What should I do and what should I not do ?

What should I do and what should I not do ? This question is often asked by those dealing with young people within youth groups. If a child becomes distressed having tripped and banged their knee, should I give them a hug to re-assure them or will everybody think I am a paedophile ?

The answers are simple and set out below. As for the example quoted above, if you do not show normal adult concern for a youngster in distress then you are depriving them of normal adult caring and concern and acting in breach of the 'duty of care' that you have for them. You should however stay within the guidelines listed below.

You should always ............

Treat all players and children with respect and dignity befitting of their age, watch your language, tone of voice and where you put your body

You should never ......

• Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games including horseplay

• Allow or engage in inappropriate or intrusive touching of any kind

• Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged

• Make sexually suggestive comments to a child even in fun

• Let allegations a child make go unchallenged or unrecorded, always act

• Invade the privacy of children when they are changing, showering or going to the toilet