Welfare Officer: Richard Debnam

Gravesham Fencing Club (GFC)
Code of Conduct & Safeguarding Policy
May 2026
Part A — Code of Conduct
1. Who This Applies To
This code is for everyone at GFC—fencers, parents/carers, coaches, volunteers, committee members,
referees, officials, spectators, and visitors—whether you’re at a club session, competition, trip, or
even online.
We follow the British Fencing (BF) Code of Conduct and related BF rules. Not being aware of a
standard will not be an acceptable reason for not complying. If someone breaks the rules, GFC may
handle it, or it might be passed to BF for investigation.
2. Our Values & How We Behave
Everyone should:
● Fence safely, fairly, and respectfully, following both the rules and the spirit of the sport.
● Co-operate in ensuring that the spirit of the rules of the sport and fair play are upheld.
● Keep the club and sport looking good—avoid actions (including online) that could damage
our reputation.
● Follow BF rules on safety, welfare, equality, anti-doping, and other policies.
● Accept decisions made by referees and officials and coaches, and use the proper complaints
channels if needed—don’t publicly criticise officials, the club committee, coaches, or BF.
● Treat everyone with respect—no bullying, harassment, taunting, or discrimination.
● Stick to UK anti-doping rules.
● Speak up if you notice anything unsafe or concerning (contact the Club Welfare Officer for
guidance).
● Never retaliate against any person involved in raising a complaint or concern.
3. Role-Specific Guidelines
3.1 Fencers (All Ages)
● Come prepared, play safely, and thank your opponents and officials.
● Protect your opponent’s wellbeing; avoid unsafe or overly aggressive actions.
● Keep language and gestures clean—don’t retaliate.
● Pay your fees on time and follow club/venue rules.
3.2 Coaches, Officials & Volunteers
● Safety first: put wellbeing before winning, be a role model, and stick to your level of training
and ability.
● Make sure background checks (DBS) and relevant training are up to date.
● Keep professional boundaries, respect privacy, and never bully or abuse your position.
● Record and report any concerns to the Club Welfare Officer.
3.3 Parents & Carers
● Celebrate effort, not just wins; help kids learn the rules and respect them.
● Set a positive example—use appropriate language and accept officials’ decisions.
● Help fencers accept the responsibilities of their actions and/or behaviours.
● Respect the role of the coach
● Stick to agreed drop-off/pick-up routines; only go piste-side if authorised.
4. Social Media & Digital Communication
● Represent the club and sport positively online.
● Club accounts should have two adult admins, secure passwords, and no private 1:1 chats
with U18s. Always maintain professional boundaries and keep parents in the loop where
needed.
5. Photos & Videos
● Follow BF guidance: get consent, brief participants, no filming in changing areas, and share
responsibly.
● At BF events, follow the event’s instructions on filming/photography.
6. Equality & Inclusion
● Everyone is welcome—no discrimination, harassment, or exclusion of any kind.
7. Anti-Doping
● We follow BF’s stance and UKAD rules. We’ll educate, support, and cooperate with testing as
needed.
8. Complaints & Discipline
● GFC can take action if rules are broken—warnings, suspension, or removal from sessions.
● For juniors, we may use a Yellow → Red → Black warning system similar to fencing penalties,
with welfare oversight.
● Members can raise complaints with the club or BF if needed.
Part B — Safeguarding (Children & Adults at Risk)
1. Our Commitment
We want everyone to have a fun and safe fencing experience. No one should experience abuse or
harm. This policy follows BF’s Safeguarding guidance.
2. Key Principles
● Everyone has a role in keeping people safe—coaches, volunteers, parents, peers, and
fencers.
● Accept the obligation to report safeguarding concerns through appropriate channels.
● We promote safe practice, prevent abuse, and act quickly if there’s a concern.
● Adults at Risk may need extra support; we follow BF guidance for them.
3. Who Does What
● Club Welfare Officer (CWO): Richard Debnam, 07951 003814. Independent from coaching,
trained, and ready to advise, record concerns, and signpost.
● Committee: Ensure policies are followed, recruitment is safe, and training is up to date.
● Coaches/Volunteers: Follow this policy, complete required checks/training, maintain
boundaries, report concerns.
● Parents & Fencers: Know how to raise concerns and follow club rules.
4. Safe Recruitment & Training
● We check and train everyone properly: valid BF membership, DBS checks,
safeguarding/Welfare Officer training.
● Renewal and updates happen as needed to stay current.
5. Spotting & Responding to Concerns
● Immediate risk: call Police/Children’s or Adult Services first, then BF Safeguarding (07526
003030) or Lead Safeguarding Officer (07717 740125).
● Non-urgent concerns: fill in BF’s Non-Urgent Report Form.
● Never allow safeguarding allegations to go unchallenged or unrecorded
6. Keeping Sessions Safe
● Adequate adult supervision; avoid one-to-one unsupervised situations with U18s.
● Only necessary, explained, and proportionate physical contact.
● Changing areas: no photos; clear drop-off/pick-up rules; risk assessments for trips.
● First aid available, injuries recorded, parents informed, medication/TUE rules followed.
7. Online Safety & Social Media
● Use monitored club channels; no private chats with U18s; include parents where needed.
● Educate families on safe online behaviour.
8. Photos & Videos
● Get consent, brief attendees, restrict sharing as needed, and never film in changing/medical
areas.
● Use GFC consent forms for membership and events.
9. Equality & Inclusion
● Follow BF’s Equality Policy in all safeguarding decisions; challenge discrimination; support
inclusive participation.
10. Managing Breaches or Concerns
● Take immediate action to keep people safe (e.g., remove from activity).
● Non-urgent conduct issues follow club sanctions or may go to BF Disciplinary Code.
11. Complaints & Disputes
● Welfare/safeguarding concerns follow the reporting procedures.
● Other complaints follow the club’s complaints route; serious matters may go to BF.
12. Implementation & Review
● This policy is shared on the website and noticeboards, given to staff, volunteers, parents, and
fencers.
● Reviewed at least once a year or after major incidents/changes in BF policy.
Appendices
1. Key Contacts
● Club Welfare Officer: Richard Debnam, 07951 003814
● BF Lead Safeguarding Officer: 07717 740125
● BF Emergency 24/7: 07526 003030
2. Junior Sanctions Framework
● Yellow → Red → Black progressive warnings for behaviour, with parent communication and
welfare oversight.