The club’s Duty of Care Policy towards young people has at its centre a number of core values which we have set out.

We have our own Safeguarding Officer – Laura McCormick – and all young members have a Besafe card with her contact details on it as well as the National helpline numbers should the need arise that they want to raise any safeguarding issues. Our Safeguarding Officer can be contacted at safeguarding@eastwoodnetballclub.co.uk 

The Club has Codes of Conduct for Players, Coaches and volunteers and Parents/ Carers which cover all aspects of the social interaction between club members, other clubs, officials and each other. Details of these are set out below,

Duty of Care

Our Core Values

• All young people’s Netball experiences must be guided by what is best for that young person.
• Adults interacting with young people in Netball should do so with integrity and respect for the child.
• All young people’s Netball should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play.
• Young people’s Netball should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere.
• Adults who take a responsibility for young people in Netball have a duty to ensure that they are competent to provide safe and rewarding experiences for those in their care, through appropriate training and education.

Our Principles

• The welfare of young people is paramount
• All people but especially the young, whatever their culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse.
• All incidents of poor practice, suspicions and allegations should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• It is the responsibility of child protection experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place but it is everyone’s responsibility to report any concern.
• Young people have a lot to gain from Netball.Their natural sense of fun and spontaneity can blossom in positive sporting environments which promote progress in a child-centred way.

Code of conduct for players

Remember these key points

• Treat all players, coaches whether club or opposition and club members with respect
• Have fun, reach for the top and always try your best
• Umpires are there to interpret the rules for you, accept their decision
• Never use bad language or insult opponents, coaches or spectators
• Do not try to gain unfair advantage over opponents
• Enjoy yourself, know the rules of Netball and play by the spirit of the rules
• Realise that without opponents, there would not be a game

We expect our players will:

• Maintain a level of behaviour so not to bring the club or game into disrepute
• Accept success and failure with the same good grace
• Respect the decision of the coaches in team selection
• Respect and accept the decisions of umpires in all matches and not question them;
• Wear appropriate kit for matches and events
• Try to improve as a player by giving 100% attention and effort at all times
• Follow instructions and directions of the coaching team during training, matches and events
• Tell the coaching team of any worries that may concern me;
• Not use Social Media technology to bring the game into disrepute or make an inappropriate comment about a fellow athlete, Coach, Official, volunteer or the Governing Bodies;

If under 16

• Not enter the Sports Hall or outside playing area without a coach being present;
• remain with the coaching team until collected
• Be aware of the drugs policy within England Netball

Code of Conduct for Parents or Carers

The club recognise that without the goodwill and effort of parents/carers young people would not be able to take part in sporting life. However we would like to promote Netball in a positive way and would urge you to adopt the following code.

Parents or Carers should:

• Ensure players are on time for training, matches and events
• Be encouraged to notify coaches of any medical or personal problems so that they may be acted upon sensitively
• Inform the club as soon as possible when a player are not available for training, matches or events
• Be encouraged to discuss any concerns about selection and individual needs
• Be aware of the drugs policy within England Netball
• Abide by the rules and guidelines of the club
• Encourage good and fair play and respect opposing teams and supporters
• Have a realistic expectation of your player and be aware of their aims and goals
• Accept the umpires’ decision without comment

Parents or Carers are encouraged NOT

• To make negative remarks to players, officials or other spectators 
• To smoke on or around court areas during matches or at training sessions 
• To coach players during matches, competitions or at training
• Pressure their child in any way – It is their sport not the parents
• Use inappropriate language, harass athletes, Coaches, Officials or other spectators
• To criticise or ridicule any child’s performance for making a mistake or losing after the game
• To use Social Media technology to bring the game into disrepute or make an inappropriate comment about an athlete, coach, official, volunteer or the Governing Bodies

Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers

The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below.

All volunteers must:

• Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g.) friendship and fair play
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Follow all guidelines laid down by England Netball (our national governing body) and Eastwood Netball Club.
• Abide by the “safeguarding best practice guidelines”  for children and young people
• Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover.
• Never exert influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
• Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances.
• Not smoke on or around court areas during matches or at training sessions 
• Be aware of the drugs policy within England Netball
• Not use Social Media technology to bring the game into disrepute or make an inappropriate comment about a fellow Coach, athlete, Official, volunteer or the Governing Bodies