Child Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: {{ now()->format('F j, Y') }} · Aligned with ITF Safeguarding Policy, NTF Safe Play Framework, Nigerian Child Rights Act 2003

Core Principle

The welfare of every child is of paramount importance and is everyone's responsibility. Hotshots Tennis Academy maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding all forms of abuse, harassment, and exploitation.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all persons involved with the Academy, including:

  • Head Coach and all assistant coaches/trainers
  • Administrative staff and volunteers
  • Parents, guardians, and visitors during Academy activities
  • Players (peer-to-peer conduct)

2. Safeguarding Code of Conduct

All coaches and staff ("Covered Persons") shall:

  • Treat all children with dignity and respect, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, or ability level.
  • Prioritize the welfare of every child above competitive results or program objectives.
  • Never use physical punishment, intimidation, or demeaning language.
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries — avoid being alone with a child in an enclosed, unobservable space.
  • Not engage in any sexual, romantic, or inappropriate relationship with a player under 18.
  • Not photograph or film children on personal devices without explicit guardian consent and Academy authorization.
  • Report any concerns about a child's welfare immediately to the Head Coach or designated safeguarding contact.

3. Types of Abuse

In accordance with the ITF Safeguarding Policy and the Nigerian Child Rights Act 2003, the Academy recognizes the following forms of abuse:

  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, excessive physical conditioning used as punishment.
  • Emotional Abuse: Persistent criticism, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or unreasonable pressure to perform.
  • Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity involving a child, including non-contact abuse (exposure, grooming).
  • Neglect: Failure to provide adequate supervision, safety, nutrition, or medical attention during Academy activities.
  • Bullying: Repeated behaviour intended to hurt, intimidate, or exclude, including cyberbullying.

4. Reporting Procedures

  1. Immediate Concern: If a child is in immediate danger, contact Nigeria Police Emergency (112) or the nearest law enforcement authority.
  2. Internal Report: Report concerns to the Head Coach or Academy administration. All reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.
  3. Documentation: All incidents are documented in the Academy's incident log with date, persons involved, and actions taken.
  4. External Escalation: The Academy will cooperate with the NTF, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and law enforcement as required.
  5. ITF Reporting: Safeguarding concerns involving ITF-sanctioned events may also be reported to safeguarding@itftennis.com.

5. Recruitment & Vetting

  • All coaches and staff undergo background verification before appointment.
  • References are checked for all persons who will have unsupervised access to children.
  • The Academy reserves the right to suspend any individual pending investigation of a safeguarding concern.

6. Training

  • All coaches receive safeguarding awareness training upon appointment and annually thereafter.
  • Training covers recognizing signs of abuse, reporting procedures, appropriate boundaries, and the NTF Safe Play framework.

7. NTF & ITF Alignment

  • This policy is consistent with the NTF Safe Play framework for athlete protection and welfare.
  • For ITF-sanctioned events, the Academy adheres to the ITF Safeguarding Policy and designates a Safeguarding Officer for tournament attendance.
  • Players participating in NTF-ranked events are subject to the NTF Code of Conduct for players.

8. Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in NTF/ITF safeguarding standards, Nigerian legislation, and best practices in child protection within sport.

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