McDonald Golf Club’s Child Protection Policy.

In April of 2004 the golf club received a letter from the Child and Adult Protection Officer of the Scottish Golf Union. The letter referred to the Child Protection Policy that the club has adopted and gave guidance on the appointment of Child Protection Officers within McDonald Golf Club.

All schools and colleges now operate a Child Protection policy and the SGU, by sending out the relevant information to golf clubs, has enabled us to formulate and put into practice our own policies with their agreement.

McDonald Golf Club takes its duties to the younger members of the club very seriously and has willingly embraced the policies sent to us by the SGU. All our appointed Child Protection Officers will be vetted through use of the Disclosure Scotland system and we will shortly sign a Confidentiality Agreement with the SGU who can then allow us to use their central vetting service. This will ensure that all those connected with the golf club who have access to the junior members will have been vetted and that all the information received during the vetting process remains confidential. McDonald Golf Club’s Disciplinary Policy and Procedures Handbook has now been revised to take into effect the adoption of our own Child Protection Policy and covers both staff and members alike.

Before the start of the 2005 golf season all parents/legal guardians/carers of the relevant junior members who wish to play golf at McDonald Golf Club should have received two forms to complete and return with their child’s fee renewal form. These comprise of a Consent to First Aid and a Consent to Photography form. These must be filled in and returned to the club office. The Consent to First Aid form allows qualified personnel such as doctors, nurses etc to administer first aid to any child unfortunate enough to injure themselves whilst attending McDonald Golf Club. The Consent to Photography form would allow only legitimate images to be taken whilst the child is participating in golfing activities at McDonald Gold Club. Under the terms of the Data protection Act any information contained in the forms will be held in the strictest security and will not be divulged to any third party without the prior consent of the child/parent/legal guardian/carer concerned. It is to be regretted that such forms are necessary prior to a child’s involvement in sport but it is only by these forms acquisition and retention that the golf club can protect itself against any untoward accusations. A copy of the golf club’s Child Protection Policy is contained on the Website for further perusal and information.

In view of the above and the extra work involved I would like to see more people actively engaged in working with the Junior Convenor, to assist him in all aspects of the Junior Section. Please contact the office if you feel you may be able to help. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all concerned for their co-operation in this matter.

Alan Barker.

Club Captain.

November 2004.