Club Policies

Swim Belfast is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults. We recognize that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Our CCO's primary aim is to ensure that our club activities are safe and child-centred. Their role is to be the voice of all the young people in our club.

Role of the Club Children's Officer – CCOs

• The CCO will be child centred in focus and will ensure coaching staff & committee considers a safe, child centred environment in activities and undertakings in BASC.
• The CCO shall be the voice and link between the children/young people and the adults within the club.
• Be available and ensure children/young people are treated fairly and know how to contact a CCO.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are adhered to within the club and are communicated and available to members.
• Assist the committee with how club policy impacts young people and lead responsibility for the Child Safeguarding Statement and Safeguarding Risk Assessment.
• Respond to matters of concern for the safety and well-being of young people.
• Be an advisor to a complaint or disciplinary hearing at club level where a young person is involved.

Club Childrens Officer: Rorie McBride
Contact: cco2@swimbelfast.com

Coaches

• Safeguarding and the welfare of every swimmer is always the priority.
• Deliver safe, planned, and well-supervised sessions in a positive environment.
• Maintain professional boundaries and model respectful behaviour at all times.
• Develop swimmers through encouragement, fairness, and age-appropriate expectations.
• Act within your qualifications and protect confidential information.

Swimmers

• Treat coaches, teammates, officials, and opponents with respect.
• Follow club and competition rules and compete fairly.
• Never bully, use bad language, or behave aggressively.
• Take responsibility for your effort, attitude, and commitment.
• Speak to a trusted adult if something makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Parents / Guardians

• Support the club, coaches, and committee in a respectful and constructive way.
• Ensure your child is delivered, collected, and supervised safely.
• Promote effort, enjoyment, and fair play over winning.
• Follow the correct process for concerns or complaints.
• Act as a positive role model in all club environments.

Swim Belfast has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. We are committed to providing a safe, caring environment where all members can participate without fear of bullying.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is repeated, intentional behavior that hurts, intimidates, or excludes someone. It can be physical, verbal, emotional, or online (cyberbullying).

Reporting Bullying:

• Tell a coach, committee member, or welfare officer immediately
• All reports will be taken seriously and investigated
• Confidentiality will be maintained where possible
• Appropriate action will be taken to stop the bullying

Swim Belfast is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with GDPR and UK data protection laws.

What We Collect & How We Use Your Data

• We collect basic personal details such as name, address, date of birth, contact details, membership information, and (where necessary) health information to safely manage your membership.
• We use this information to administer training, competition entries, communication, payments, and overall club management.
• We share relevant details with Swim Ireland, Swim Ulster, competition systems (e.g. SportsEngine), facility providers, and funding bodies where required for participation and reporting.
• Health information is only shared with appropriate coaches or officials to ensure safe participation and is processed with your explicit consent.
• We store your data securely, only for as long as necessary, and you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data at any time.

We recognize the benefits of photography and social media for celebrating achievements and promoting the club, while ensuring member safety and privacy.

Filming & Photography Policy

• Images may only be taken at club events with proper permission and device registration.
• Photography and filming are strictly prohibited in changing areas, toilets, or medical rooms.
• Images must be appropriate, respectful, and focused on participation — not posed or suggestive.
• Personal details of young people must not be shared alongside images, especially on social media.
• Any unauthorised, inappropriate, or concerning use of images must be reported immediately.

Social Media Policy

• Social media must be used positively, safely, and in line with club values.
• Club platforms must be moderated by 2–3 responsible adults with shared access.
• Parental permission is required before posting images or communicating directly with young people online.
• Personal information must never be shared, and private conversations with young people are inappropriate.
• Cyberbullying, offensive content, or inappropriate behaviour online will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action.