Thursday 18 February 2010 17.45 class incident at Brookfield
Message to parents to apply common sense
It has been brought to my attention that a father entered the girl's changing facilities at Brookfield to assist his daughter on Thursday 18th February. This is unacceptable behaviour. As a club we continually work to ensure that our swimmers are able to swim in a safe, positive and friendly atmosphere. This extends into the changing rooms where we expect normal responsible behaviour from swimmers and parents alike.
As a part of our child protection policy no person over 8 years is allowed to enter the opposite sex's changing room. This policy is not only there to protect the children but also the parents and guardians. If your child is under 8 years and needs assistance to change then they must prepare for the session in the changing room suitable to the parent. If, as in this incident, the child (a girl) appears not to be prepared to use the male changing room with her father then only a female parent or guardian should attend her. This policy must be complied with. At any time senior and young ladies may be changing from a previous session or in order to assist the lesson.
ADDITIONALLY
While we're on the subject of common sense. Some parents may feel that they are able take the opportunity to use changing facilities for their own activities. Under no circumstances is it acceptable for an adult who is not attending as a swimmer, or is a member of the club and CRB checked to change, particularly shower at venues which are privately hired for the sole use of Chesterfield Swimming Club.
Please apply common sense towards the way you act in the vicinity of children as the resulting penalties are severe. We take such contraventions to our policy very seriously.
Mike Ward (Chairman)
