Sports & Community

Want to join a club near to where you live? Here are some simple bits of advice for parents about what to consider when taking your children to a local sports club and for information about sporting opportunities across Tunbridge Wells.

Sports clubs in Tunbridge Wells

Details of sports clubs in Tunbridge Wells

Find courses for sports coaches in Tunbridge Wells

Practical Pointers for joining clubsIf you are thinking of joining a sports club within Tunbridge Wells, here are some things that you should consider before signing up:

• Does the club have a recognised quality mark such as Clubmark?
  Clubs have attained this kind of accreditation have shown that they are safe, and offer a child friendly environment that have all of the policies and procedures stated below in place.
   
• Does the club have a child protection policy and is it available for new members to look at if they want to?
  A child protection policy will indicate that the club has thought about the well-being of their members and that procedures are in place to safeguard them
   
• Are the leaders, coaches and volunteers CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checked?
  A CRB check is done to ensure that leaders and coaches do not have previous criminal convictions, which may affect whether they are allowed to work with children. An enhanced CRB disclosure will also include details of any cautions and reprimands received
   
• Are there trained first aiders present at all times and is there an appropriate procedure for accidents?
  This is to ensure that, should your child have an accident, they are in the best hands and receive the necessary first aid.
   
• Are the leaders/coaches appropriately qualified?
  If the coaches are not qualified, this may lead to unsafe practice and risks. All qualified coaches should have insurance to cover their activities.
   
• What is the leader/coach to young person ratio?
  The ratio will vary depending on the activity, but if there are a high number of children to each coach, accidents are more likely to occur.
   
• Does the club have the correct Public Liability Insurance?
  Insurance covers the club should any accidents happen and the policy should pay out for any injury or damage caused.
   
• Has the club carried out risk assessments for the equipment and activities they provide?
  Risk assessments are there to ensure that activities are carried out safely and that any risks are reduced and managed effectively.
   
• Is the club affiliated to the appropriate organisation?
  Sports clubs should be affiliated to their appropriate National Governing Body. For example, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) for swimming