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Introduction
Marshals Cheer & Dance are one of the UK’s newest competitive cheer and dance programs, established in July 2012, the program has grown from strength to strength. The program has at its core a desire to develop Masters of Cheer and Dance. A philosophy that underpins each and every action carried out by the team of experienced and committed coaches. Their aim is to guide each athlete to a place where they truly master the skills required to be a competitive cheerleading athlete, with a real focus on form and detail. The combined effect of this individual mastery is the development of resilient and sustainable teams that compete at the highest level both nationally and on a World stage.
Key Personnel
Its Directors Tovonya Raybe and Natalie John-Baptiste(each world class athletes who have represented the UK at the World Cheerleading & Dance Championships 5 times and have won several National and European individual titles), will add to the process their personal experience and lessons learnt to create exciting and meaningful experiences for the young people in their teams.
In addition to this they have worked with the world’s most highly respected Cheer Gym owners, dancers, choreographers and coaches, they have coached and judged for many major National and International cheerleading companies across the globe. Their credentials combined are one of a kind; with over 35 years of experience within this niche industry they aim to pass on the wealth of their experience to encourage and train world class athletes and dancers who will represent the UK on the world stage in the future.
Our mission
“Our mission is to build successful teams of elite level athletes and dancers, Our goal each day is to teach our members the value of commitment, hard work, integrity, leadership, self-confidence, positive attitude and a love for one of the most growing sports and activity in the world. We want to nurture a habit of mastery within these young people both inside and outside the gym and studio; we want to give them the opportunity to travel and compete all over the world by using the skills that they develop, giving them memories and life skills that will last them a life time.”
It’s very important to us to pass on the baton to the young people; after all they are the future!
CHILD PROTECTION STATEMENT
Child Protection Policy Statement
Marshals Cheer & Dance acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and compliesnwith best practice and USASF/IASF requirements.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children
•have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport at Marshals Cheer & Dance in a safe and child centred environment
•are protected from abuse whilst participating in cheerleading provided by Marshals Cheer & Dance or outside of the activity.
Marshals Cheer & Dance acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy Marshals Cheer & Dance will
•promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
•ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
•ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
•ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
•ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Marshals Cheer & Dance. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
•changes in legislation and/or government guidance
•as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, UK Sport and/or Home Country Sports Councils.
•as a result of any other significant change or event.
Codes of conduct for parents and carers
As parents you are expected to:
•Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their chosen activity.
• Do not place your child under pressure or push them into activities they do not want to do.
•Complete and return the Registration, Medical and Consent Forms pertaining to your child’s participation with Marshals Cheer & Dance
•Deliver and collect your child punctually before and after practises, competitions, performances, events.
•Ensure your child has clothing appropriate to the weather conditions
•Ensure that proper sportswear and necessary supports are worn. Any child not in possession of the fundamental requirements will not be permitted to participate.
•Detail any relevant medical concerns or conditions pertaining to their child on the registration/consent form.
•Any changes in the state of the child’s health should be reported to the coach prior to the activity.
•To inform the coach prior to the activity starting if your child is to be collected early.
•Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best.
•Behave responsibly on the side-line’s; do not embarrass your child.
•Show appreciation and support the coach and other Marshals Cheer & Dance staff.
•Ensure your child is punctual.
•Be realistic and supportive.
•Ensure your child has appropriate showering equipment, plus adequate food and drink.
•Accept the coaches judgment and do not enter the practise area.
•Promote their child’s participation in playing sport for fun.
As a parents/carer you have the right to:
•Know your child is safe.
•Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your children.
•Be informed if your child is injured.
•Have your consent sought for issue such as trips or photography.
•Contribute to decisions within the program.
•Have any concerns you have about any aspect of your child’s welfare listened to responded to.
Any breaches of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by a Marshals Cheer & Dance Director. Persistent concerns or breaches will result in you being asked not to attend practises if your attendance is considered detrimental to the welfare of young participants.
The ultimate action should a parent/guardian continue to breach the code of behaviour may be the Marshals Cheer & Dance Directors regrettably asking the child to leave the practise, event or program.
Code of conduct for children
Marshals Cheer & Dance is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its members. The program believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the program should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the program with Natalie John-Baptiste or Tovonya Raybe the Directors.
Sports clubs should offer a positive experience for children and young people and where they can learn new things in a safe and positive environment.
As a member of Marshals Cheer & Dance, you are expected to abide by the following junior code of practice:
Children /young people are expected to:
•Be loyal and give their friends a second chance
•Be friendly and particularly welcoming to new members
•Be supportive and committed to other team members, offer comfort when required
•Keep yourself safe
•Report inappropriate behaviour or risky situations for youth members
•Play fairly and be trustworthy
•Respect officials and accept decisions
•Show appropriate loyalty and be gracious in defeat
•Respect opponents
•Not cheat or be violent and aggressive
•Make your club a fun place to be
•Keep within the defined boundary of the practise area
•Behave and listen to all instructions from the coach. Play within the rules and respect the coach and their decisions
•Show respect to other youth members/leaders and show team spirit
•Take care of equipment owned by the club.
•Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background or religious beliefs or sexual identity
•Refrain from the use of bad language or racial/sectarian references. This includes bullying using new technologies like chat-rooms or texting
•Not get involved in inappropriate peer pressure and push others into something they do not want to do
•Refrain from bullying or persistent use of rough and dangerous play
•Keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or director if they are going to be late
•Wear suitable training kit as agreed with the coach
•Pay any fees for training or events promptly
•Not smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions
•Not consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club
Children / Young People have the right to:
•Be safe and happy in their chosen activity.
•Be listened to.
•Be respected and treated fairly.
•Privacy.
•Enjoy your sport in a protective environment.
•Be referred to professional help if needed.
•Be protected from abuse by other member or outside sources.
•Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability.
•Experience competition and the desire to win.
•Be believed.
•Ask for help.
Any misdemeanours and general misbehaviour will be addressed by the immediate coach and reported verbally to the designated person. Persistent misbehaviour will result in dismissal from the Marshals Cheer & Dance. Parents will be informed at all stages. Dismissals can be appealed by the coach/volunteer with final decisions taken by the directors.
Last reviewed July 2014