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Walter & Group...
[GH] From Jim Gill:
Gordy, Following up on Paul Arden's response - he is quite right that in the UK our respective game angling associations will have an insurance included in our membership fees and I share his concerns. However, may I add that it doesn't mean we can abdicate our duty of care and all policies will have caveats that we must be prepared for.
In the UK we are getting more used to using the term "coach" rather than "instructor" as fly fishing is regarded as a recognised community sport with significant benefits - please see references below. As in all sports (UK) there is an element of Safeguarding and Protecting Children (SPC) - short courses are available through UK sports coaching organisations. These are designed to make us aware of abuse (whatever form that takes) and recognise it and how to manage it. This does not mean we get involved in dealing with it but rather report it to the appropriate authorities who will have the expertise and resources to address the issues. Some may respond that as they do not "teach children they do not need to attend a SPC course" - I would disagree as SPC is about having a duty of care to all our students (abused children become vulnerable adults) and we all have a social responsibility as a coach as well as a citizen. We live in an over populated and complex society but not dissimilar to that which Charles Dickens describes - so there are no "new" problems - we just have a more open society and are more aware. Working in our National Health Service often reveals the sad outcomes of some of the social problems we encounter - my duty of care in that situation is no different to my coaching sessions.
Paul is right in that we should never work alone with youngsters - always insist on having another coach or adult present - a risk assessment should include the likelihood of any potential problems ( I always relate working with an autistic child where no-one informed me - luckily it turned out OK as once the rules were established we both enjoyed the session). Appropriate touch may be inevitable when coaching - but this should be made clear and permission sought with parents/guardians. I totally agree with the safety issues - the same applies to children and adults - my coaching tool kit has a number of safety glasses and hats.
However, working with youngsters and seeing them develop is the most rewarding part of coaching - and I wouldn't want to give it up.
Jim Gill.
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