Registered Charity: 1185919
CRM: 0001398

1. Purpose and Commitment

Southbourne Tennis Club (STC) and Dave Sanger Tennis Coaching Ltd (DSTC) are fully committed to safeguarding all children, young people, and adults at risk who take part in tennis at our club.

We believe that everyone involved in our sport has the right to enjoy tennis in a safe and inclusive environment, free from abuse, neglect, harm, or discrimination.

Safeguarding is the shared responsibility of everyone at the club — including coaches, volunteers, members, parents, and players.

Our safeguarding mission aligns with the LTA’s Safeguarding Plan 2024–26, which aims to:

“Maintain and develop the highest safeguarding standards in sport.”

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All members, players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and carers.

All activities at STC and within Dave Sanger Tennis Coaching Ltd programmes, whether on or off site.

3. Our Safeguarding Principles

We are committed to:

• Placing children and adults at risk at the centre of all decisions.
• Raising awareness of safeguarding responsibilities across our community.
• Providing training and education to all those involved in tennis at STC and DSTC.
• Maintaining clear standards and procedures for recruitment, reporting, and behaviour.
• Responding to all concerns promptly, fairly, and transparently.

4. Safeguarding Structure and Responsibilities

Club Committee – Holds collective responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring safeguarding remains a standing agenda item.

Club Welfare Officer – Harry Hedley (email:Harryher6n@gmail.com | Tel: 07807 955705)

First point of contact for all safeguarding concerns; supports members and liaises with the LTA Safeguarding Team.

Head Coach – Dave Sanger (email: davesanger@gmail.com | Tel: 07812 676761)

Ensures coaching programmes meet LTA safeguarding standards and promotes a safe culture in all sessions.

All Members, Parents & Volunteers

Expected to act responsibly, follow this policy, and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

5. Safeguarding in Practice: LTA Focus Areas

Southbourne Tennis Club and Dave Sanger Tennis Coaching Ltd are committed to:

A. Awareness

• Safeguarding information and contact details for the Welfare Officer are displayed at the club and on our website.
• The LTA Safe to Play campaign is promoted across our venue and coaching programmes.
• We encourage open conversations about wellbeing and player safety.
• We ensure that children and parents know how to raise concerns safely and confidentially.

B. Education

• All coaches, officials, and volunteers in regulated roles complete LTA-approved safeguarding training.
• Parents and players are encouraged to access safeguarding resources provided by the LTA.
• The club supports the Young Person’s Welfare Ambassador initiative to involve young players in promoting safeguarding awareness.

C. Standards

• The club maintains compliance with LTA Venue Registration Standards, including DBS checks and safeguarding training for relevant staff.
• Recruitment of coaches, volunteers, and committee members follows safe recruitment procedures, including references and DBS verification.
• Codes of Conduct apply to all members, players, parents, coaches, and visitors.

D. Investigation

• All safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and handled promptly.
• Reports are made to the Club Welfare Officer or, if necessary, directly to the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team.
• STC and DSTC cooperate fully with the LTA and statutory agencies in any safeguarding investigation.
• Victim care and confidentiality are prioritised at all stages.

6. Reporting a Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, adult at risk, or the behaviour of someone involved with the club:

1. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 (Police).

Contact the Club Welfare Officer – Harry Hedley (email: Harryher6n@gmail.com | Tel: 07807 955705)

2. If unavailable or the concern involves the Welfare Officer, contact the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team:
   1. Tel: 020 8487 7000 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
   2. Email: safeguarding@lta.org.uk
   3. Website: www.lta.org.uk/safeguarding

Reports can also be made via the LTA online reporting form or to Local Authority Safeguarding Services if appropriate. Further details on Reporting a Safeguarding Concern within or outside the Tennis Environment can be found in Appendix A & B of this Policy.

7. Code of Conduct

Everyone involved with Southbourne Tennis Club and Dave Sanger Tennis Coaching Ltd must:

• Prioritise the wellbeing of all children and adults at risk.
• Be a positive role model on and off court.
• Respect boundaries and never engage in inappropriate or harmful behaviour.
• Report all concerns immediately and avoid doing nothing.

Failure to uphold these standards may result in disciplinary action or referral to statutory authorities.

8. Related Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required by changes in LTA safeguarding guidance or legislation.
• Safeguarding will remain a standing item at committee meetings to monitor compliance and continuous improvement.
• Feedback from members, parents, and players will be used to strengthen safeguarding culture.

Appendix A: Reporting a Safeguarding Concern within the Tennis Environment

*SPC – Safeguarding and Protection Committee
*LRC – Licensing and Registration Committee

Appendix B: Reporting a Safeguarding Concern outside the Tennis Environment

What to do if you are worried that a child is being abused outside the tennis environment (e.g. at home, school or in the community) but the concern is identified through the child’s involvement in Tennis.

Safeguarding Policy: October 2026