Organisation: RISE 3x3 Basketball
Last Reviewed: 1 January 2026
Next Review Due: 1 January 2027

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1. Policy Statement

RISE 3x3 Basketball is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in our activities. We believe that everyone has the right to participate in basketball in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment, free from abuse, neglect, bullying, exploitation, or discrimination.

We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to protect individuals from harm and to respond appropriately to any safeguarding concerns.

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2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to: - All employees, coaches, volunteers, officials, contractors, and partners - All participants, including children (under 18), young people, and vulnerable adults - All RISE 3x3 Basketball activities, including training sessions, competitions, events, travel, and online engagement

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3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is informed by UK-wide safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised sport safeguarding standards. It applies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Key guidance and legislation include: - Children Act 1989 & Children Act 2004 - Working Together to Safeguard Children (UK statutory guidance) - Care Act 2014 (Safeguarding Adults) - Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 - Equality Act 2010 - Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR - NSPCC safeguarding guidance - UK Sport and Sport England safeguarding principles - National Governing Body safeguarding standards (including Basketball England), where consistent with UK-wide best practice

RISE 3x3 Basketball adopts recognised basketball safeguarding terminology such as “Safeguarding Officer”, “poor practice”, and “welfare-first approach”, while ensuring the policy remains applicable across the whole UK and is not limited to a single Home Nation.

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4. Definitions

Child / Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
Vulnerable Adult: An individual aged 18 or over who may require additional support due to disability, illness, or other circumstances.
Safeguarding: The action taken to promote welfare and protect individuals from harm.
Abuse: A violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. This may be physical, emotional, sexual, neglectful, financial, or discriminatory.

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5. Roles and Responsibilities

Safeguarding Officer

RISE 3x3 Basketball will appoint a designated Safeguarding Officer who is responsible for: - Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns - Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed - Referring concerns to appropriate statutory agencies when required - Maintaining confidential safeguarding records - Ensuring policies are reviewed and updated regularly

All Staff and Volunteers

All staff and volunteers must: - Understand and follow this safeguarding policy - Complete appropriate safeguarding training - Act in the best interests of participants at all times - Report any concerns, disclosures, or suspicions immediately

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6. Safer Recruitment

RISE 3x3 Basketball is committed to safer recruitment practices, including: - Clear role descriptions outlining safeguarding responsibilities - Application and interview processes - Appropriate identity checks - References - Enhanced DBS checks where roles involve regulated activity

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7. Code of Conduct

All adults involved with RISE 3x3 Basketball must: - Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness - Maintain appropriate professional boundaries - Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible - Never use abusive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language - Never engage in or tolerate bullying, harassment, or abuse - Use social media and digital communication responsibly

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8. Recognising Abuse and Poor Practice

Signs of abuse may include, but are not limited to: - Unexplained injuries - Changes in behaviour or mood - Withdrawal or fearfulness - Inappropriate language or sexualised behaviour - Neglect of basic needs

Poor practice may include breaches of the code of conduct and must be addressed promptly.

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9. Responding to a Disclosure

If a participant discloses safeguarding information: - Stay calm and listen carefully - Reassure them they have done the right thing - Do not promise confidentiality - Do not investigate or ask leading questions - Record the information accurately - Report immediately to the Safeguarding Officer

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10. Reporting Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported as soon as possible to the Safeguarding Officer. If a concern involves the Safeguarding Officer, it should be reported to a senior officer or directly to statutory services.

In cases of immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted.

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11. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis, in line with data protection legislation. The welfare of the individual will always take priority over confidentiality.

12. Online Safety

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RISE 3x3 Basketball recognises the importance of online safeguarding and will: - Promote safe and responsible use of digital platforms - Ensure appropriate supervision of online activities - Address cyberbullying or inappropriate online behaviour promptly

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13. Equality and Inclusion

RISE 3x3 Basketball is committed to equality and inclusion. Safeguarding applies to everyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or background.

 

14. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or organisational practice.

 

15. Declaration

RISE 3x3 Basketball expects all staff, volunteers, coaches, and participants to uphold the principles outlined in this policy and to contribute to a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all.

 

 

Appendix A – Safeguarding Reporting Flowchart (UK)

If you have a safeguarding concern:

1. Is someone in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm?

   • YES → Call 999 immediately
      

   • NO → Continue to Step 2

2. Listen, reassure, and record

   • Stay calm and listen carefully
      

   • Do not promise confidentiality
      

   • Record facts accurately (who, what, when, where)

3. Report immediately to the Safeguarding Officer

   • Share written and verbal details as soon as possible

4. Safeguarding Officer decision-making

   • Assess the concern
      

   • Seek advice if needed
      

   • Decide on next steps

5. Referral (if required)

   • Children’s Social Care / Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
      

   • Police (via 101 or 999 if urgent)
      

   • Adult Social Care (for vulnerable adults)

6. Record and monitor

   • Maintain confidential records
      

   • Follow up actions and outcomes

If the concern involves the Safeguarding Officer:
Report directly to senior management or the Local Authority.

Appendix B – Coach and Volunteer Code of Conduct

All coaches and volunteers at RISE 3x3 Basketball must agree to the following standards of behaviour.

1. Professional Conduct

• Act as a positive role model at all times

• Treat all participants with respect, dignity, and fairness

• Place the welfare of children and vulnerable adults above performance or results

2. Appropriate Boundaries

• Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries

• Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible

• Never engage in sexual, inappropriate, or suggestive behaviour

• Do not develop inappropriate personal relationships with participants

3. Communication

• Use clear, positive, and age-appropriate language

• Never use humiliating, aggressive, discriminatory, or sexualised language

• Use social media, messaging apps, and email responsibly and professionally

• Do not communicate privately with under-18s outside approved channels

4. Physical Contact

• Physical contact should be appropriate, minimal, and sport-specific

• Always explain the purpose of physical contact

• Never use physical contact as punishment

5. Equality and Inclusion

• Promote an inclusive environment free from discrimination

• Challenge and report bullying, harassment, or abuse

• Respect individual differences and additional needs

6. Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Complete required safeguarding training

• Report all safeguarding concerns immediately

• Never ignore, dismiss, or conceal concerns

7. Breaches of the Code

• Any breach of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action

• Serious breaches may lead to suspension, referral to statutory agencies, or removal from role