appropriate, inclusive, and safe.

  • Warm‑ups, cool‑downs, and equipment checks included in every session.

  • Physical contact kept to what is appropriate, necessary, and explained.

  • Communication with juniors is professional, transparent, and parent‑inclusive.

  • No direct or private communication with any child or vulnerable adult

Supervision & Ratios

617 Goalies does not permit coaches to be in sole supervision of children during coaching activities without the prior written consent of a parent or carer. Any coaching session taking place without direct parental supervision will be conducted in a clearly visible, open environment within the hockey facility, where the coach and participant remain observable by others at all times

For group sessions, 617 Goalies operates a maximum ratio of 1 coach to 8 goalies.

7. Inappropriate Practice

The following behaviours are prohibited:

  • Any form of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, neglect).

  • Rough physical play or unnecessary physical contact.

  • Private communication with juniors

  • Favouritism or inappropriate relationships.

  • Taking photos or videos without consent of parent/guardians either directly, or through club/school contact.

  • Sharing content on social media that identifies juniors without explicit parental consent.

8. Photography, Video & Social Media

617 Goalies follows England Hockey’s media guidance:

  • Written parental consent required for any photography or video of juniors.

  • Images must be safe, appropriate, and non‑identifiable where possible.

  • No tagging of juniors on social media.

  • Video analysis stored securely and shared only with parents/participants.

9. Safeguarding Concerns & Reporting

9.1 Concerns may include:

  • Physical injuries

  • Changes in behaviour

  • Disclosure of harm

  • Inappropriate behaviour from adults or peers

  • Online safety concerns

9.2 Responding to a Disclosure

The coach will:

  • Listen calmly and without judgement

  • Avoid leading questions

  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing

  • Explain that the information must be shared with the appropriate safeguarding lead

  • Record the disclosure factually and promptly

9.3 Reporting Routes

Concerns will be reported with 24 hours to:

  • The relevant Club Welfare Officer (if session delivered at a club)

  • Designated Safegarding Lead (DSL) (if session delivered at a school)

  • England Hockey England Hockey Ethics and Welfare Team (safeguarding@englandhockey.co.uk)

  • Police or Children’s Social Care if immediate risk is present

All reports will made via the Incident Reporting Form.

617 Goalies will never promise confidentiality.

10. Data Protection & Record Keeping

  • Safeguarding records stored securely and separately from coaching notes.

  • Access restricted to the coach and relevant safeguarding authorities.

  • Records retained in line with England Hockey guidance and statutory requirements (GDPR).

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

  • England Hockey updates safeguarding guidance

  • Legislation changes

  • A safeguarding incident requires policy revision

Last Review: 05/10/2026 by James Harris

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy