Safeguarding Policy

Abstract

Keeping our community safe:

The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum standards for the protection of youth participants in youth activities offered by 100 Mile Club, on and off campus, and in third-party youth activities. Policy content is also designed to protect employees, volunteers, and 100 Mile Club as an organization.

 

Safeguarding Policy

100 Mile Club wants to set a high standard for safety and safeguarding children so that students are protected and partners maintain the highest confidence in the non-profit to keep kids safe.

We believe that: Nobody who participates in our work should ever experience abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all of our beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers, to keep them safe and to work in a way that protects them. Safeguarding means making sure that those who are there to support communities do not cause harm or take advantage of anyone.

Every organization that provides services for children and young people (anyone under the age of 18) and adults-at-risk has a part to play in safeguarding and promoting their welfare.

We expect that all schools (districts) will have their own policies covering safeguarding and welfare. We recognize our responsibility to work in partnership with other partners in the event of a concern arising and in relation to a child, young person, or adult at risk.

 

 100 Mile Club key elements to safeguarding include:

1. 100 Mile Club adheres to the safety protocols enforced by schools and school districts as a third-party partner.

2. 100 Mile Club will model and set forth a high standard of safety which includes awareness, communication, and training. 

3. 100 Mile Club is committed to working in conjunction with our partners in education and law enforcement in the event a concern arises in relation to a child, young person, or adult at risk.

 

Physical education and activity are more than just a school subject; it’s a powerful tool that shapes children’s lives, instilling lifelong habits of health and wellbeing.

From primary school age to adolescence, regular physical activity plays a pivotal role in children’s development, with benefits extending far beyond the playground.

By promoting physical health, ensuring safety, enhancing mental wellbeing, and instilling valuable life skills, physical activity sets children on a path towards a healthy, active, and fulfilling life.

PE lessons provide a safe environment for children to engage in physical activity. Safeguarding is a crucial aspect of PE, ensuring children can exercise without risk of harm.

Beyond physical health, physical activities also contribute to mental wellbeing. Regular physical activity has been linked to improved mood, increased concentration, and reduced stress levels. These benefits can enhance academic performance and foster a more positive school experience for students and teachers alike.

These lessons cultivate essential life skills important in social settings and making the most of opportunities as children mature. In and out of school, group activities encourage cooperation, communication, and leadership.

Lastly, physical activity helps establish healthy lifestyle habits that will greatly contribute to and remove strains on other aspects of society such as health services. Children who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to continue these habits into adulthood.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum standards for the protection of youth participants in youth activities on and off campus, and in third-party youth activities. Policy content is also designed to protect employees, volunteers, and 100 Mile Club as an organization.

Scope  

This policy applies to all individuals and organizations (“personnel”) who are involved in carrying out 100 Mile Club programs directed at children and youth. These include, but are not limited to employees, volunteers, consultants, contractors, partners and any other 100 Mile Club representatives.

This policy does not supersede stricter standards set by school districts or other policies, rules, or laws that impact the operation of youth activities.

 

Created 2/27/24