Anti Bullying Policy Statement

Bulling is not easy to define, can take many forms and is usually repeated over a period of time. The three main types of bulling are: physical (e.g. hitting, kicking), verbal (e.g. racist remarks, threats, name calling), emotional (e.g. isolating an individual from activities). They will include: 

• Deliberate hostility and aggression towards the victim.

• A victim who is weaker than the bully or bullies.

• An outcome which is always painful and distressing for the victim.

 

Bullying behaviour may also include: 

• Other forms of violence.

• Sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing or theft.

• Tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation.

• Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.

• Unwanted physical contact or abusive/offensive comments of a sexual nature.

 

Emotional and verbal bullying is more likely however it is more difficult to cope with or prove. It is of paramount importance that all clubs develop their own anti bullying policy to which all its members, coaches, players, staff and volunteers and parents subscribe to and accept.

 

Every club should be prepared to: 

• Take the problem seriously.

• Investigate any incidents.

• Talk to bullies and victims separately.

 

Decide on appropriate action, such as: 

• Obtain an apology from the bully(ies) to the victim.

• Inform parents of the bully(ies).

• Insist on the return of items ‘borrowed’ or stolen.

• Insist bullies compensate the victim.

• Hold club discussions on bullying.

• Provide support for the coach of the victim.

Anti-doping policy

The Welsh Karate Union

Anti-doping policy

The Welsh Karate Union considers that all karateka have the right to compete in an environment where all competitors are free from artificial enhancement of performance by pharmacological and physical means.

The Welsh Karate Union supports the aims of UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) and acknowledges WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) as the definitive body that determines banned substances and methods.

The Welsh Karate Union expects all its karateka, whether competitors or not, to observe the UKAD rules of anti-doping and expects them to comply with the regulations determined by UKAD relating to testing in sport, if and when the need arises for such testing to take place.

The Welsh Karate Union reserves the right to undertake anti-doping testing in accordance with UKAD policy at any of its competitions.

The Welsh Karate Union will offer assistance and advice on anti-doping matters to its members in order to encourage compliance with UKAD policies and rules, though ultimately the responsibility for adhering to these rules lies with the individual. These rules can be found at the following website:-  

http://www.ukad.org.uk/documents/uk-anti-doping-rules/

Information on banned substances and methods can be found at:-

http://www.wada-ama.org/

The main UK Anti-Doping website is:-

http://www.ukad.org.uk/

Advice on various medications their constituents, alternative names and status can be found at:-

http://www.globaldro.com/

Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Policy

Everyone who participates in Karate is entitled to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. The Welsh Karate Union has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that any vulnerable people, whether children, young people or vulnerable adults, are protected and kept safe from harm while they are with Instructors and volunteers who represent the Association.

In order to achieve this, the W.K.U will ensure that all our Instructors and volunteers are carefully selected, screened, trained and supervised. Thus ensuring that, when given responsibility for children, coaches and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care.

The Welsh Karate Union is committed to devising and implementing policies so that everyone in sport accepts their responsibilities to safeguard children from harm and abuse. This means to follow procedures to protect children and report any concerns about their welfare to appropriate authorities.

The aim of the policy is to promote good practice, providing children and young people with appropriate safety/protection whilst in the care of the Welsh Karate Union and to allow staff and volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues. A child is defined as a person under the age of 18 (Children’s Act 1989)

Policy Statement

 

The Welsh Karate Union is committed to the following:

 

• The welfare of the child is paramount.

 

• All children, whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity should be able to participate in Karate in a fun and safe environment.

 

• Taking all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination and degrading treatment and to respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

 

• All suspicions and allegations of poor practice or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

 

• All Welsh Karate Union members who work with children will be recruited with regard to their suitability for that responsibility, and will be provided with guidance and/or training in good practice and child protection procedures.

 

• Working in partnership with parents and children is essential for the protection of children.

 

The Child Protection Policy will be reviewed every 3 years or whenever there is

 

major change in the organisation or legislative changes from relevant governing bodies.

Code of Conduct for Members

The Welsh Karate Union [W.K.U] in conjunction with Karate Wales Governing Body [K.W.] is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all it’s members. We believe that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, 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 association will promote good equal opportunities practice to ensure equal access to membership, qualifications, national representation and all further opportunities.

 

As a member of W.K.U you are expected to abide by the following codes of conduct:

 

• All members must obey the rules and respect officials and their decisions.

• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their instructor if they are going to be late or need to leave early.

• Members must pay fees for training promptly then start to warm up.

Code of Conduct for Parents and Guardians

 

• Encourage your child/children to learn the rules and to obey them. 

• Discourage unsportsmanlike behaviour and arguing with officials. 

• Help your child/children to recognise good performance, not just results. 

• Never force your child/children to take part in sport. 

• Set a good example by recognizing sportsmanlike behaviour and applauding good performances of all. 

• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes. 

• Publicly accept officials’ judgements. 

• Support your child’s/children’s involvement and help them to enjoy their karate. 

• Use correct and proper language at all times. 

• Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

Constitution

Contents

1. Name

2. Mission Statement

3. Vision

4. Affiliation

5. Membership

6. Administration

7. Finance

8. Accounts

9. Committee Meetings

10. General Meetings

11. Dissolution

12. Insurance

13. Geographical Areas – New Clubs

14. Discipline

15. Roles and Responsibilities

16. WKU Club Membership

17. WKU Club Instructors

 

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1.0 Name

The association’s name shall be the Welsh Karate Union there after referred within this document as the W.K.U

2.0 Mission Statement

‘The Welsh Karate Union’s aim is to promote the sound physical and mental development of its members through the study of Shotokan Karate’.

3.0 Vision

The W.K.U provides an opportunity for students to participate in Shotokan Karate, from beginner level to advanced level of competence either in a traditional style or competitive format.

To be able to compete at any level of competition appropriate to their level of skill, ability and interest. This ranges from friendly local tournaments, to regional and national championships.

The association actively supports the participation of students of all ages and gender, including diverse racial, ethnic, political and Socio-economic backgrounds to enable students to work together toward mutual tolerance and respect. The W.K.U provides a unique opportunity and encourages its students to make the most of their experience in terms of learning, fellowship and desire to achieve.

4. Affiliation

The W.K.U is affiliated to Karate Wales - Governing Body, there after referred to as KW.

 

5. Membership

All associated clubs within the WKU will abide by the constitution and rules of the WKU. It is the responsibility of the associated clubs within the WKU to understand and abide by the constitution.

6. Administration

The affairs of the WKU shall be administered by a management committee, which will consist of the chief instructor and a nominated representative from each of the clubs within the association.

7. Finance

Funds raised via membership fees, grants sponsorship etc., will be used to for the development of the WKU, to enable its students to progress with the study of Shotokan Karate. Annual WKU membership fees are periodically reviewed as assessed accordingly.

8. Accounts

The bank account for the association will be held in the name of WKU. All cheques shall require two signatories to authorise a cheque these signatories can be any two of the following:-

• Chief Instructor
• Senior Instructors
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Licensing Officer

An annual audit of accounts will take. Records of the accounts are kept by the Treasurer/Licensing Officer.

9. Committee Meetings

The Chief Instructor shall call a meeting to discus any issues that need to be addressed.

 

10. General Meetings

General meetings shall be held periodically, with an open invitation for association members to voice their views.

The running of the association shall be the responsibility of the management committee, who shall at all times act with the best interest and taking the views of its members into consideration before decisions are formalised.

Election of officers shall be carried out in the event of an elected member standing down or a vacancy arising for another reason, this process shall be conducted in a general meeting with a nominee and someone to second it.

 

11. Dissolution

If a resolution calling for the dissolution of the WKU at any time is felt, the a general meeting shall be convened to discuss the issue. If at this meeting a majority vote of at least two thirds if the attending members is agreed and passed, then the WKU shall be dissolved.

At this time all funds held in the WKU accounts shall be either -

• Shared on a membership basis between the associated clubs
• The formation of a new association.
• Funds frozen and the amount to be transferred to an elected charity.

12. Insurance

The WKU shall effect and maintain insurance for all it’s members, this should include both Instructor and student liability protection. Whilst it is recognised that new students require a settling period to determine if they are suited to karate, students must obtain a license within three weeks of the commencement of training to ensure the student is insured.

13. Geographical Areas – New Clubs

In the event of a member expressing interest to establish a new club with Wales, that member must communicate their intention to the WKU Chief Instructor and management committee for discussion. The result of this discussion will be final.

 

14. Discipline

It is the responsibility of the individual club instructor to deal with disciplinary matters as they arise. If necessary the matter could be brought to the attention of the Chief Instructor.

The Chief Instructor will determine the appropriate action to be taken.

15. Roles and Responsibilities

• Chief Instructor

As association head provide a high standard of support, development, and leadership for all club instructors and members

Wherever possible ensure that all aims and objectives are met

• Grading Examiner

Chair association meetings as required

Provide continual support and development to club instructors and members as required

Any other responsibilities that may arise

• Secretary

• Licensing Officer

Maintains a record of club membership applications

Process membership information to Karate Wales for Affiliation and Insurance purposes

Process the renewal of Club Instructors insurance

• Treasurer

Maintains the financial accounts of the WKU and provide a balance of accounts as required

Provides administration support to the Chief Instructor

Notification of existing and expired membership

• Health & Safety Advisor

Maintain policies and procedures, review and amend periodically

Provide support to Chief Instructor and Secretary as required

Provide support by guidance and training as needed.

Ensure that Risk Assessments are maintained.

Provide support regarding Child and Data Protection.

16. WKU Club Membership

It is the responsibility of every individual member including club instructors to have a valid licence to take part in any WKU associated activity. It is also the responsibility of the individual member to maintain their license and renew annually.

The WKU, association clubs or instructors cannot be held accountable for those individuals that fail to comply.

 

17. WKU Club Instructors

It is the responsibility of the club instructors to ensure their ‘Instructors Insurance’ is valid and maintained on an annual basis. The WKU will not be held accountable for failure to comply.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The Welsh Karate Union [W.K.U] in conjunction with Karate Wales Governing Body [K.W.] will promote good equal opportunities practice to ensure equal access to membership, qualifications, national representation and all further opportunities.

 In particular, it will endeavour to:

• Take forward Welsh Karate promoting equal opportunities in both objectives and outcomes;
• Determine monitoring and sampling methods and procedures in conjunction with representative organisations of and for people who may be discriminated against;
• The W.K.U in conjunction with K.W. intends to work actively in partnership with others for the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of good practice, to ensure access to opportunities for all and meet the needs and requirements of the membership. In doing so it will:
• Become aware of, and actively seek to eliminate, the effects of prejudice and discrimination resulting from racism, sexism, heterosexism, religious discrimination, ageism or ablism and the problems these pose.
• Work on development which will promote equal opportunities and good practice in the objectives and outcomes,
• Work to present all W.K.U material in accessible formats and language
• Work to ensure that all those working with or for the W.K.U are fully aware of their responsibilities both in terms of this policy statement and the law,
• Work to produce and disseminate as appropriate such materials and research as are necessary in the pursuance of this policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Policy Statement

The Welsh Karate Union is fully committed to the principles of the equality of opportunity and is responsible for ensuring that no job applicant, employee, volunteer, competitor, child/young person receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender, ethnic status, parental/marital status, nationality, religious belief, political persuasion, social background and sexual preference.

 

Legal Requirements:

 

The Welsh Karate Union is required by law, not to discriminate against its employees, members or volunteers and recognises its legal obligation under the following acts

 

• Sex Discrimination Act 1975.

• Race Relations Act 1976.

• Disability Discrimination ACT 1995.

• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

• Children’s Act 1989.

 

Types of Discrimination:

 

Discrimination can take the following forms:

 

Direct Discrimination - This means treating someone less favourably than you would treat others in the same circumstances.

 

Indirect Discrimination - This occurs when a job requirement or condition is applied equally to all, which has a disproportionate and detrimental effect on one group.

 

The Welsh Karate Union is fully committed to equality of opportunity and where decisions are made about an individual, the only personal characteristics taken into account will be those which, as well as being consistent with relevant legislation are necessary to the performance of the sport.

 

Harassment - Can be described as inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact that is objectionable or causes offence to the recipient.

 

The Welsh Karate Union is committed to ensuring that all staff, volunteers and competitors are able to conduct their activities in an environment that is free from harassment or intimidation.

 

A copy of this document will be available to all staff, members, competitors and volunteers.

 

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any member or volunteer who violates the Welsh Karate Union Equity Policy.

Heath & Safety Policy

The Welsh Karate Union considers the promotion of a positive Health & Safety culture a high priority for its Instructors and Student members at every level.

This policy identifies all necessary and reasonable actions to prevent personal injury to its Instructors, Students, members of the public and including damage to property, through the study and practising of Shotokan Karate.

The Welsh Karate Union has strived to identify all foreseeable hazards to ensure that students and members of the public participate in Karate and its associated activities in as safe environment.

 Therefore Welsh Karate Union recognises it has a responsibility -

1. To provide and maintain a safe and healthy training environment.

2. to provide suitably trained qualified instructors, who are capable, to enable members to study and practice karate safely.

3. to encourage the use of appropriate protective equipment when necessary.

4. to maintain and promote a positive health and safety culture at all times

5. Recognize equal opportunities, with no discrimination to age, gender, race or creed.

6. All WKU members have a duty to assist in the operation of this policy:

   1. by encouraging safe practices.

   2. by using protective equipment when instructed

   3. by reporting any injuries or medical condition that may restrict them from participating in a training session

   4. by reporting incidents that have lead to or have the potential to lead to injury or damage.

   5. by adhering to the Welsh Karate Unions constitution

 

1. Executive Committee

It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee Officers to:

 

1. advise the instructors/members of any required standards of Health & Safety policy and demonstrate a positive attitude at all times, Instructors or Nominated shall enforce this at all times.

 

2. have representation on any meetings arranged to discuss matters of Health & Safety.

 

3. provide and maintain all Health & Safety policy and documentation pertaining to the Welsh Karate Union as a whole. The responsibility for maintaining same documentation at club level will be the responsibility of that club instructor.

 

4. endeavour to develop Instructors and its Students by providing adequate opportunities with information and training and courses relevant to education on matters of Health & Safety for all members/instructors.

 

5. Will ensure that’s each individual club within the Welsh Karate Union understands their responsibility and complies with this Health & Safety policy.

 

6. Each club under the direction and support of the Welsh Karate Union will undertake to complete a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment

 

2. Members Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all members including parents/guardians of junior members, to ensure that they have familiarised themselves with the contents of this policy and that each member taking part in any activity associated with Shotokan Karate as a member of the Welsh Karate Union, all members shall-

 

General

Familiarise themselves with the dojo/premises to be used prior to training and take note of -

• Fire exit routes, Fire Procedures and Fire extinguishers if available

• First aid facilities (Instructors should be aware of the site arrangements or make suitable provision themselves if required)

• location of welfare facilities i.e. toilets/changing rooms.

• take notice of rules and regulations posted on notice boards of premises in use.

• the location of telephones for use in an emergency.

• be aware of location of nearest casualty hospital.

 

 

 

 

Instructors or nominated person

It shall be the responsibility of each instructor and/or a nominated person to -

1. Familiarise themselves with the Welsh Karate Union Health & Safety policy and ensure that a suitable Risk Assessment is completed on all venues/dojos used for the participation of Karate.

 

2. Monitor all suggestions or complaints from members or other instructors pertaining to Health & Safety matters, take proportionate action and/or notify the Chief Instructor if deemed necessary.

 

3. Ensure that a record is maintained of all incidents/injuries in a club ‘accident book’. This ‘accident book should be available should a legitimate request be made by any other member of the Welsh Karate Union. NB- it should be noted that the accident book is also deemed as a legal record and maybe used as evidence.

 

4. Be directly responsible for the running of all clubs under their control.

 

5. Ensure adequate provision of all members, paying particular attention to the monitoring needs of children, inexperienced members, vulnerable adults and assistant instructors.

 

6. Take any action necessary to ensure that legal safety obligations have been carried out by the owners/authority in charge of the premises i.e. unobstructed fire routes, working fire door mechanisms etc.

 

7. Ensure that any training equipment or safety equipment is in a safe, clean and serviceable condition.

 

8. Ensure that any potential instructor is given access to suitable training courses and assessments, with supporting information as required in order to satisfy the coaching criteria as agreed by the Governing Body – Karate Wales.

 

9. Ensure that only authorised persons are placed in a position of supervision of others.

 

10. Introduce control measures as deemed necessary in order to control any hazards.

 

11. Ensure that all persons acting on their behalf comply with this and any other statutory Health & Safety requirement.

 

12. Ensure that all instructors/assistant instructors have suitable professional indemnity insurance and comply with any directives, which may be laid down by the insurers from time to time.

 

13. Instructors should be made aware of any activity or condition that may be considered to be potentially dangerous and for associated exclusions to their personal or professional indemnity cover as a result of such practices.

 

 

Members

It shall be the responsibility of each and every member and/or visitor whilst using the training premises to -

 

1. Consider all aspects of Health & Safety with regard to themselves and of any other person or persons who may be affected by their actions.

 

2. Familiarise themselves with Welsh Karate Unions Health & Safety policy.

 

3. Cooperate fully with instructions given by any Welsh Karate Union Instructor (or nominated person) to ensure that health & safety is maintained at all times

 

4. Report any concerns that may arise to any Welsh Karate Union Instructor (or nominated person)

 

5. Members should be made aware of any activity or condition that may be considered to be potentially dangerous and for associated exclusions to their personal or professional indemnity cover as a result of such practices.

 

3. Personal Safety Equipment

1. There is a wide range of personal safety equipment available for the health and safety of not only the wearer, but also others engaged in activities with them. Certain types of hand mitts, groin guards etc. are not suitable and the club instructor should advise students which items are approved for use in dojo training situations and competitions, as these may not necessarily be the same.

 

2. Competition mitts. These should be WKF approved or similar quality. NB These items are compulsory for Kumitecompetition. (However for dojo training, cotton mitts with a minimum thickness of padding of 1cm may be allowed at the instructor’s discretion.

 

3. Gum-shields. These should be individually fitted. NB This is acompulsory item for Kumite competition; however their use is also advised during dojo sparring sessions.

 

4. Chest protector (females). This is not a compulsory item; however use is advised during Kumite competition.

 

5. Groin guard. This is not compulsory item for Kumite competition; however use it is recommended for competition and sparring sessions.

 

6. Shin protector. This is not a compulsory item and where used should be of an approved soft type.

 

4. First Aid

1. Under the Health &Safety Regulations 1981, premises must have first aid provision.

 

2. At least one first aid box should be kept on each of the premises used or occupied by any of the Association’s member clubs. Where applicable a qualified first aider or responsible person shall be expected to maintain the box. It is suggested in addition each club instructor to carry a small first aid kit to all training sessions.

 

3. A ‘responsible’ or ‘appointed person’ is someone who is authorised or expected to take charge of a serious situation (e.g. to call an ambulance) if there is a serious illness or injury. The person will act in the absence of the trained or qualified first aider, or where a qualified first aider is not required.

 

4. A qualified first aider is a person who must have undertaken training and obtained qualifications

 

5. All WKU instructors must have completed an approved first aid course as required by Karate Wales This will require to be renewed regularly as required by the WKU

 

6. A record (Accident Book) must be maintained in conjunction with the first aid box. In addition each instructor must maintain a suitable accident book as a requirement of WKU insurance broker.

 

5. First Aid Special Precautions

1. First aiders who may be called upon to give Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation. Although the risk of infection is minimal the First Aider should always use mouthpieces ‘if’ available for this procedure. It should be noted that the correct protocol is always Dial 999 in the event of an emergency.

 

2. In any situation requiring first aid certain precautions should be taken in order to reduce the risk of transmitting infections diseases.

 

3. Cover any exposed cuts or abrasions they may have with a waterproof dressing before treating any casualty whether or not any infection is suspected.

 

4. Should also ensure that their hands are washed both prior to and following the application of any dressings.

 

5. Whenever spilled blood or other body fluids require to be mopped up, disposable plastic gloves should always be worn and paper towels used. These items should then be placed in plastic bags and safely disposed of, preferably by burning. Clothing may be cleaned in an ordinary washing machine using the hot cycle.

 

6. If direct contact with another person’s blood or other body fluids occur, the area should be washed as soon as possible using ordinary soap and water. Clean cold tap water should be used if the lips, mouth, tongue, eyes or broken skin are affected and medical advice sought.

 

7. With regards to Broken Bones – minimal movement is critical. Immobilize wherever practical - dial 999 , advise hospital treatment in minor injuries.

 

8. It is critical that all injuries are recorded and witnessed in the accident book. Note accident that require an ambulance or hospital treatment notify the Chief Instructor as soon as practicable.

 

 

6. Competition Safety

In addition to the requirements listed elsewhere in this Health & Safety Policy, it shall be the duty of all competitors and officials/organisers to observe the following requirements.

 

1. Medical - at all major competitions other than club level, a medical qualified person must be in attendance in addition to first aiders and equipment.

 

2. PPE –

   1. Gum shields – kumite only

   2. Head guards – for some junior categories (kumite only)

   3. Hand Mitts – kumite only

   4. Shin guards – can be worn at the discretion of the Chief Referee

 

3. Floors - Mats (preferably) or sprung timber or cushioned floors (where mats are not available). For competitions, which involve foot sweeps, throws and takedowns – matted areas only.

 

4. Licenses - Every competitor must produce a valid licence to any official with a legitimate right to request sight of same in order to validate member to member insurance cover.

 

5. Referees - shall endeavor to ensure that the safety of the fighters are their first priority and must stop any kumite competition at the first sign of any distress or any inability to defend.

 

6. Rules - all competitions other than at club level, must be held under approved rules of Karate Wales /WKU as amended from time to time.

 

7. Injury /Incident – must reported to the medical staff and Chief referee.

 

8. Existing Injuries or Disabilities – must be brought to the attention of the chief Referee

 

9. Disciplinary Procedures

 

Failure to observe the rules and guidance as laid down in this Health & Safety Policy may lead to disciplinary action being taken by the Executive Committee.

Mission and Vision Statement

Mission Statement

 

‘The Welsh Karate Union’s aim is to promote the sound physical and mental development of its members through the study of Shotokan Karate’.

 

Vision Statement

 

The W.K.U will provide an opportunity for students/athletes to train in Shotokan Karate and to participate in any level of competition appropriate to their age, skill, ability and interest.

This will range from friendly local tournaments, to regional and national championships.

 

The association has always provided a situation in which both men and women of diverse racial, ethnic, political and

Socio-economic backgrounds can work together toward

mutual tolerance and respect.

 

The W.K.U provides a unique opportunity for true

students/athletes to make the most of their experience

in terms of learning, fellowship and hard work