Safeguarding

The St Albans Chess Club and Congress Committee, which comprise members of all ages, fully endorse and promote the Safeguarding Policy of English Chess Federation (ECF), the national governing body for chess.

ECF Safeguarding Resources

Child Protection Code of Conduct

English Chess Federation - For Staff and Volunteers

The ECF recognises that its staff (officials, coaches, arbiters) and volunteers, and those of its constituent member organisations, involved in chess for children and young people have a great opportunity to be a positive role model and help build an individual's confidence.

Staff and volunteers are expected to:

  • Ensure the safety of all children by providing effective supervision and proper planning of organised chess activities.
  • Consider the well being and safety of participants before engaging in activities such as coaching or organising playing of chess.
  • Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
  • Treat all young people fairly and ensure they feel valued and respected. Have no favourites.
  • Encourage all children not to discriminate on the grounds of religious beliefs, race, gender, social classes or lack of ability.
  • Not allow any bullying, or the use of bad language or inappropriate behaviour.
  • Appreciate the efforts of all young people and encourage sensible participation in chess activities.
  • Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
  • Be positive, approachable and offer praise to promote the objectives of the club/organisation at all times.
  • Not let any allegations of abuse of any kind or poor practice to go unchallenged or unrecorded.
  • Never use sanctions that humiliate or harm young people.
  • Report accidents or incidents of alleged abuse or poor practice to the designated Safeguarding Officer/person.
  • Maintain confidentiality about sensitive information.
  • Respect and listen to the opinions of young people.
  • Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
  • Be a role model, displaying consistently high standard of behaviour and appearance.
  • Refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol during direct coaching.
  • Avoid taking photos without permission, especially of individuals.

Emergency Action and First Aid

Chess Organisers, coaches and leaders should be prepared with an action plan in the event of an emergency. This will include as a minimum:

  • Access to First Aid equipment and a first aid book and/or other similar resource
  • Plan for actions if no qualified first aider is available
  • Emergency evacuation plan
  • Telephone contact if the participant is a minor for consent and information purposes
  • Telephone contact to the Emergency Services