1. Policy Statement
The Poole & District Darts League (“the League”) is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants, including children and vulnerable adults. The League recognises its responsibility to safeguard individuals from harm and to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment across all League activities.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• • Protect children and vulnerable adults involved in League activities
  • Establish clear expectations for conduct
  • Provide procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns
  • Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• • Registered players
  • Team captains and managers
  • Venue owners, venue staff, and volunteers
  • League officials and committee members
  • Any individual acting on behalf of the League

All individuals covered by this policy are required to comply with its provisions as a condition of participation.

4. Definitions

• • Child: Any person under the age of 18.
  • Vulnerable Adult: An adult who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
  • Safeguarding Concern: Any allegation, suspicion, or evidence of behaviour that may place a child or vulnerable adult at risk.
  • Suspension: Temporary removal from League activities pending investigation or review.

5. Safeguarding Principles

The League adopts the following principles:

• • The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.
  • All individuals have the right to participate in a safe environment.
  • Concerns must be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
  • The League will cooperate fully with statutory authorities.

6. Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

• • Abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind
  • Inappropriate communication or contact with minors
  • Possession or distribution of illegal or harmful material
  • Any conduct that places a child or vulnerable adult at risk

7. Mandatory Suspension for Criminal Convictions or Investigations

To uphold safeguarding standards, the League enforces the following rule:

• • Any player, team member, venue staff member, or individual associated with a League team who has been convicted of, charged with, or is under investigation for any child-related offence will be immediately suspended from all League activities.
    • This suspension applies to:
      o Participation in matches
      o Access to League venues during fixtures
      o Involvement in team operations
      o Attendance at League events
  • The venue associated with the individual may also be suspended pending review.
  • Suspension remains in effect until the investigation concludes and the League Committee has reviewed the outcome.
  • The League reserves the right to impose additional safeguarding measures where necessary.

8. Reporting Procedures

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to:

• • The League Safeguarding Officer
  • A Committee Member
  • Police or Local Authority (in urgent or criminal cases)

Reports may be made confidentially.

No individual will face retaliation for raising a concern in good faith.

9. League Response Process

Upon receiving a safeguarding concern:

• • The Safeguarding Officer will record and assess the information.
  • Immediate protective measures may be implemented.
  • Relevant authorities will be notified where required.
  • The Committee will review findings and determine appropriate actions, including suspension, restrictions, or dismissal.

10. Reinstatement

Reinstatement following an investigation will only occur when:

• • The individual is fully cleared of all allegations, and
  • The Committee is satisfied that no safeguarding risk remains.

Conditions may be imposed on reinstatement, including training or monitoring requirements.

11. Confidentiality

All safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only with individuals or authorities who require it for legitimate safeguarding purposes.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• • Legislation changes
  • Guidance from safeguarding authorities is updated
  • A safeguarding incident indicates the need for revision