Welfare & Policies

Welfare & Safeguarding

Our Welfare Officer is Valerie Cramb, and the Deputy Welfare Officer is Amy Perry. If you have any Safeguarding or Child Protection concerns relating to children or vulnerable adults, or you have a more general question about welfare, please email: rtwfcwelfare@gmail.com. You can also contact Val on the following number: 07905 670159.

We have a few guidelines in order to for everyone to get the most out of our club and ensure an enjoyable atmosphere. Additionally, we adhere to the Safeguarding guidelines set out by the British Fencing Association (see links to policy documents, below).

Covid-19 information

We have new guidelines and documentation to help us keep our members safe when they train with us. Please click on the links below to see our health declaration form and the various rules we have put in place in order to train indoors safely. Please note that the Covid-19 Officer is Simon Gnana-Pragasam (M: 07852226270).

RTWFC Coronavirus Risk Assessment

Pre-session health declaration

Indoors RTWFC covid 19 rules

Equity Policy Statement

•Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity: Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure that it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.
•The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.
•The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.
•All clubs members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
•The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures

Junior Members – Code of Practice

Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should at all time show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with Lucy Raj.

As a member of Royal Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club, you are expected to abide by the following junior code of practice:
•All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
•All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
•Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
•Members must wear suitable fencing kit of their own, or if using club kit ensure that they are properly and equipped for training and match sessions.
•Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.
•Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
•Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kinds on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

Coaches, Officials and Volunteers – Code of Practice

•Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.
•Develop an appropriate working relationship with our fencers, 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 fencing (e.g., fair play).
•Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
•Follow all guidelines laid down by the England Fencing (our National Governing Body) and the club.
•Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.
•Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
•Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.
•Encourage our fencers to value their performances and not just their results.
•Encourage and guide our fencers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

Links to BFA policy documents

http://www.britishfencing.com/uploads/files/1_child_protection_policy.pdf

https://www.britishfencing.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BF-Adults-at-Risk-Policy-approved-14th-March-2019.pdf