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Safeguarding and the Ulster Angling Federation
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The Ulster Angling Federation is dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. As the governing body for angling in Northern Ireland, we recognise our responsibility to maintain a clear and effective safeguarding policy that can be embraced by our diverse community.
Our safeguarding efforts are focused on protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who may be vulnerable or at risk due to the actions or inactions of others. Our comprehensive approach aims to create a secure environment for all individuals involved in angling activities, promoting a culture of vigilance and care.
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A policy's true value lies in its application. To honour our commitment to protecting young people and vulnerable adults, it is essential that everyone involved in angling actively enforces the policy and its guidelines. A policy that isn't put into practice cannot adequately protect individuals.
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We all cherish the memories of learning to fish. By adhering to the guidelines in our safeguarding policy, we can minimise the risk of anyone experiencing harm or discomfort while engaging in fishing activities.
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To stay current and effective, we continuously collaborate with Sport NI and the NSPCC, reviewing our progress and ensuring compliance with national standards and laws.
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We encourage everyone to contribute to making angling a safe and enjoyable pursuit by implementing our safeguarding policies. You can download the policies using the links provided below. For any questions regarding these documents, please contact me.
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David Thompson
Lead Safeguarding Officer
Ulster Angling Federation
uafclubdevelopment@gmail.com
Definitions of Abuse and Poor Practice
​While it is not your role to diagnose or label what constitutes abuse or neglect, it is everyone's duty to ensure any concerns are reported to the appropriate authorities in line with this policy. If the nature of the concern is unclear, refer to the organisation’s whistle-blowing policy.
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Poor Practice​
Often, concerns may relate to poor practice, where the actions of a coach or another individual cause distress to a child or young person. Within this policy, poor practice refers to any behaviour that conflicts with the standards set out in the Ulster Angling Federation Code of Conduct or that infringes upon an individual’s rights. Any behaviour resulting in harm or abuse that fails to meet the duty of care should be considered a possible sign of abuse and reported accordingly.
Examples of poor practice in angling include:
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Using physical or humiliating punishments.
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Failing to act when witnessing possible abuse or bullying.
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Ignoring or breaching Ulster Angling Federation Codes of Conduct.
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Spending excessive time alone with young people during coaching.
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Allowing inappropriate touching.
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Not challenging inappropriate language used by young people.
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Making sexually suggestive comments, even in jest.
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Reducing a person to tears as a form of control.
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Not addressing allegations made by a young person.
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Leaving a young angler unattended at the water’s edge for long periods.
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Performing tasks for young people that they can do themselves.
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Sharing a bedroom with a young person to whom you are not related, even with parental consent.
What is Abuse?
Abuse can occur when someone causes harm to a young angler or fails to prevent harm. Abuse is often perpetrated by someone known to the child, including family members, and can also occur in community or sports settings, including angling clubs.
The effects of abuse can be profoundly damaging and may continue into adulthood if not addressed. For instance, a person abused as a child may struggle with relationships, substance abuse, or mental health issues. However, with appropriate support, many young people can recover and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
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Definitions of Child Abuse
The following definitions are adapted from Working Together to Safeguard Children – A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (Department for Education, 2013). Examples relevant to angling activities are included.
Abuse and neglect are forms of child maltreatment. An individual may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Abuse can occur within families, institutions, or community settings and may be perpetrated by known individuals or strangers, including via the internet. Abuse may be carried out by adults or other children.
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Physical abuse – Physical abuse involves causing physical harm to a child through actions such as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning, suffocating, or fabricating illness.
​In angling, physical abuse might include handling a child roughly or hitting them as a form of discipline.
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Emotional abuse – Emotional abuse is persistent maltreatment that adversely affects a child’s emotional development. This may involve making a child feel worthless or unloved, silencing them, or setting inappropriate expectations. It can include serious bullying, causing a child to feel frightened or in danger, or exploiting them.
​In angling, emotional abuse could involve repeatedly humiliating a child for losing a fish or setting them tasks beyond their abilities and belittling them when they fail.
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Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child into sexual activities, with or without physical contact, and may include activities such as looking at sexual images, engaging in sexual conversations, or grooming.
​In angling, sexual abuse could occur if a coach forms a sexual relationship with a young person, touches them inappropriately, or targets them online to develop an inappropriate relationship.
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Neglect – Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and psychological needs, likely impairing their health or development. This can include failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, protection, supervision, or medical care.
​In angling, neglect might involve making young anglers continue in severe weather without proper clothing.
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Bullying​
Bullying is a common cause of distress for children and young people. Every child should be able to participate in angling free from the fear of bullying, which can cause lasting physical, emotional, or psychological harm. Clubs and fisheries should work to prevent bullying and respond effectively when it occurs, fostering an environment of mutual respect.
Bullying can take many forms:
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Verbal: name-calling, teasing, threats, rumours, racial taunts, homophobic bullying, graffiti, and gestures.
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Physical: hitting, kicking, spitting, theft, or destruction of property.
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Emotional: ignoring, hurtful messages, exclusion from activities, tormenting, and humiliation.
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Victims of bullying are often shy, sensitive, anxious, or insecure. Bullies, who may have been victims of bullying or abuse themselves, typically seek power over others.
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Signs and Indicators of Abuse​
Signs that a young person may be experiencing abuse in angling activities include:
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Unexplained injuries or those inconsistent with explanations.
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Descriptions of abusive acts.
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Concerns expressed by others.
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Sudden changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal or aggression.
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Inappropriate sexual awareness or behaviour.
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Distrust of adults.
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Difficulty making friends.
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Being prevented from socialising.
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Changes in eating patterns or weight.
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Neglect of personal hygiene.
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This list is not exhaustive, and the presence of one or more indicators does not prove abuse is occurring. Maintaining good communication with parents/guardians can help identify other potential causes for changes in behaviour, such as bereavement.
It is not the responsibility of those in angling to determine whether abuse is happening, but they must report any concerns appropriately.​
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How to report a Concern
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If you are worried about the behaviour of an adult or another child towards a child, the following information will guide you on how to take appropriate action.
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Safeguarding concerns can range from minor poor practice to serious or repeated poor practice, or even actual abuse. Hearing suspicions or allegations of abuse can evoke strong emotions, but it is crucial to act on these concerns and report them to the proper authorities promptly.
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Concerns may arise from individuals involved in angling (such as coaches, volunteers, or other anglers) or from situations occurring outside the sport (such as at home, school, or within the wider community). Regardless of where the issue arises, any concerns about a child's welfare should be reported to your Club Safeguarding Officer or the Federation's Safeguarding Officer, David Thompson on uafclubdevelopment@gmail.com or by the contact us form  below and we can contact you promptly.
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For urgent matters where immediate contact with a club or Federation officer is not possible, you can call the NSPCC 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000. In emergencies where a child or children are at immediate risk of harm, contact the police by dialling 999 or reach out to children’s social care services in your area.
Remember, it is not your role to determine whether abuse has occurred, but it is your responsibility to report any concerns you may have.​​​​​​​​
Safeguarding Adults at Risk
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As the National Governing Body for Angling, the Ulster Angling Federation is dedicated to the safeguarding and welfare of all Adults at Risk. We firmly believe in the right of every individual to be treated with respect and dignity and to feel safe at all times.
Our Commitment
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A policy is only effective if it is actively implemented. To truly safeguard adults at risk, it is essential that everyone involved in angling proactively adopts and enforces our safeguarding policies. A policy left unacted upon will not protect people adequately.
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Your Role
Reflect on the joy and fulfilment you experienced when you first learned to fish. By adhering to the sensible steps outlined in our policy, you will help ensure that no one is harmed or made to feel miserable or afraid while participating in angling.
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Continuous Improvement
To stay current and effective in our safeguarding practices, we work closely with Sport NI and other external bodies. Our practices are audited to ensure we maintain high standards of safety and welfare.
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How You Can Help
Please assist us in making angling a safe and enjoyable activity for everyone by implementing our safeguarding policies. You can download these policies using the links provided below. If you have any questions or need further information, do not hesitate to contact us.
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Contact Information
David Thompson
Lead Safeguarding Officer, Ulster Angling Federation
Email: uafclubdevelopment@gmail.com
Assistance for Clubs
How does a club know if they are compliant?
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How does a club ensure volunteers are compliant?
When deploying club volunteers, it is crucial to conduct thorough investigations to identify any potential risks associated with their work with young people or vulnerable adults. The following chart outlines the necessary checks:
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Assistance for Children and Young People
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If you have a concern, find an adult you trust as soon as possible. This could be a parent, guardian, or someone else in your family; an adult in a club; a coach; a teacher or school counsellor; or your doctor or school nurse.
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Your club should have a Safeguarding Officer, and they will also know what to do. Find out who they are and speak to them.
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Don’t bottle it up. No problem is too big or too small, whether you’re feeling angry, unhappy, scared or stressed, or just want to talk to someone. No matter what it seems like on the outside, everyone has their own issues in their lives.
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Many young people who’ve had a worry in the past say they didn’t always want to talk face to face. Remember there are lots of ways you can get in touch with someone nowadays and find help.
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Get support on the message boards or one-to-one online chat with Childline.
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Write down your worries in a letter or a journal.
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Read the FAQs on the Childline website and the adults that you can trust to find answers to common questions.
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If someone has made you feel uncomfortable or tried to harm you, try to make sure you are not in a situation where you will be left alone again with the person.​​​​
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Assistance for Parents
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As a parent or carer, you have the right to check how well a sports club is managed to ensure your child’s safety and your peace of mind. When choosing a club for your child, consider these key points and ask important questions.
Remember, a good club will be happy to answer questions about their activities and rules. They should understand their responsibility to provide this information to anyone leaving a child in their care.
You may check if a coach is qualified or licenced with the Angling Trust by following the link below:
https://anglingtrust.net/check-a-coach/
If the coach you are checking does not appear on that list, then contact our Safeguarding Lead on the following email: uafclubdevelopment@gmail.com who should be able to confirm directly with the Angling Trust on your behalf. Sometimes coaches can be in the middle of renewing their licence or this may be a simple administrative error. But always good practice to check!
Seeking Help and Questions to Ask
If you are concerned that a child is being abused or at risk during sports activities, it is essential to speak to someone about it.
Reporting abuse or poor practices in a club can be intimidating, and you may feel anxious about the consequences for yourself or the child. However, if you have concerns, it is important to act. By doing so, you will protect the child involved and help prevent harm to other children.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
If there is no immediate danger and you are unsure whom to contact, call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 for immediate advice.
Review the club's procedures for recording and reporting concerns and adhere to them.
Speak with the club’s child protection, safeguarding or welfare officer.
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Does the organisation have a child protection policy?
Sports clubs should have a child protection policy with a clear process for handling concerns about potential abuse. Parents and carers should be able to access this policy upon request.
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Who can you talk to if you or your child have any concerns?
The sports organisation should be open to listening and advising on what steps to take if you have any concerns. They should also provide information on local or national services that offer support and guidance.
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Does the organisation have a written code of conduct?
There should be a written code of conduct outlining expectations for staff, volunteers, and participants. Avoid organisations that tolerate bullying, shouting, racism, sexism, or any other harmful behaviour. Unacceptable behaviour should be professionally addressed by the organisation.
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What are the boundaries regarding club relationships?
The club should have clear guidelines about physical contact and social interactions between staff, volunteers, children, and parents. Identify who in the club you can approach if you have concerns about boundary violations.
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What about arrangements for away fixtures and other events?
The sports club should provide details about event arrangements, including transport to and from the venue. You should also receive information about the venue. If it is far from home, you should be given an emergency contact number.
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Questions to ask Regarding Recruitment of Staff & Volunteers
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Have all staff and volunteers been selected through a proper recruitment process?
Ensure that all staff and volunteers have been chosen through a comprehensive recruitment process. This should include interviews, reference checks, and police checks for those working with children. There should always be someone in charge to supervise staff and volunteers.
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What training has been provided for staff and volunteers?
All staff and volunteers should have up-to-date and recognised safeguarding training.
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Is the coach qualified and licensed by the Angling Trust?
Your child’s coach should hold a recognised qualification that includes child protection training from a reputable organisation. Additionally, the Angling Trust, the UK National Governing Body for the sport, runs a ‘Licensed Coach Scheme’. This scheme ensures that all coaches have completed the necessary training and checks to uphold high safeguarding standards for children in angling. All licensed coached that the Ulster Angling Federation use, are qualified and licensed by the Angling Trust.
Essential Safety and Care Measures Each Club Should Provide
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Qualified First Aider
Ensure that a staff member within the sports club or organisation is a qualified first aider.
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Availability of Key Items and Procedures
The club should have:
- A fully stocked first aid box.
- A clear procedure for reporting and responding to injuries or accidents that occur during club activities.
- Arrangements for providing drinks and administering medications, with parental consent required for any medication given.
- Premises that meet fire safety regulations.
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Your Child’s Personal Care Needs
If your child requires assistance with using the toilet, feeding, or medication, inquire about the club’s procedures for managing these personal care needs.
Parents as Volunteers and Spectators
Parents also have a level or responsibility and play a vital role in children's participation but pushy parents can negatively affect their children's participation in sports. This behaviour is also noticed by other parents and coaches.
This section aims to highlight some red flags to help you and your child enjoy their time fishing without feeling pressured.
Parents play a crucial role in encouraging and supporting their child's participation in sports. This includes providing transportation to and from training sessions and matches and purchasing sports kits and equipment.
Many parents also contribute by volunteering at the club, organising fundraising events, or assisting with websites or funding applications. By doing so, you can serve as a positive role model, promoting fair play and a sporting approach to your child's involvement.
However, sometimes parental behaviour can be less positive, making it difficult for children to enjoy or even continue participating in their sport. Parents may not initially recognise or realise that their behaviour is negative or abusive.
How Can Parents Positively Support Their Children?
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Support Your Child Enthusiastically - Show genuine enthusiasm for your child’s involvement in their sport.
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Encourage Without Expecting Perfection - Encourage your child to do their best without putting pressure on them to be perfect.
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Be a Good Role Model - Demonstrate positive behaviour for both children and other parents.
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Promote Fair Play - Encourage fair play and good sportsmanship in all situations.
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Acknowledge Everyone's Efforts - Recognise and appreciate the efforts of all the children, not just your own.
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Encourage Playing by the Rules - Teach your child the importance of following the rules of the sport.
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Support Coaches and Officials - Show support for coaches and officials, especially those who are young and still learning.
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Constructive Criticism - Share any challenges or criticisms of officials, coaches, or players in a constructive and respectful manner.
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Encourage Positive Spectatorship - Encourage other spectators to maintain a positive attitude.
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Address Poor Behaviour - Challenge or report any inappropriate behaviour observed.
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Allow Coaches to Coach - Trust the coaches to do their job without interference.
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Support Your Child's Ambitions - Respect and support your child's goals and dreams in their sport.
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Remember It's Your Child's Experience - Keep in mind that the sporting experience belongs to your child, not to you.
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Celebrate the Whole Child - Celebrate and support your child as a whole person, recognising that they need a variety of experiences both within and outside of sport.
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Dealing with Challenging Behaviours
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Staff and volunteers involved in delivering sports activities to children may encounter challenging behaviour. These guidelines aim to promote good practice and encourage proactive responses to help children manage their own behaviour. They provide strategies and sanctions that can be used and identify unacceptable sanctions or interventions that must never be used.
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Principles
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The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration.
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Clear guidelines about required standards of conduct should be provided to all involved in activities, including children, coaches, volunteers, and parents/carers.
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Children must never be subjected to any treatment that is harmful, abusive, humiliating, or degrading.
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Some children may exhibit challenging behaviour due to specific circumstances, such as medical or psychological conditions. Coaches may need specific or additional guidance, which should be discussed with parents/carers and the child to ensure an appropriate approach.
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Sport can significantly improve the life experiences and outcomes for all children and young people. Every child should be supported to participate, and exclusion from club activities should only occur in exceptional circumstances where the safety of the child or other children cannot be maintained.​
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Planning Activities
Good coaching practice involves planning sessions around the group as a whole while considering the needs of each individual. Coaches should identify any members who have presented or are likely to present difficulties regarding tasks, participants, or the environment.
If potential risks are identified, strategies to manage those risks should be agreed upon before the session, event, or activity. Planning should also determine the appropriate number of adults needed to safely manage and support the session, adequately responding to challenging behaviour and safeguarding all participants and staff.
When children are identified as having additional needs or behaviours that require extra supervision, specialist expertise, or support, this should be discussed with parents/carers and, where appropriate, the young people. Angling activities will seek to work with parents/carers and external agencies to ensure the child can participate safely.
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Responding to Challenging Behaviour
Responses to challenging behaviour should always be proportionate to the actions, imposed as soon as practicable, and fully explained to the child and their parents/carers. Staff and volunteers might consider the following options:
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Time out – from the activity, group, or individual work.
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Reparation – making amends.
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Restitution – giving something back.
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Behavioural reinforcement – rewards for good behaviour, consequences for negative behaviour.
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De-escalation – talking through with the child.
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Increased supervision – by staff/volunteers.
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Individual contracts/agreements – for future participation.
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Sanctions or consequences – e.g. missing an outing.
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Seeking additional support – working with other agencies to ensure the child’s needs are met appropriately.
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Temporary or permanent exclusion
The following should never be permitted:
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Physical punishment or the threat of it.
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Refusal to speak to or interact with the child.
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Deprivation of food, water, access to changing facilities, or other essentials.
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Verbal intimidation, ridicule, or humiliation.
Staff and volunteers should review the needs of any child frequently requiring sanctions, involving the child, parents/carers, and relevant support services to make informed decisions about the child’s participation. As a last resort, if a child poses a high risk to themselves or others, they may need to be suspended or barred from activities.
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Physical Intervention​
Physical intervention should always be avoided unless absolutely necessary to prevent a child from injuring themselves, others, or causing serious damage to property. Physical contact should be a conscious decision, not a reaction, and should only be used as a last resort when all other strategies have been exhausted. When necessary, it should be the least restrictive intervention to ensure safety.
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Key considerations include:
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Avoid contact with buttocks, genitals, and breasts.
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Ensure the outcome is in the child's best interests.
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Weigh the risks of physical intervention against the risks of not intervening.
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Use the minimum force necessary and for the shortest time.
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Never employ physical interventions presenting unreasonable risk.
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Never use physical intervention as punishment or to inflict pain.
For children identified with additional needs requiring physical intervention, discussions with parents/carers and, if necessary, external agencies (e.g., Children’s Social Care) should ensure the child can participate safely. This may involve providing a suitably trained support worker or training staff/volunteers in physical intervention.
Any physical intervention used should be documented using the Incident Report Form and passed to the Welfare/Child Protection Officer.
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Views of the Child
Children and young people often have strong feelings about physical intervention. Incidents should be followed by a debrief for staff/volunteers, the child, and parents, addressing physical and emotional well-being and offering ongoing support. Discussions should also focus on the child’s needs and continued safe participation in the group or activity.
Staff and volunteers should be aware of and understand the organisation’s guidance on managing challenging behaviour to ensure appropriate interventions.
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Discipline and Sanctions
Discipline should aim to teach or reinforce appropriate behaviour, never used impulsively, to gain power, or to humiliate a young person. It should help develop responsibility for behaviour, respect for others, and reinforce angling rules, positive behaviour, and health and safety awareness.
Sanctions should be fair, consistent, and appropriate to the child’s age and development. They should never be used to retaliate or satisfy the coach’s emotions. The following steps are suggested:
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Clearly state and agree on rules.
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Give a warning if a rule is broken.
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Apply a sanction (e.g., removal from activity) if the rule is broken again.
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Involve parents/guardians if necessary.
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Avoid sanctioning if the coach is uncomfortable with it. If immediate action is not possible, inform the child that the matter will be addressed later.
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Never sanction a child for making mistakes in their game.
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Do not use physical activity (e.g., running laps) as a sanction.
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Use sanctions sparingly, and once imposed, ensure the child feels valued again.
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Record relevant sanctions and inform parents where necessary.
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