The Heart of England ITF Taekwon-Do Association is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for juniors under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults by enforcing the clear and comprehensive UITF Child Protection Policy.

Important: Safeguarding – Taekwondo Council

CLICK HERE to view official safeguarding guidance from the Taekwondo Council UK.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

All Heart of England ITF Instructors are DBS checked to ensure the safety and welfare of every student.

Insurance

All Heart of England ITF Instructors and Students are fully insured for Martial Arts activities.

Child Protection Policy Overview

Heart of England ITF Taekwon-Do Association complies with the UITF Taekwondo Child Protection Policy – Safeguarding & Implementation Procedures. All members are deemed to have read, understood, and assented to the UITF Taekwondo Code of Conduct and Ethics (“Code”).

All individuals involved in Heart of England ITF Schools — instructors, officials, coaches, administrators, students, and spectators — agree to abide by the Code and uphold the highest standards of conduct and safeguarding at all times.

Each Heart of England ITF School is responsible for implementing the UITF Child Protection Policy and procedures for its members. Any act, statement, or conduct that harms a child or poses a risk of harm shall be considered improper behaviour and may bring the art or sport into disrepute.

The term “Offence” refers to any offence under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and any other criminal offence that reasonably causes the Governing Body to believe the accused may pose a risk to children.

Procedures & Actions

Upon receipt by Heart of England ITF of:

• Notification that an individual has been charged with an offence;
• Notification that an individual is under investigation relating to an offence;
• Or any information suggesting a person may pose a risk of harm to a child;

The Heart of England ITF Child Protection Officer and/or Chairman has the authority to suspend that individual from Heart of England ITF activity pending investigation.

In determining whether such an order should be made, consideration will be given to:

• Whether a child or children are, or may be, at risk of harm;
• Whether the matters are of a serious nature;
• Whether an order is necessary to allow investigations to proceed unimpeded.

If an individual is convicted or cautioned for an offence, it shall be considered a breach of Heart of England ITF regulations. The Child Protection Officer may then suspend the individual indefinitely or for a defined period, acting on behalf of the Heart of England ITF Management Committee.

Photography & Media

The taking of photographs or video footage at Heart of England ITF Schools training sessions is strictly prohibited without prior permission from the Instructor and Parents or Guardians of all juniors present.

Any approved images or footage must not appear in any publication or online platform identifying children. Anyone taking unauthorised images will be asked to delete them immediately.

Concerns regarding unauthorised or inappropriate photography should be reported to the Instructor. Please note that photography at competitions or public events may be unrestricted.

Child Care

Heart of England ITF and Junior Taekwon-Do classes are not child care facilities. Parents who leave their children during training must return promptly at the end of the session.

Taekwon-Do Safety

Although every reasonable measure is taken to ensure safety, ultimate responsibility remains with parents or guardians. Instructors and students are not insured or permitted under UITF policies to supervise juniors outside of training halls. Parents are encouraged to remain nearby during sessions.

Junior Taekwon-Do

It is an essential requirement that Parents, Guardians, or Carers remain within the teaching room during Junior Taekwon-Do classes. It is not acceptable for a junior student to be dropped off and left unsupervised.

For further information about this policy, please contact:
Master Gary Bradshaw, 8th Degree (VIII)
Heart of England ITF Chief Instructor