There are a number of reasons a person might need to report a concern:
• something a young person has said to you – a disclosure
• signs or suspicions of abuse
• allegations made against a member of staff or a volunteer
• allegations made about a parent, carer or someone not working within the sport
• bullying
• a breach of the Code of Ethics and Behaviour
• observation of inappropriate behaviour
• anything which makes them uncomfortable based on inappropriate behaviour of an adult or changes in behaviour of a young person
• behaviour being contrary to England Hockey’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and Procedures and Code of Ethics and Behaviour.

It is important to note that even if an incident occurs outside the hockey environment, it should still be reported to England Hockey if the adult or young person concerned is involved in hockey. This is in accordance with standard practice in sport.

Always:
• stay calm
• reassure the person reporting their concerns that they have done the right thing in telling you
• keep an open mind
• listen carefully to what is said and take them seriously
• find an appropriate early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others – do not promise to keep secrets
• ask questions for clarification only, and at all times avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer. To help you to do this, try to ask questions starting with tell me about, explain to me, describe.
• tell them what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared
• report the incident to your Welfare Officer or England Hockey Ethics and Compliance Manager
• record in writing what was said using the young person’s own words as soon as possible, using the England Hockey Safeguarding Referral Form

Never:
• panic
• make promises you cannot keep, including promises to keep secrets
• make a young person repeat the information unnecessarily
• question the detail of what the young person has shared
• delay in reporting to your Welfare Officer or England Hockey Ethics and Compliance Manager
• make assumptions
• approach the alleged abuser
• take sole responsibility

It is acknowledged that taking appropriate action is never easy and the discovery that a member of a club or colleague may be acting inappropriately, bullying or abusing a child will raise concerns and emotional feelings for the person receiving the concern, and among other colleagues.

These emotions may evolve around feelings of:
• doubt: Is it true?
• guilt: Should I have known?
• did I miss something?
• did I have any suspicions?
• should I have said something?
• fear: Will others or I be suspected?
• what actions should be taken?
• confusion: What will happen?
• what will be the effect?
• concerns: What can I do to support all those people who may need support?
• how will it affect further relationships or contact with children?
• are there systems in place to expose future situations?

These are natural responses, but remember that the safety and welfare of young people is paramount.

Remember:
• it is NOT the club’s responsibility to decide if a child is being abused or poor practice has occurred.
• any concerns or allegations will be managed by England Hockey, with the club’s cooperation and assistance.
• it IS your responsibility to report your concerns, not act on them.

Speak to your Welfare Officer or England Hockey Ethics and Compliance Manager who will:
• support you
• listen to you
• take all concerns seriously
• act immediately within hockey’s policies, procedures and systems