Home > Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Children are the future of our sport and it is crucial that they are cared for in the correct manner. As the governing body we aim to do everything possible to create a sustainable, safe and enjoyable environment for children and the providers of the sport.

Everyone has the right to enjoy sport and activity free from all forms of abuse and exploitation

The Basketball NI board have agreed the following Policy and Mission Statement on Safeguarding.

Basketball NI Statement of Commitment to Safeguarding Young People in Sport

Safeguarding Children and Young People is a responsibility of all those who come into contact with them. Basketball NI is committed to promoting best practice which safeguards children and young people and as part of an organisation’s membership with Sport NI and NISF we require those registering for membership to sign up to the following statement.

“This Organisation is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members. Every individual in the organisation should, at all times, show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the organisation and the requirements contained in the Safeguarding Children in Sport Standards.”

Members Statement

Overall by implementing an effective safeguarding framework we aim to:

  • Help create a safe sporting environment for children wherever they participate and at whatever level
  • Provide guidance to coaches, team managers and other sports providers so they can ensure clubs, teams and organisations they work with know how to protect children
  • Promote good practice for our clubs and organisations to follow and challenge practice that is harmful to children
  • Provide clarity on safeguarding children so all those involved in sport know how to keep children safe

Reporting a concern

Anyone who has a concern about the welfare of a child or the behaviour of an adult towards a child or young person under 18 years of age should to refer it to Hannah Kennedy, Basketball NI Safeguarding Officer

Referring a concern can also be done via a club, all clubs with children will have a Safeguarding Officer.

You may also contact Basketball Ireland National Childrens Officer and Compliance Manager, Rory Wall, on +353 (0) 86 798 0155 / +353 (1) 459 0211.

If the matter is urgent and you cannot contact a club or our Safeguarding Officer, you can call the NSPCC 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 5000 – or if it is an emergency because a child or children are at immediate risk, then call the Police or Social Work Services – Emergency Out of Hours: 028 9504 9999

BNI Safeguarding Documentation