Children Playing at WePlay Padel
Children under the age of 13 years old are not allowed to attend WePlay Padel unsupervised.
Any child under the age of 16 years but over the age of 13 years remains the responsibility of the parent, carer or guardian.
Children under the age of 13 years old may be left unattended by their parent if the child is being coached by one of WePlay Padel’s designated coaching team who are an LTA Accredited coach.
It is a parent’s responsibility to teach their child how to respond to emergencies or situations that may arise outside the house, so they feel confident when their child is not under their supervision.
Toilets
Children under 9 attending coaching sessions will be walked to the toilets by the coach to check no adults are using the toilets, and then return to the courts.
Children aged 9+ will be allowed to leave the court to use the toilet unaccompanied.
Can a padel venue decide about what age children can be unsupervised at their venue?
Yes. Whilst the NSPCC has guidance, each tennis/padel venue makes its own decision about what age children can be without parental supervision.
It is important to communicate any decision about what age children can be left at a tennis/padel venue unsupervised, to all members, including young people.
Whilst LTA registered venues have safeguarding policies in place, along with a designated Welfare Officer, this is to support in safeguarding whilst children and young people are present, or respond to any issues that may occur, not to take on parental responsibilities.
All the WePlay Padel members know my child and can supervise my child when I am not there?
You may know some WePlay Padel members well, however specific arrangements still need to be made by you and another adult to supervise your child.
Your child needs to be aware of the arrangement. Simply being on WePlay Padel’s premises with lots of adults is not acceptable.
Please ensure that junior members are familiar with WePlay Padel’s playing and court usage codes of conduct.
Whilst WePlay Padel fully accepts NSPCC guidance which relates to domestic situations, the organisation has agreed that children under 13 must be always supervised by a parent or other ‘responsible adult’ apart from coaching sessions, where the coach assumes responsibility.
- WePlay Padel’s Welfare Officer is: Joanne Goff 07713030284
Safeguarding Plan for Junior Match Play
Supervision of Children
- The number of adults required to supervise children is:
- 1:10 for children 10 years.
- 1:12 for children 11 years and over
- 1:16 for children on camps, open days, schools
(This may be different for children with special needs and supported by a risk assessment)
It is recommended by WePlay UK that children under the age of 13 years are supervised by their parent/carer whilst at WePlay Padel and outside of any venue sessions, such as coaching lessons or padel camps and attending matches.
Transportation of Children
If is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure children are transported to and from WePlay Padel. WePlay Padel coaches, volunteers and staff will never provide transport to a child or children. If you are unable to provide the required transport, it is your responsibility to make alternative arrangements.
Code of Conduct for Players
Players should take pride in their appearance and act in a professional manner when representing WePlay Padel, both on and off the court.
Captains/ Team managers should remind all players to be on their best behaviour when away, to lead by example and play by the LTA competition rules at all times.
Code of Conduct for Adult Coaches/Volunteers/Parents
All coaches/volunteers/parents should be made aware of WePlay Padel’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
All coaches/volunteers/parents are expected to always abide by the LTA and WePlay Padel’s code of conduct.
WePlay Padel – Contact
- James Buffoni – Managing Director