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Advice for children and young people

Sport gives you the opportunity to meet new friends, try new activities and amaze yourself with what you can do! But for a few children the fun is spoilt by people (grown ups or other children) who do or say things that hurt or frighten them. What these children are experiencing may be abuse, and they may feel they have no one to talk to about it or that no one will listen to them or believe what they say.

Derbyshire Sport wants to do everything it can to stop these things happening, and help those who may be affected. This is called ‘Child Protection’.

How can I get help?

Here’s some good advice if you think you are being abused, or are uncomfortable with any aspect of behaviour towards you, or if something has happened in the past that you want to talk about:

• Tell an adult you trust as soon as possible. This could be a parent, or someone else in your family, a teacher or school counsellor, doctor or school nurse.

• Contact a child protection help line, e.g Childrens’ Social Care on 08456 058058 or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 (free from landlines).

• Make sure you’re not alone again with the person who has tried to harm you. 

Derbyshire Sport has a child protection officer who you can talk to about your worries. They can be contacted on 01773 748907.

How should I behave?

It is important that you demonstrate exemplary behaviour when taking part in sport at school, club or other venue. Here is a Players Code of Conduct which explains what all players and participants should be aiming for!

What should I expect from my coaches and leaders?

As a young person, you have a right to expect high standards of behaviour and coaching from the adults who are leading you. Have a look at the Coaches Code of Conduct and Parents Code of Conduct below for more information about how the adults caring for you and the coaches leading you should be behaving.

We are keen to make these pages as useful as possible for children and young people. Please Contact Us with suggestions, comments or feedback on the site, and any ideas of what else would be useful, via derbyshiresport@derbyshire.gov.uk

We have put together some useful websites and information aimed at children and young people: 

www.There4me.com (opens in a new window)
This is the NSPCC's advice site specifically for teenagers aged 11-16.

There is onscreen advice about all sorts of things, including bullying, abuse, relationships, exams, drugs and difficulties at home.

Or if you would prefer a confidential private session, you can talk online in real time with an NSPCC adviser.

www.childline.org.uk (opens in a new window)
ChildLine is the free, 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.

Children and young people can call on 0800 1111 about any problem, at any time - day or night.

www.bullying.co.uk (opens in a new window)
This site has lots of advice for children about dealing with bullying.

If you would like to discuss/report any concerns or if you have any questions about the policy and procedures, please contact our Designated Child Protection Officer, on 01773 748907 or our Deputy Child Protection Officer, on 01773 571232.

Resources aimed at children and young people

Our colleagues at Northumberland Sport (opens in a new window) have produced some very useful leaflets aimed at children aged eight and above and young people, which our partners can refer to if you are thinking of developing resources aimed at raising awareness of safeguarding  for children or young people.