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Safeguarding Information

Hitchin Netball Club is fully committed to the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all our members. We follow England Netball’s Safeguarding Policies and guidance and strive to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our Club.

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This page should be read alongside our Safeguarding Policy Statement, which sets out our formal safeguarding principles, responsibilities, and procedures.

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You can view our Safeguarding Policy Statement and England Netball’s full safeguarding guidance by clicking the buttons below.

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Our Safeguarding Team is trained to respond to concerns sensitively and confidentially. If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact us immediately.
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We treat all safeguarding concerns sensitively and only share information with those who need to know in order to keep people safe.
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Urgent concerns: If there is an immediate threat to a member, call 999.​
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Accident Reporting & Emergency Procedures

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Hitchin Netball Club follows clear internal Accident Reporting & Emergency Procedures, implemented by trained coaches and volunteers, to ensure injuries, medical emergencies, and serious incidents are managed safely, consistently, and in line with England Netball guidance.

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Head Injuries & Concussion

Hitchin Netball Club takes head injuries and suspected concussion extremely seriously. Any player with a suspected head injury will be immediately removed from activity and will not return to play the same day.

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The following documents explain how head injuries are managed and how parents/carers are supported:

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Head Injury & Concussion Policy:


Head Injury Advice for Parents & Carers (HIAS):

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What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is about protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, neglect, and unsafe behaviour, while ensuring everyone can participate safely and enjoyably.

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➡️ If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to tell someone.

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Examples of safeguarding concerns include:

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  • Bullying or harassment

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

  • Neglect or unsafe practices

  • Discrimination or exclusion

 

 
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Training & Commitment

Our Club Safeguarding Officers and volunteers receive regular training to ensure they are equipped to handle concerns effectively. We are committed to:

  • Providing inclusive and safe participation for all members

  • Maintaining high safeguarding standards

  • Reviewing our policies annually to reflect best practices

 

Inclusivity & Participation

We welcome members of all ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. Boys are able to join up until the age of 12, in line with England Netball membership and competition guidance. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, including:

  • Ensuring all members can participate safely and enjoyably

  • Providing a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ participants

  • Maintaining zero tolerance for discrimination

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🏐 Feeling Safe, Supported & Included

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At Hitchin Netball Club, safeguarding isn’t just about policies — it’s about people. We want every player to feel safe, respected, and supported, both on and off the court.

 

Your wellbeing matters to us, and we’re here to help you look after your mental health, build confidence, and enjoy netball in a positive, inclusive environment.

 

💛 Looking After Your Mental Health

Being a young person comes with lots of changes and pressures—school, friendships, family, and sport can feel overwhelming at times. Here’s how to stay well:

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  • Talk it out – it’s okay to share how you feel.
     

  • Take breaks – rest and do things that help you relax.
     

  • Notice changes – if your mood or behaviour shifts, check in with someone you trust.
     

  • Use resources – NETBALLHer has tips on wellbeing, stress, and resilience.
     

  • Ask for help – speak to a coach, parent, or professional if you’re struggling.
     

💡 Taking care of your mental health helps you grow into a confident, strong, and resilient athlete.

 

🏅Our Promise

At Hitchin Netball Club, we make sure that all players:

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  • Are treated with respect and fairness.
     

  • Play in a safe and welcoming environment.
     

  • Can access support for health and wellbeing.
     

Our coaches and volunteers are trained to keep you safe and supported.

 

🚨 What To Do If Something Feels Wrong

If you ever feel unsafe or worried:

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  • Talk to a coach or volunteer you trust.

  • Speak to the Club Safeguarding Team

  • Speak to a parent or guardian.

  • Use professional support if needed.
     

You will always be listened to, and your concerns will be taken seriously.

 

📚 Support for Children, Young People & Families

Hitchin Netball Club is committed to safeguarding all members. In addition to contacting our Club Safeguarding Officers, the following organisations provide specialist advice, support, and crisis services.

These organisations are independent of Hitchin Netball Club and offer confidential advice, support, and crisis services. Links open in a new tab and lead to independent organisations.

 

🔒 Safeguarding Advice

  • NSPCC – Call 0808 800 5000 | www.nspcc.org.uk
    Confidential advice for anyone concerned about a child (under 18).
     

  • Childline – Call 0800 1111 | www.childline.org.uk
    1-to-1 chats, coping toolkits, and guidance for children and young people.
     

  • Anti-Bullying Alliance – Call 0808 1000 143 | www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
    Support for bullying or cyber-bullying issues.
     

 

👧 Children & Young People

  • Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership – Call 0300 123 4043
    For children or young people being abused, or adults worried about a young person.
     

  • England Netball Safeguarding Team – Email besafe@englandnetball.co.uk | Phone 07595 863991
    Guidance and support for safeguarding in netball.
     

  • NSPCC – Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) – https://thecpsu.org.uk/
    Advice on safeguarding children in sport.

 

💬 Wellbeing & Mental Health

  • Wisdom App (Health Assured) – Free for England Netball members. Access code via BeSafe@englandnetball.co.uk.
     

  • NetballHer – https://netballher.co.uk
    Female health guidance, including teenage wellbeing.
     

  • Samaritans – Call 08457 90 90 90 | www.samaritans.org
    Confidential support for anyone in emotional distress.
     

  • TogetherAll – www.togetherall.com
    Online community for anonymous mental health support.
     

  • NHS Child & Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) – NHS CYPMHS
    NHS-funded mental health services for young people under 18.
     

  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 | www.mind.org.uk
    Support with mental health problems and sport-related wellbeing.
     

  • Beat – www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
    Support for eating disorders.
     

  • YoungMinds – www.youngminds.org.uk
    Mental health support for children and young people.
     

  • Papyrus – www.papyrus-uk.org
    Suicide prevention support for young people and adults.
     

  • Kooth – www.kooth.com
    Mental health and wellbeing apps, resources, and podcasts for young people.
     

 

🧩 Neurodiversity & Inclusion

  • England Netball Neurodiversity Fact Sheets – Link 
     

  • Youth Sport Trust – All About Autism (E-Learning) – Link

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  • Youth Sport Trust – Supporting Girls with Autism – Link

 

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Support

  • Stonewall – www.stonewall.org.uk
    Advice, guidance, and support for LGBTQ+ people, including youth.
     

  • LGBT Foundation – www.lgbt.foundation
    Helpline and support services for mental health, safety, and wellbeing.
     

  • Mermaids UK – www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
    Support for transgender and gender-diverse children, teens, and families.
     

  • Mind LGBTQ+ Support – LGBTQ+ Mental Health
    Mental health support specifically for LGBTQ+ people.

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