website (23)
Safeguarding Policy
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SPC = Safeguarding and Protection Committee LRC = Licensing and Registration Committee |
Safeguarding Policy
- Policy statement
The Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club (HLTC) is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and adults at risk, promoting safeguarding in our club at all times, including all programmes and events we run. All activities, events and trips arranged by the club run in accordance with the LTA’s Safeguarding at Events and Competitions guidance. This Policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive tennis experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.
- Use of terminology
Child: a person under the age of eighteen years.
Note that some legislation in Scotland defines a child as a person under sixteen years old. However, where there is any safeguarding concern, anyone under the age of 18 is regarded as a child unless advised otherwise by the LTA Safeguarding Team .
Adult at risk: a person aged eighteen years or over who is, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of disability, age or illness; and is, or may be, unable to take care of, or unable to protect him or herself against abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding children: protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing the impairment of children’s health or development, ensuring that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances.
Safeguarding adults at risk: protecting adults from abuse and/or neglect. Enabling adults to maintain control over their lives and make informed choices without coercion. Empowering adults at risk, consulting them before taking action, unless someone lacks the capacity to make a decision, or their mental health poses a risk to their own or someone else’s safety, in which case, always acting in his or her best interests.
(See appendix A for full glossary of terms).
- Scope
This Policy is applicable to all staff, volunteers, committee members, coaches and club members. It is in line with national legislation and applicable across the UK.
Advice, guidance and support is available from the LTA Safeguarding Team.
- Responsibility for the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure
SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY: NOT RESPONDING TO A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN IS NOT AN OPTION.
- Our club’s committee has overall accountability for this Policy and its implementation
- Our club Welfare Officer(s) is responsible for updating this Policy in line with legislative and club developments
- All individuals involved in/present at the club are required to adhere to the Policy and Code of Conduct
- The LTA Safeguarding Team and Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and Tennis Foundation Safeguarding Leads can offer support to help clubs proactively safeguard.
Where there is a safeguarding concern/disclosure:
- The individual who is told about, hears, or is made aware of the concern/disclosure is responsible for following the Reporting a Safeguarding Concern Procedure shown in the flowchart at the beginning of this policy. Unless someone is in immediate danger, they should inform their club Welfare Officer, LTA Safeguarding Team or National Safeguarding Lead.
- The club Welfare Officer and Safeguarding Leads are responsible for reporting safeguarding concerns to the LTA Safe Safeguarding Team.
- The LTA Safeguarding Team is responsible for assessing all safeguarding concern/disclosures that are reported to them and working with the club Welfare Officer and National Safeguarding Leads to follow up as appropriate on a case-by-case basis, prioritising the well-being of the child/ adult at risk at all times. Dependent on the concern/disclosure, a referral may be made to:
- The police in an emergency (999);
- Local Authority Children’s Services: Argyll & Bute Council Social Work Department: 01546 605517; https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/abcpc
- Local Authority Adult Services: Argyll & Bute Council Social Work Department: 01546 605517; https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/abcpc
- Breaches of the Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure
Breaches of this Policy and/or failure to comply with the outlined responsibilities may result in the following:
- Disciplinary action leading to possible exclusion from the club, dismissal and legal action
- Termination of current and future roles within the club and roles in other clubs, the LTA, Tennis Wales, Tennis Scotland and the Tennis Foundation.
Actions taken by players, parents or carers, staff, consultants, volunteers, officials, coaches inside or outside of the club that are seen to contradict this Policy may be considered a violation of this Policy.
Where an appeal is lodged in response to a safeguarding decision made by the club, the individual should adhere to the club’s appeal procedure [for guidance on developing an appeal procedure – see What’s the Score toolkit].
- Whistleblowing
Safeguarding children and adults at risk requires everyone to be committed to the highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability. As a club, we are committed to encouraging and maintaining a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously.
What is whistle blowing?
In the context of safeguarding, “whistle blowing” is when someone raises a concern about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk.
A whistle blower may be:
- a player;
- a volunteer;
- a coach;
- other member of staff;
- an official;
- a parent;
- a member of the public.
How to raise a concern about a child or an adult at risk at the club
If a child or an adult at risk is in immediate danger or risk of harm, the police should be contacted by calling 999.
Where a child or an adult at risk is not in immediate danger, any concerns about their well-being should be made without delay to the Club Welfare Officer. The Club Welfare Officer will pass the details of the concern on to the LTA Safeguarding Team at the earliest opportunity and the relevant local authority and the police will be contacted, where appropriate.
If, however, the whistle blower does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer, the whistle blower should contact the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
The Club Welfare Officer can be contacted on:
- Carol Bews 07850 941701
- Bobby Kerr 07831 208151
Information to include when raising a concern
The whistle blower should provide as much information as possible regarding the incident or circumstance which has given rise to the concern, including:
- their name and contact details (unless they wish to remain anonymous);
- names of individuals involved;
- date, time and location of incident/circumstance; and
- whether any witnesses were present.
What happens next?
All concerns raised by a whistle blower about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk will be taken seriously and every effort will be made to deal with each concern fairly, quickly and proportionately.
If the whistle blower does not believe that the concern has been dealt with appropriately and wishes to speak to someone outside the club or the LTA Safeguarding Team, the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line should be contacted on 0800 028 0285 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Support
The club will not tolerate any harassment, victimisation or unfair treatment of, and will take appropriate action to protect, whistle blowers when they raise a concern in good faith.
Codes of Conduct
All members of staff, volunteers and members agree to:
- Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times
- Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
- Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
- Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court
- Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language
- Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer
- Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk
- Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
- Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
- Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
- Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)
- Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions
- Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
- Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances
- Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle
- Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
- Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for
- Be acutely aware of the power that coaches and coaching assistants develop over players in the coaching relationship and avoid any intimacy (sexual or otherwise) with players
All children agree to:
- Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
- Play fairly and honestly
- Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions
- Behave, respect and listen to your coach
- Take care of your equipment and club property
- Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
- Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
- Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
- Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events
- Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others
All parents and carers agree to:
- Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis
- Use appropriate language at all times
- Be realistic and supportive
- Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match
- Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect
- Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
- Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
- Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
- Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
- Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
- Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct
- Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations
- Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history
This Policy is reviewed every two years (or earlier if there is a change in national legislation).
This Policy is recommended for approval by:
Club Committee Chair: Keith Love Date: 26/11/20
Club Welfare Officers: Carol Bews and Bobby Kerr Date: 26/11/20
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Safeguarding: protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing the impairment of children’s health or development, ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances. Enabling adults at risk to achieve the outcomes that matter to them in their life; protecting their right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Empowering and supporting them to make choices, stay safe and raise any concerns. Beginning with the assumption that an individual is best-placed to make decisions about their own wellbeing, taking proportional action on their behalf only if someone lacks the capacity to make a decision, they are exposed to a life-threatening risk, someone else may be at risk of harm, or a criminal offence has been committed or is likely to be committed.
Abuse and neglect
Physical abuse: A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child or adult at risk. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness
Sexual abuse: Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in abuse sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children
Emotional abuse: The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child or adult at risk such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on their emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child/ adult at risk that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person; not giving them opportunities to express their views; deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed, including interactions that are beyond a child or adult at risk’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing them participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing a child or adult at risk to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.
Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child/ adult at risk’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of their health or development. It may involve a parent or carer failing to:
- provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
- protect a child/ adult at risk from physical and emotional harm or danger;
- ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
- ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.
It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s or adult at risk’s basic emotional needs. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse.
Additional examples of abuse and neglect of adults at risk
Financial abuse: having money or property stolen; being defrauded; being put under pressure in relation to money or other property; and having money or other property misused.
Discriminatory abuse: treating someone in a less favourable way and causing them harm, because of their age, gender, sexuality, gender identity, disability, socio-economic status, ethnic origin, religion and any other visible or non-visible difference.
Domestic abuse: includes physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse by someone who is, or has been a partner or family member. Includes forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence (an act of violence based on the belief that the person has brought shame on their family or culture). Domestic abuse does not necessarily involve physical contact or violence.
Psychological abuse: including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
Organisational abuse: where the needs of an individual are not met by an organisation due to a culture of poor practice or abusive behaviour within the organisation.
Self-neglect: behaviour which threatens an adult’s personal health or safety (but not that of others). Includes an adult’s decision to not provide themselves with adequate food, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, or medication (when indicated), or take appropriate safety precautions
Modern slavery: encompasses slavery, human trafficking, criminal and sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
- A person who is being abused may experience more than one type of abuse
- Harassment, and bullying are also abusive and can be harmful
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is now recognised as a form of physical, sexual and emotional abuse that is practised across the UK
- Child Sexual Exploitation is recognised as a form of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status
- Child trafficking is recognised as child abuse where children are often subject to multiple forms of exploitation. Children are recruited, moved or transported to, or within the UK, then exploited, forced to work or sold
- People from all cultures are subject to abuse. It cannot be condoned for religious or cultural reasons
- Abuse can have immediate and long-term impacts on someone’s well-being, including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, eating disorders and self-destructive Conducts, offending and anti-social Conduct
- Those committing abuse are most often adults, both male and female. However, child-to-child abuse also takes place.
Appendix B: What to do if a disclosure from a child or adult at risk is made to you:
- Listen carefully and calmly to the individual
- Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing and what they have told you is very important
- Avoid questioning where possible, and never ask leading questions
- Do not promise secrecy. Let the individual know that you will need to speak to the Welfare Officer/LTA Safeguarding Team because it is in their best interest. If you intend to speak to the police or social care, you should let them know this too.
- Report the concern. In an emergency, call the police (999), otherwise talk to the Welfare Officer/LTA Safeguarding Team as soon as possible. Do not let doubt/personal bias prevent you from reporting the allegation
- Record details of the disclosure and allegation using the LTA’s online reporting a concern form within 24 hours. If you do not have access to the online form, write down the details using what you have available then sign and date it.
Appendix C
This policy was reviewed, revised by the club committee and signed by the club president on November 26 2020.
British Tennis Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Including Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure
Helensburgh Tennis Club Approved at Committee 26 November 2020
Concern Reporting Procedure
Anyone who has concerns that they or someone else is being discriminated against or has been a victim of discriminatory language or behaviour should:
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Respond Listen carefully to what the person is telling you. Do not interrupt; keep questions to a minimum; do not promise to keep the information secret |
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Refer Is someone in immediate danger? YES THEN NO Talk to the club’s Welfare Officer in confidence Carol Bews on 07850 941701 or Bobby Kerr on 07831 208 151. Talk to the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team * (020 8487 7000) as soon as possible [Mon-Fri, 9am- 5pm]. If the Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team is unavailable and you want advice before the next working day, call the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) or Parent Line Scotland (0800 028 2233) if your concerns is about a child. If your concern is about an adult ask them for details of your Local Authority Adult Social Care Services. Hate crime can alternatively be reported through True Vision at www.report-it.org.uk    |
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Record Write an objective account of your concerns immediately using the Reporting a Concern Form found in our website Safe and Inclusive Tennis page. Send it to the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team within 48 hours of the concern/disclosure (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) Handling a concern/disclosure can be emotionally difficult. If you would like to talk to someone after making a concern/disclosure, contact the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team by phone 020 8487 7000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   |
In Scotland? You can also contact the Tennis Scotland Safe and Inclusive Tennis Lead (0131 444 4154). (See appendix C for more details on what to do if a disclosure from a child or adult at risk is made to you)
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure
Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Page 2 of 12
Diversity and Inclusion in Helensburgh Tennis Club
This Policy sets out our commitment and includes our Safe and Inclusive Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure and it supports our overall aims for diversity and inclusion that are to ensure that:
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Tennis is diverse and inclusive
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Diversity and inclusion are embedded in our club’s culture and our behaviours
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We create a culture where inclusive leadership thrives
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We take a proactive approach using positive action to ensure that communities and individuals are valued and
able to achieve their full potential.
To achieve these aims we believe that everyone involved in Tennis has a vital role to play in promoting diversity and inclusion and we ask everyone to become Safe and Inclusive Tennis Champions – proactively promoting Safe and Inclusive tennis and taking action against all forms of discrimination.
We are proud to have a Diversity and Inclusion Policy that demonstrates our commitment to making tennis diverse and inclusive. The commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is upheld by all - Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and the Tennis Foundation.
These commitments are fully supported by the H.L.T.C. Committee.
Together we can make a positive difference to people from different backgrounds to participate in Tennis at our club. Thank you.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 3 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Diversity and Inclusion Policy 1. Policy Statement
This Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure are applicable to Helensburgh Tennis Club and is based on similar policies of:
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The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
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Tennis Scotland
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Tennis Wales
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The Tennis Foundation.
As a club we contribute actively to enable more people to play tennis more often, in a manner that it is safe, inclusive, and fair. This applies regardless of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment status, sex, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, race or sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other background.
We recognise that many concerns and/or disclosures may have both safeguarding and diversity and inclusion elements to them. This policy reflects this through its reporting procedures, which replicate the safeguarding concern reporting procedures.
This Policy strives to minimise risk and support our venue, programmes, events and individuals to deliver and experience a positive tennis experience for everyone. The Reporting Procedures outlines how to respond to safeguarding or discrimination concerns/disclosures.
2. Use of Terminology
We have adopted the following definitions to explain our approach to diversity and inclusion in tennis:
Discrimination – treating someone in a less favourable way and causing them harm, because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation
Diversity – acknowledging, celebrating and respecting the differences between groups of people and between individuals. We will work to ensure that people can be assured of an environment in which their rights, dignity and individual worth are respected, and in particular that they are able to enjoy their sport without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.
Harassment – unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating and intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. The focus is on the perception of the complainant not the intent of the perpetrator. Employees can complain of behaviour they find offensive even if it is not directed at them.
Inclusion – ensuring that tennis is equally accessible to any member of the community so they can be fully involved in whatever capacity they choose; and that they are supported to achieve their potential in any capacity e.g. player, employee, volunteer, coach or official. We will work to ensure that people have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate to the full extent of their own ambitions and abilities, that they feel respected and valued and are not singled out, with regard to their age, disability, gender reassignment status, sex, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, race or sexual orientation, socio-economic status or any other background.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 4 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Positive Action -
Helensburgh Tennis Club is committed to taking positive steps to counteract the effects of physical or cultural barriers –whether real or perceived – that restrict the opportunity for all sections of the community to participate equally and fully. We will ensure that we institute, support or contribute to appropriate measures or initiatives that enable access to tennis and participation in associated activities by people from any group that is under-represented in tennis or has difficulty accessing it and that they can do so with dignity or without being singled out.
(See Appendix A for full glossary of terms)
3. Scope
Helensburgh Tennis Club has direct safe and inclusive responsibility for:
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Staff, consultants, coaches and officials they employ;
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Volunteers,
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Venues they own;
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Events and programmes they run; and
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Ensuring all accreditation requirements are met by accredited coaches, officials and venues. We recommend and support the development of good diversity and inclusion practice to:
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Accredited coaches, officials and venues;
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Players, parents and carers;
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Volunteers recruited by other organisations;
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Venues hired by or on our behalf
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Club Events.
This Policy is in line with national legislation (see appendix B for details of the relevant legislation) and applicable to our club, specifically to every person and place that we have direct safe and inclusive responsibility for.
4. Responsibility for implementation of the Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility: not responding to discriminatory or unacceptable language and behaviour is not an option.
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The club’s Committee and Chair have overall accountability for this Policy and Reporting Procedure, for being the strategic lead on diversity and inclusion and for ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation (see Appendix for details).
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The club’s chair, Keith Love and Welfare Officers Carol Bews / Bobby Kerr have overall responsibility for implementation of the policy.
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The Chair and Welfare Officers of the club are responsible for updating this Policy and Reporting Procedure in line with legislative and organisational developments; and develop a strategic and proactive approach to diversity and inclusion and respond to discrimination concerns.
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The Club’s Welfare Officers are responsible for supporting the club to identify where diversity and inclusion support is required; to implement safe and inclusive procedures; promote diversity and inclusion principles, including the Safeguarding and Reporting Procedure, to all the venues they manage, programmes, events and individuals including players, parents and carers.
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All staff, consultants, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in tennis are responsible for raising diversity and inclusion concerns with the club’s Welfare Officer to start with; then the Safe and Inclusive Tennis team if applicable, as outlined in the Reporting Procedure.
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Players, parents and guardians are responsible for upholding the Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 5 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Helensburgh Tennis Club is commi'ed to:
o formally adopt this policy,
o take steps to ensure that our committee, members, participants and volunteers behave in accordance
with the policy, including where appropriate taking disciplinary action under our constitution;
o ensure that access to membership as well as access to participation is open and inclusive;
o publish accurate information about the location and accessibility of our facilities; and
o support measures and initiatives that British Tennis may institute or take part in to advance the aims of
this policy as part of our commitment to our LTA membership. Where there is a diversity and inclusion concern/disclosure:
The individual who is told about, hears, or is made aware of the concern/disclosure is responsible for following the Concern Reporting Procedure above
5. Breaches of the Diversity and Inclusion Policy, Standards, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure
Where there are concerns that diversity and inclusion good practice has not been followed, all staff are encouraged to follow your club’s whistleblowing policy; consultants, coaches, officials, volunteers and players are encouraged to:
1. Complain directly to the person or organisation and seek resolution. In the first instance, this can often resolve many disputes or concerns.
2. If required, you can contact the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - they can assist in liaising with the club and investigating the matter. Alternatively, the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line: 0800 028 0285; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. can be contacted.
3. Seek further advice from the Equality Advisory Support Service a call on 0808 800 0082. For further information their website is: http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/app/ask
If someone comes to you with a concern around discrimination, listen to their complaint, reassure them and advise them of the routes listed above (1-3).
Breaches of this Policy and/or failure to comply with the outlined responsibilities may result in the following by the LTA, Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and/or the Tennis Foundation:
Venues – Potential removal of LTA accreditation
Staff – disciplinary action leading to possible dismissal and legal action.
Contracted consultants, officials and coaches – termination of current and future roles within all four
organisations and possible legal action.
Recruited volunteers, including councillors and board members – termination of current and future roles within
all four organisations and possible legal action.
Actions taken by staff, consultants, volunteers, officials, coaches, venues, clubs and/or events outside of the LTA, Tennis Scotland, Tennis Wales and/or the Tennis Foundation that are seen to contradict this Policy may be considered a violation of this Policy.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 6 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Where an appeal is lodged in response to a safeguarding decision made by the LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team and Safeguarding and Protection Committee and/or Licensing and Registration Committee, an independent appeal body such as Sport Resolutions may be used. Their decision is final.
6. Related policies and guidance
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Safeguarding Policy
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Grievance Policy
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Bullying Policy
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Transgender Policy
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Data Protection Policy
Codes of Conduct
All members of staff and volunteers agree to:
Disciplinary Policy
Harassment Policy
Complaints Policy
Whistle-blowing Policy
And others as may be identified from time to time.
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Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times
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Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect
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Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
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Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court
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Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language
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Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer
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Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk
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Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
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Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
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Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
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Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or
congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)
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Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions
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Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
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Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances
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Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle
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Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
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Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for
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Not to have a relationship with anyone over 18 whilst continuing to coach or be responsible for them
All children agree to:
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Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
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Play fairly and honestly
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Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions
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Behave, respect and listen to your coach
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Take care of your equipment and club property
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Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion
or sexual identity
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 7 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
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Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
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Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
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Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions
or events
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Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others
All adults agree to:
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Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis
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Use appropriate language at all times
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Be realistic and supportive
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Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match
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Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect
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Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
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Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
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Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
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Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue
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Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
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Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct
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Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations
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Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 8 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Appendix A: Glossary of terms
Age: This refers to a person belonging to a particular age group, which can mean people of the same age (e.g. 32-year old’s) or range of ages (e.g. 18 - 30-year old’s, or people over 50).
Bisexual or Bi: – refers to a person who has an emotional and/or sexual orientation towards more than one gender. Bullying: can involve any form of physical, emotional, sexual or discriminatory abuse. It can also include cyber-bullying –
using social media or mobile phones to perpetrate bullying.
Direct discrimination: treating someone less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic.
Disability: A person having a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Discrimination: treating someone in a less favourable way and causing them harm, because of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Discrimination by association: discrimination against someone because they are associated with another person who possesses a protected characteristic.
Discrimination by perception: discrimination against someone because of the belief that someone possesses a protected characteristic.
Diversity: acknowledging and celebrating the differences between groups of people and between individuals.
Equality: treating everyone with fairness and respect and recognising and responding to the needs of individuals. Taking positive actions to address existing disadvantages and barriers affecting how people engage with and participate in tennis.
Ethnicity: the social group a person belongs to, and either identifies with or is identified with by others, as a result of a mix of cultural and other factors including language, diet, religion, ancestry and physical features traditionally associated with race. Ethnicity is essentially self-defined and may change over time.
Gay: refers to a man who has an emotional, romantic and/or sexual orientation towards men. Also, a generic term for lesbian and gay sexuality - some women define themselves as gay rather than lesbian.
Gender identity: this is an individual’s internal self-perception of their own gender. A person may identify as a man, as a woman, as neither man or woman (non-binary) or as androgyne/polygender.
Gender reassignment: The process of changing or transitioning from one gender to another.
Harassment: unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating and intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. The focus is on the perception of the complainant not the intent of the perpetrator. Employees can complain of behaviour they find offensive even if it is not directed at them.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 9 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Hate crime: crime that is targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race orethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity. This can be committed against a person or property.
Homophobia: the fear, unreasonable anger, intolerance or/and hatred toward homosexuality, lesbian gay and bisexual people whether that person is homosexual or not.
Inclusive leadership – leaders who are aware of their own biases and preferences, actively seek out and consider different views and perspectives to inform better decision-making. They see diverse talent as a source of competitive advantage and inspire diverse people to drive organisational and individual performance towards a shared vision.
An Inclusive Leader – is a role model exemplar of inclusive behaviour; listens to and seeks out the views of diverse people and takes account of these views, without bias, in the decisions they make; appreciates that a diverse group of people will generate more creative solutions to problems and encourages this; inspires people through a shared vision of future success and motivates them to deliver it; leverages difference for high performance and provides responsive excellence to customers’, clients’ and service users’ needs; provides positive feedback to boost people’s self-efficacy; puts effort into helping diverse people identify their talents and develop them for performance now and future advancement; communicates authentically and honestly in a way that inspires trust, loyalty and well-being.
Inclusion: recognising that people from different backgrounds may have difference needs and expectations and may experience barriers in trying to access tennis. An inclusive venue is one that takes steps to attract and engage with people from many different backgrounds and meet their needs so that everyone has a positive experience and has the opportunity to achieve their potential.
Indirect discrimination: a practice, policy or rule which applies to everyone in the same way, but that has a worse effect on some people than others.
LGBTQ: an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning.
Lesbian: a woman who has an emotional romantic and /or sexual orientation towards women.
Monitoring equality: refers to data collection and analysis to check if people with protected characteristics are participating and being treated equally. For example: monitoring of the number of people with a disability who play tennis at our venue.
Non-binary – an umbrella term for a person who does not identify as only male or only female, or who may identify as both.
Positive action: a range of lawful actions that seek to overcome or minimise disadvantages (for example in employment opportunities) that people who share a protected characteristic have experienced, or to meet their different needs.
Pregnancy and maternity: pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Questioning: it refers to the process of exploring your own sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Race: refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and
nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 10 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Radicalisation, extremism and terrorist behavior: Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and/or forms of extremism. Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. There is no single way to identify an individual who is likely to be susceptible to extremist ideology. The internet and the use of social media can be a major factor in the radicalisation of people.
Reasonable adjustment: What is considered reasonable will depend on all the circumstances of the case including the size of an organisation and its resources, what is practicable, the effectiveness of what is being proposed and the likely disruption that would be caused by taking the measure in question as well as the availability of financial assistance
Religion or belief: religion has the meaning usually given to it but belief includes religious and philosophical beliefs including lack of belief (e.g. atheism). Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sex: refers to the biological makeup such as primary and secondary sexual characteristics, genes, and hormones. The legal sex is usually assigned at birth and has traditionally been understood as consisting of two mutually exclusive groups, namely men and women.
Sexual orientation: a person’s emotional, romantic and/or sexual attraction to another person.
Trans: an umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, cross dresser, non-binary, genderqueer (GQ).
Transphobia: the fear, unreasonable anger, dislike, intolerance or/and hatred toward trans people, whether that person has undergone gender reassignment or is perceived to have done that.
Transsexual Person: someone who has started the process of changing their gender identity is undergoing or has undergone gender reassignment.
Unconscious bias or implicit bias: this refers to a bias that we are unaware of, and which happens outside of our control. It is a bias that happens automatically and is triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments of people and situations, influenced by our background, cultural environment and personal experiences.
Victimisation: when someone is treated badly because they have made or supported a complaint or grievance.
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 11 of 12 Last Updated: September 2017 Next Review: September 2018 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
Appendix B: Legislation
The Equality Act 20101 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single Act, making the law easier to understand and strengthening protection in some situations. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone.
It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of: o age
o being or becoming a transsexual person o being married or in a civil partnership
o being pregnant or on maternity leave
o disability
o race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin o religion, belief or lack of religion/belief
o sex
o sexual orientation
These are called ‘protected characteristics’.
People are protected from discrimination: o at work
o in education
o as a consumer
o when using public services
o when buying or renting property
o as a member or guest of a private club or association
People are also protected from discrimination if:
o they are associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, e.g. a family member or friend o they have complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim
Discrimination can come in one of the following forms:
o direct discrimination - treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others.
o indirect discrimination - putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone
with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage.
o harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates
an offensive environment for them.
o victimisation - treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment.
1 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Concern Reporting Procedure Page 12 of 12 Last Updated: November 2020 Next Review: November 2021 (or earlier if there is a change in legislation)
A revised full Safeguarding Policy was adopted by the Helensburgh Tennis Club committee on November 26 2020, and can be seen on this website.
HELENSBURGH TENNIS CLUB DATA PRIVACY POLICY
For the purposes of the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") and UK data protection laws, the controller is Helensburgh Tennis Club, (H.L.T.C) Suffolk Street, Helensburgh G84 8YL
About this document
This privacy policy sets out the way we process your personal information.
How we collect your information
We may collect your personal data in a few limited ways, namely:
Directly from you, when you fill in an application for membership, when you make enquiries on our website, or when you interact with us during your time as a member in various other ways (for example, where you enter a competition, renew your membership, sign up for a course or lessons);
From someone else who has applied for membership on your behalf (for example a family member);
From the LTA (for example, where the LTA passes on your details to us in connection with a complaint or query you have raised about H.L.T.C).
We may be required to share personal information with statutory or regulatory authorities and organisations to comply with statutory obligations. Such organisations include the Health & Safety Executive, Disclosure Scotland, and Police Scotland for the purposes of safeguarding children. We may also share personal information with our professional and legal advisors for the purposes of taking advice.
Helensburgh Tennis Club uses a third party supplier (ClubSpark) to provide coaching booking services. You are required to create an account and log-in and have direct control over the information you provide. The data is held within the EU and is subject to GDPR, they hold information on our behalf as “data processors” and they have their own Privacy Statement, available here.
Your personal information is stored on our password protected electronic database, held by selected Committee members and is accessed by them for the purposes set out above. Information held by ClubSpark for coaching is only available to the lead Club contacts (currently two) with password protection.
The types of information we collect
We may collect the following types of personal data about you:
Contact and communications information, including your contact details (including email address(es), telephone numbers and postal address(es), records of communications and interactions we have had with you), date of birth and playing ability / interests;
Financial information, (which may include bank details should we offer a standing order or direct debit option);
Certain other information which you volunteer when making use of your membership benefits (for example, when making tournament entries or making use of other H.L.T.C facilities).
We may also collect data about your health or medical conditions, where you have volunteered this, for example so that we can cater for you when you attend a social event or a course/camp. Privacy policy May 2018
How we use personal data
Personal data provided to us will be used for the purposes set out at the time of collection and, where relevant, in accordance with any preferences you express.
More generally, we will use your personal data for the following purposes:
Administration of H.L.T.C membership, including:
informing you about H.L.T.C policies and rules, court / facilities opening hours;
taking payment of membership fees;
Fulfilment of orders for goods and services, including court bookings;
Providing H.L.T.C members (via a downloadable Excel spreadsheet) with contact details (name, phone numbers, email, membership category) of other members to facilitate team and social match play. This data must not be used for any other purpose by members, for example, but not limited to, making commercial offers, promoting business interests or charitable activities.
Administration of the Wimbledon ballot;
Where this is necessary for the performance of a contract (including any written terms and conditions relating to your membership) with you;
Research and statistical analysis about who is playing tennis at H.L.T.C;
If your personal information is included in any images or videos taken by us at our competitions and events, we may share this with the LTA/Tennis Scotland/local press/on the Club noticeboard, website and social media, for promotional and/or journalistic purposes.
Communication about H.L.T.C news and activities that we think may be of interest to you;
Promoting H.L.T.C and goods and services of relevant third parties (for example, equipment suppliers, operators of coaching courses, and organisers of tennis events) where we think this will be of interest to you;
Your marketing preferences
We will always respect your wishes in respect of what type of communications you want to receive from us and how you want to receive them. There are some communications, however, that we need to send you regardless of your marketing preferences in order for us to fulfil our contractual obligations to you as a member of H.L.T.C. Examples of these essential service communications are:
Records of transactions, such as payment receipts or Direct Debit / standing order confirmations (as applicable).
Membership related mailings such as your membership renewal reminder, notices of formal meetings and information about venue closures and events.
You are in control of how we communicate with you. You can decide not to receive Newsletters / emails (although we may still use the Newsletter for essential service communications) or other non-essential service communications and can update your choices and/or your contact details by contacting us at:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Post: The Secretary, Helensburgh Tennis Club, Suffolk Street, Helensburgh, G84 8YL
Sharing your information with others
We do not sell or share your personal data for other organisations to use other than as set out below. Privacy policy May 2018
Personal data collected and processed by us may be shared with the following third parties, where necessary:
Our employees and volunteers, for the purposes of administering your membership and giving you access to the membership benefits and services to which you are entitled.
Our contractors and suppliers, including coaches, and any provider of membership management services, court booking and website services should we install such services.
How long your information is kept
We keep your personal data only for as long as necessary for each purpose we use it. For most membership data, this means we retain it for so long as you have a valid Venue membership and for a period of seven years after your last interaction with us (for accounting, tax reporting and record-keeping purposes).
Your rights
Under certain circumstances, by law you have the right to:
Request access to your personal data (commonly known as a "data subject access request"). This enables you to receive a copy of the personal data we hold about you and to check that we are lawfully processing it.
Request correction of the personal data that we hold about you. This enables you to have any incomplete or inaccurate information we hold about you corrected.
Request erasure of your personal data. This enables you to ask us to delete or remove personal data where there is no good reason for us continuing to process it. You also have the right to ask us to delete or remove your personal data where you have exercised your right to object to processing (see below).
Object to processing of your personal data where we are relying on a legitimate interest (or those of a third party) and there is something about your particular situation which makes you want to object to processing on this ground. You also have the right to object where we are processing your personal data for direct marketing purposes.
Request the restriction of processing of your personal data. This enables you to ask us to suspend the processing of personal data about you, for example if you want us to establish its accuracy or the reason for processing it. You can also withdraw your consent, where this is the basis for our processing your data (without affecting the lawfulness of our previous processing based on consent).
Request the transfer of your personal data to another party.
Please note that the above rights are not absolute, and we may be entitled to refuse requests where exceptions apply.
Contact and complaints
If you have any queries about this privacy policy or how we process your personal data, or if you wish to exercise any of your legal rights, you may contact the Data Protection Manager Ian Campbell:
by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or by post: The Secretary, Helensburgh Tennis Club, Suffolk Street, Helensburgh, G84 8YL
If you are not satisfied with how we are processing your personal data, you can make a complaint to the Information Commissioner. You can find out more about your rights under applicable data protection laws from the Information Commissioner’s Office website: www.ico.org.uk
This policy was reviewed, revised and adopted by the club committee on November 26 2020.
HELENSBURGH Tennis Club has a public access defibrillator.
Situated beside the front door and for use by anyone, member or non-member, it was presented by the Helensburgh & Local District CPR/Defibrillator Association.
It was purchased by the club with a donation to the association, who will maintain the device on the club's behalf.
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.
This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it is an essential life saving step in the chain of survival.
HELENSBURGH Tennis Club has a public access defibrillator.
Situated beside the front door and for use by anyone, member or non-member, it was presented by the Helensburgh & Local District CPR/Defibrillator Association.
It was purchased by the club with a donation to the association, who will maintain the device on the club's behalf.
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.
This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it is an essential life saving step in the chain of survival.
HELENSBURGH Lawn Tennis Club's partnership with CBF Tennis ended on December 31 2017 — with coaching reverting to within the club for 2018.
Thanks to Chris Bowman and his team for providing tennis services over the last few years.
The club's head coach, Jo Kerr, has now taken over the role of provider of tennis services to HLTC.
All coaching payments will be made to Jo, with subscriptions to Helensburgh Tennis Club.
Details of the January to March programme are published below. Jo will give details of her long term plans in the coming months.
JUNIORS
Block 1 — Mondays, starts 15 Jan to 5 Feb for 4 weeks, then
Block 2 — 19 Feb till 26 March for 6 weeks.
Tots Tennis 1.30pm to 2.15pm
Mini Red under 8yrs 4.00pm to 5.00pm
Orange 8 to 9yrs 5.00pm to 6.00pm
Green 9 to 11yrs 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Development Squad (by invitation) 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Tuesdays with Jo (by invitation)
Futures Squad 7.30pm to 9.00pm
All sessions Block 1 = £20 (Tots = £16) All sessions Block 2 = £30 (Tots = £24)
Payment details
RBS account J Kerr, 00186016 sort code 83-28-42 ref kids surname, cheques made out to J Kerr
Tuesday After School Club
Starts 16 Jan for 4 weeks then 20 Feb to 27 March 6 weeks 3.15pm to 4.30pm in Hermitage Primary £2
Adults
Thursdays, starts 22nd Feb for 5 weeks with Jo
Drill Night
7.00pm to 8.30pm Seniors £5.00 — and team juniors £3.00
Contact Jo — tel 07714-444254; email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MISS HITS with Lorna (girls only) for 6 weeks
Tuesdays starts 20 Feb 4pm to 5pm
Thursdays starts 22 Feb 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Members are asked to contact Lorna to discuss additional classes — call her on 0786-482299 or you can email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CLUB DIARY 2021
MARCH
Junior Coaching resumes, Monday 8 March — all coaching details now on https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/HelensburghLTC/Coaching
Club Doubles Play resumes, Friday, 12 March, subject to current Covid restrictions.
West of Scotland Clubs Zoom Meeting, Glasgow, Wednesday, 24 March, 7pm. Discussion on summer league fixtures.
Christian Aid 75th Anniversary Raffle Draw, Friday, 26 March, 1. Charity event drawn outside the Clubhouse.
Annual General Meeting held on Zoom, Thursday, 25 March, 8 pm. If you have something to say, this is your chance to say it!
APRIL
Junior Coaching classes, Monday 19 April to Monday 7 June, Pre-School, P1-3, P4-6, P7&S1 on Mondays; P1-3, P4-6, S1-3, Wednesdays.
Easter Junior Holiday Camp S1-3, Monday 12 April to Friday 16 April. Supervised holiday play.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am to 11 am. Every Saturday, rain or shine. Current Covid restrictions apply.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am. Great tennis in a social atmosphere throughout the year. Current Covid restrictions apply.
West of Scotland Team Captains Zoom meeting, Wednesday, 21 April, from 7 pm.
MAY
Adult Beginners and Adult Improvers classes, Wednesday 5 May to Wednesday 9 June. Coach Ian James.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am. Current Covid restrictions apply.
Club Night – every Wednesday evening, 7 pm, rain or shine. Current Covid restrictions apply.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am to 11 am. Every Saturday, rain or shine. Current Covid restrictions apply.
JUNE
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am. Current Covid restrictions apply.
Club Night – every Wednesday evening, 7 pm, rain or shine. Current Covid restrictions apply.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am to 11 am. Every Saturday, rain or shine. Current Covid restrictions apply.
JULY
Junior Summer Camps, Monday 26 July-Friday 30 July. P1-3 and P4-7.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES TO BE ANNOUNCED
Some activities may be subject to change – please look at the noticeboard and club website regularly for up to date details. To receive regular email updates of what’s on, send your email address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CLUB DIARY 2020
JANUARY
Hangover Tournament, Friday, 3 January, 1-4pm. Some festive fun to clear the head! Please bring contributions for the tea.
FEBRUARY
Lunch in Aid of Helensburgh Foodbank, Friday, 21 February, 12 noon – 2 pm. Charity event in the Clubhouse.
Coaching Block, from Monday, February 17 for six weeks. Junior, Adult Beginner, Adult Improver and Adult Drills sessions.
MARCH
Annual General Meeting, Thursday, 26 March, 8 pm. If you have something to say, this is your chance to say it!
Christian Aid Souper Soup Lunch, Friday, 27 March, 12 noon – 2 pm. Annual Charity event in the Clubhouse.
Open Afternoon, Saturday, 28 March, 1 – 3 pm. Adult Tournament 1 - 3 pm. Payment of subscriptions, plus coffee and cake.
All events postponed.
APRIL
Easter Junior Holiday Camp. Supervised holiday play.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am. Great tennis in a social atmosphere throughout the year.
Junior Summer Coaching Block. Dates/days to be announced.
Junior Squad Sessions. Fridays, 24 April, 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 May (6 weeks). Time TBC. Coach Ian James. Please note, this free session is not for beginners.
New Season Welcome Evening, Wednesday, 29 April, from 7 pm. A must for all new and existing members – come and meet the Committee and regular players.
Club Night — every Wednesday evening, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. You don’t need to come with anyone, just pop along and we will ensure that you have a good night’s tennis. Better still, make it a habit, and don’t forget the Saturday mornings for more social tennis.
Senior Open, O/40s, O/55s and Intermediates’ Club Championships. Sign-up sheets on the HLTC Notice Board.
All events postponed or cancelled.
MAY
Junior Summer Coaching Block. Dates/days To be announced.
Adult Summer Coaching Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20 & 27 May, 3 & 10 June (6 weeks). Adult Beginners 7 – 8 pm.
Adult Improvers 8 – 9 pm. Coach Alan MacBeath.
Senior Open, O/402, O/55s and Intermediates’ Club Championships – check noticeboard for start dates. Your chance to earn silverware.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis.
Club Night – every Wednesday evening, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine.
Junior Squad Sessions. Fridays, 24 April, 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 May (6 weeks). Time TBC. Coach Ian James. Please note, this free session is not for beginners.
Tennis and Chinese Evening, Friday, 15 May, 5 pm. Social tennis and Chinese supper.
JUNE
Junior Summer Coaching Block. Days/dates TBC.
Adult Summer Coaching Wednesdays, 6, 13, 20 & 27 May, 3 & 10 June (6 weeks). Adult Beginners 7 – 8 pm, Adult Improvers 8 – 9 pm. Coach Alan MacBeath.
Marie Curie Charity Tennis Event, Sunday, 7 June, 1 – 5 pm. We dig deep and help two good causes with our friends from other local clubs.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis.
Club Night – every Wednesday evening, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine.
JULY
Summer Junior Holiday Camp. Dates/days to be confirmed. Supervised holiday play.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis.
Club Night – every Wednesday, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine.
District Veterans’ Tournament – date and venue TBC. Sixth year of local veterans’ tournament in conjunction with members of Craighelen, Cardross and Kirktonhill.
AUGUST
Autumn Coaching Block. See Noticeboard for details.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis.
Club Night – every Wednesday, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine.
Finals Days - Saturday, 15 August and Saturday, 22 August from 12 noon. After all the hard work, the finalists treat us to a display of great tennis.
SEPTEMBER
President’s and Vice President’s Tournament. September or October – date TBC.
Autumn Coaching Block – see noticeboard for details.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am.
Saturday Club, 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis, along with hints and tips.
Club Night – every Wednesday, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine.
OCTOBER
Supper and Ceilidh – Friday, 2 October, 7 pm. Date TBC.
Autumn Coaching Block – see noticeboard for details.
Adult Drills Night – Thursdays, starting 22 October, 7 pm – 8.30 pm. Date TBC. Coach Alan MacBeath.
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am.
Saturday Social Tennis 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis.
Club Night – every Wednesday, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine.
NOVEMBER
Ladies’ and Men’s Club Mornings – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 am.
Saturday Social Tennis, 9.30 am – 11 am. Every Saturday, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine. Come along for some organised tennis. Club Night – every Wednesday, 7 pm, 52 weeks of the year, rain or shine.
Adult Drills Night – Thursdays, 7 pm – 8.30 pm (exact dates to be confirmed). Coach Alan MacBeath.
Some activities may be subject to change — please look at the noticeboard and club website regularly for up to date details.
HELENSBURGH Tennis Club's adult beginner and improver class has proved very popular.
The beginner class has attracted twelve new players to the sport and some new members.
The six week course is being taken by Bobby Kerr, who is going through all the main strokes and is looking to get them to the point where they can compete in a doubles game.
He has already gone over ground strokes and the serve and will move o to the volley, smash and lob, and then rules on playing a game.
The adult improver class has attracted mostly current members who want to brush up on their game.
Bobby has gone back to basics and hopes to improve their game with some sound doubles tactics and subtle changes on how to win.
IF ANY Helensburgh Tennis Club members have any old junior or adult rackets lying about, the club is happy to take them for use at coaching sessions. Please leave them in the clubhouse in the vending area, with a note to say that this is a gift to the club.
Location
Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club is located in Suffolk Street in the west end of Helensburgh, 26 miles west of Glasgow.
The club is one block up from the seafront, behind the Commodore Hotel, on West Princes Street (the same street as Helensburgh Central Station), and is on a local bus route. The entrance is on Suffolk Street.
Helensburgh is within easy reach of Glasgow via a train service every half hour from Glasgow Queen Street Station (low level). The club is five blocks to the west of the station, as shown in the linked map.
HELENSBURGH Lawn Tennis Club has been in existence since 1884 and, in more recent times, was recognised by Tennis Scotland and Tennis West who both chose the club as the prestigious 'Club of the Year' for the 2003/04 season.
The club is situated just over half a mile west of the town centre, and the facilities consist of seven all weather courts, all with floodlighting, two mini-tennis courts (primarily for four to eight year-olds), a practice wall and a modern two storey clubhouse set in the middle of the attractive grounds.
Tennis is played all the year round and it is amazing to see how many members turn out on a winter's evening — often the ladies appearing more hardy than the men!
Over recent years an excellent coaching programme has been developed by our coaches, and the standard of junior tennis has increased significantly. Coaching programmes exist for all ages and abilities from four years upwards.
In addition to a very busy West of Scotland League tennis schedule, the club has been developing a wide range of social tennis events and is always striving to cater for all members and standards.
Whilst many sports and other clubs are struggling with the effect of the economic downturn, the club has a very solid financial base with low running costs and good reserves.
Five of the seven courts were resurfaced in 2009 and the remaining two are programmed for 2010, the funding coming from a sinking fund built up in previous years. Despite this expenditure, our subscriptions remain amongst the most competitive in the West of Scotland.
In summary Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club is a well run, friendly tennis club catering for all ages and abilities of player in Helensburgh and the surrounding area.
If you are interested in the club and would like to find out more, we would be delighted to be contacted. Please see the Contact Us facility on this website.
Keith Love
President
VARIOUS rooms in the Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club clubhouse are available for hire for club meetings or private events.
For details, costs and regulations please contact the house and grounds convener, Ian Parlane, on 01436-673295, or email him on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Current bookings for use of the clubhouse made by individuals or non-member organisations are:
Tuesdays
Art Class 10:00 – 12:00 until Tuesday 24th March
Art Class 13:15 – 15:15 until Tuesday 24th March
Pilates 15:30 – 16:30 ongoing
Kettle Bell Fitness class 17:30 – 18:30 ongoing
Wednesdays
Art Class 10:00 – 12:00 until 11th March
Pilates 18:30 – 20:30 ongoing
Fridays
Kettle Bell Fitness class 17:00 – 19:00 ongoing
Special Events
Foodbank Charity Lunch Friday 21st February Noon-14:00
Birthday Party Saturday 21st March 2:30-5:30pm
Christian Aid Charity Souper Soup Lunch Friday 27th March Noon-14:00
Birthday Party Sunday 19th April 13:00-15:00pm
Officebearers
Honorary President
Donald Fullarton
Tel 673774
President
Keith Love
Tel 07843-257600
email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vice-President
Vacant
Secretary
Frankie Hanmer
Tel 678490
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Honorary Treasurer
Paul Clifford
Tel 07817-602515
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Membership Secretary
Peter Ashton
Tel 676959
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Covid-19 Officer: Fiona MacLaren
Tel 07803-173281
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Club Administrator
Ann Morison
Tel 673974
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Sub-Committee Conveners
Coaching: Alan MacBeath
Tel 07525-259100
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Finance: Paul Clifford
Tel 07817-602515
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Development: Donald Fullarton
Tel 673774
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Ground and Buildings: Ian Parlane
Tel 673295
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Tennis: Vacant
Communications: Vacant
Social: Vacant
Tel 01389-841037
Juniors: Vacant
1. In playing the game, the club adopts, and the matches and tournaments on its grounds shall be governed by, the Rules and Regulations of Tennis Scotland.
2. Players must play in lawn tennis shoes without heels (not training shoes). Recognised tennis clothing must be worn.
3. No member shall be allowed to play more than one set, or one token hour in floodlight conditions, while other members are waiting their turn; those first arriving to have precedence.
4. If members are waiting, the short set or one token hour in floodlight conditions, is to be played. No singles shall be played when others are waiting, except during a recognised Club Tournament.
5. Any three members of the Executive Committee shall have the power to close any court whenever they consider it necessary.
6. No play shall be permitted on the courts before 9am or after 10pm unless otherwise sanctioned by the Executive Committee.
7. Mini-Tennis members (4 to 8 years-old) are permitted to play on the main courts until 5.30pm during weekdays and 6pm at weekends, but not during match or group coaching times.
8. For rules governing the use of courts and floodlights, and any alterations to these Bye-Laws, please consult the noticeboard.
HELENSBURGH Tennis Club is run by the Officebearers and Executive Committee in accordance with the Club Constitution, which can be amended at a Special General Meeting called for that purpose.
The clauses of the Constitution are as follows . . .
NAME
1. The Club shall be called “The Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club”.
2. The membership shall consist of Honorary, Life, Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Mini, and Non-Playing Members. The number of Members in each category shall be left to the discretion of the Executive Committee.
3. (a) All candidates shall be nominated for the class of Membership desired by two Life or Senior Members of the Club, and the names, designation, and addresses of the candidates and their nominators shall be intimated to the Membership Secretary before the Annual General Meeting, or, if after the Annual General Meeting, may be intimated to the Membership Secretary at any time. Candidates for Intermediate, Junior and Mini Membership shall give the date of their birth.
(b) No person shall be eligible for Mini Membership until they have reached the age of four years, and for Junior Membership until they have reached the age of eight years. Intermediate Membership shall commence at the age of 16 years, the Executive Committee having the power to lower this age on special application. The maximum age of an Intermediate Member shall be 20 years. Ages for the purpose of this Clause shall be determined as at 31st December prior to the playing season.
(c) Husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters of existing Senior members shall have priority of admission in all classes.
4. The admission of all members shall be subject to a ballot of the Executive Committee. To secure election, candidates for Membership must receive, on a ballot, the votes of a majority of the Executive Committee present at the meeting when the ballot takes place. The Executive Committee shall not be bound to give any reason for any rejection.
5. Members on admission shall receive intimation of their election, shall be furnished with a copy of the Constitution and Bye-Laws, and shall receive intimation of the amount of entry fee and subscription payable. Failing payment within 14 days from such intimation, the election shall be null and void, unless such failure shall, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, be inadvertent. On payment of entry fee and subscription, a Member thereby submits himself or herself to the Constitution and Bye-Laws of the Club, both as to restrictions enjoined and penalties imposed, and on these conditions alone is entitled to the advantages and privileges of the Club. No new member shall be absolved from the effect of the Constitution and Bye-Laws on any allegation of not having received a copy of them.
6. On admission, an entry fee of an amount determined by the Executive Committee shall be payable by Senior Members. This rule does not apply to Intermediate Members on election to Senior Membership.
7. Annual Subscriptions as fixed by the Executive Committee shall be payable by all members.
8. All Subscriptions shall be payable in advance, shall become due on the date of the Annual General Meeting, and must be paid not later than 31st March. If a Member joins the Club after lst October, he/she shall be liable to pay the Entry Fee, plus 50% of the current subscription. Intimation of Subscriptions falling due shall be given annually in the Notice calling the Annual General Meeting.
9. Any Member who fails to pay his/her Subscription by 30th April in each year shall be held in arrear, and, until it is paid, shall not be entitled to take part in any Club play or activities or to vote at any meeting of Members of the Club. Any Member whose Subscription is still unpaid at 15th May shall, in the option of the Executive Committee, cease to be a Member, but he/she shall notwithstanding be liable for all past contributions, including the subscription for the current year, and his/her name shall be posted in the Club House.
10. Senior Members, who have been Members for at least one year, may, on approval of the Executive Committee, compound for their Annual Subscription and become Life Members by a single payment of a sum equivalent to twelve times the Annual Subscription.
11. All Playing Members shall be eligible to represent the Club in League and Cup matches.
12. A Playing Member who through illness, temporary absence or other reasons wishes to discontinue as a Playing Member may, before the Annual General Meeting, apply in writing to become a Non-Playing Member, paying as such a reduced Annual Subscription as may be determined by the Executive Committee. Should a Non-Playing Member wish to play for a short period, he or she may do so for one period not exceeding 14 days in any one season without further payment, provided prior notice is given to the Secretary. Such Non-Playing Members may resume full Membership at any time upon paying the balance of the full Annual Subscription of a Playing Member.
13. Temporary Members may be admitted by the Executive Committee on the recommendation of two Senior Members. They shall have no vote and may only participate in Club events by permission of the Executive Committee. Applications must be made in writing to the Membership Secretary. The Subscriptions shall be determined by the Executive Committee per day, per week, per month for each class of Member, and the rates displayed on the Club Notice Board. Subscriptions must be paid prior to making use of the Courts.
14. A Member absent from Scotland during the whole of the year shall not be liable for the Annual Subscription for that year, provided that before the Annual General Meeting he or she intimates the intended absence, IN WRITING, to the Secretary, who shall place his or her name on the Absent Members’ List.
15. Members wishing to withdraw from the Club must so intimate to the Secretary IN WRITING, before the date of the Annual General Meeting, otherwise they shall be liable for the Subscriptions for the following year. Members withdrawing from the Club, or who from any cause or in any way cease to be Members, shall have no claim upon the funds or property of the Club, or for repayment of any entry fee or Annual Subscription.
16. Any Member who has resigned from the Club shall only be re-admitted on repayment of entry fee.
17. Members may introduce visitors but such visitors MUST have their names entered in the Visitors’ List by the Member introducing BEFORE PLAYING, or in the absence of the Member introducing, a letter must be sent to the Secretary intimating that the Member wishes to introduce a visitor (giving name) on a given date. Junior visitors may only play during the hours and on the Courts allotted to Juniors. No Member may introduce more than three visitors at the same time. Charges for visitors shall be determined by the Executive Committee and the rates displayed on the Club Notice Board; payment will be required at the start of the following season.
18. The Officebearers shall consist of the Honorary President, President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting, shall hold office for one year, and shall be eligible for re-election. Only one of the said Offices may be held by the same person.
19. The affairs of the Club shall be managed by the Executive Committee, which shall consist of the Officebearers, other than the Honorary President, and of the Conveners of Finance, Building and Grounds, Coaching, Social Events/Catering, Development, Junior, Communications and Tennis, who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting, shall hold office for one year, and shall be eligible for re-election; five to form a quorum. Only one of the said Convenerships may be held by the same person.
20. One month prior to the date set for the Annual General Meeting the Executive Committee shall propose candidates for election as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Conveners of Finance, Building and Grounds, Coaching, Social Events/Catering, Development, Junior, Communications, and Tennis, their agreement to serve having been first obtained, and shall invite any other nominations by written intimation on the Club Notice Board, such nominations to be signed by at least two Members (as proposer and seconder respectively), having first obtained the candidate’s agreement to serve, and lodged with the Secretary within 7 days. The names of all validly nominated candidates and their proposer and seconder shall be published in the Notice calling the Annual General Meeting. In the event of an election, the Executive Committee will give consideration to permitting votes by proxy in accordance with Clause 28 of this Constitution.
21. The Executive Committee shall, subject to the control of a General Meeting, exercised in terms of this Clause, be vested with the entire management of the Club, and shall have all powers necessary for the full and efficient conduct of its affairs, and shall keep, or cause to be kept, correct books and accounts, showing the financial affairs and intromissions of the Club.
The powers conferred on the Executive Committee by this Clause shall include the following special powers:— To fill vacancies that may occur in their number or amongst the Officebearers between Annual Meetings; to prescribe the duties of Officebearers, to appoint Sub-Committees from their own number or from the Members, or from both, to assist in the management; to prescribe the duties, name Conveners and fix quorums of such Sub-Committees; to fix dates, places, and manner of calling meetings of Members and Sub-Committees; to fix numbers of members of Sub-Committees; to admit Temporary Members; to nominate for election at the Annual General Meeting Honorary Vice-Presidents and Honorary Members for the succeeding year; to fix when the Courts each year shall open and close and the days and hours when play shall be allowed; to fix terms on which Intermediate, Junior Members, and/or visitors may use the Courts and Club premises; and to make all Bye-Laws which, in their opinion, may be necessary for regulating and administration and management of the Club. All Bye-Laws made and actions taken by the Executive Committee shall be binding on every Member until set aside or altered by a General Meeting of Members. Bye-Laws shall be sufficiently intimated to Members on the Club Notice Board.
22. The Secretary shall keep (a) a Roll of Members, and (b) a Minute Book in which shall be entered the Minutes of all meetings, including meetings of the Executive Committee and any Sub-Committees. The Secretary shall act as the official correspondent of the Club.
23. The Treasurer shall present to the Annual General Meeting a Statement of accounts for the preceding Financial year, which Accounts, before presentation to the meeting, must be examined by two Members of the Club or by a qualified Accountant appointed by the Executive Committee to examine same. All monies received by the Treasurer shall be lodged in the name of the Club in the Bank fixed by the Executive Committee and all cheques shall be signed by the Treasurer. It shall not be competent for the Treasurer or any other member delegated by the Treasurer to retain in hand a sum exceeding £250 at any one time. The Club shall have power to sue for Entry Fees and overdue Subscriptions.
24. The financial year shall run from lst January to 31st December.
25. The Annual General Meeting shall be held no later than 31st March in each year. At this meeting a Report by the Executive Committee and a Financial Statement for the preceding year, duly examined, shall be submitted, and any other competent business transacted. Notice of this meeting and a copy of the Financial Statement, as examined, shall be sent to each Member of the Club at least 14 days previous thereto.
26. Special General Meetings of Members may be called by direction of the President or on the requisition of four Members of the Executive Committee or of 25 Members of the Club. At least 14 days’ notice of any such meeting shall be given. At all meetings of Members 20 shall form a quorum.
27. At Meetings of the Club the President, and at Meetings of the Sub-Committees the Convener, shall act as Chairman, whom failing, any Member appointed by the Meeting.
28. The Honorary President, Honorary Vice-Presidents, Honorary Members, Life Members, Senior Members and any other Member elected to serve on the Executive Committee only shall have a voice in the management of the Club, and each Member shall have one vote. If the Executive Committee be of the opinion that it is desirable on any important question to allow votes by proxy at any Meetings of the Club, they shall give intimation accordingly in the Notice of the Meeting, and in such case any Honorary, Life or Senior Member, or any other Member elected to serve on the Executive Committee, may give a proxy in writing to another Member of the Club to act in his/her stead at that Meeting.
29. At all meetings, subject to the provisions of Clauses 32 and 33, the voice of the majority shall prevail, the Chairman having, in addition to his/her deliberative vote, a casting vote in cases of equality.
30. The Trustees in whose names shall be vested the Club House and other property, heritable and movable, of the Club are:— The President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and their successors in office. The Trustees shall have no power to borrow money on the security of the Club property without the consent of the Members present at a General or Special General Meeting.
31. The Property, Effects and Monies of the Club shall belong to the Life and Senior Members during Membership equally; but the right and interest of every member shall be personal and limited to himself or herself, and shall expire with his or her Membership, and shall not be assignable or arrestable or pass to heirs or executors.
32. The Executive Committee shall have power, on a vote by ballot, by a majority of two-thirds of those voting, to suspend or expel any Member whose conduct appears to endanger the character, interest, or good order of the Club, or who acts in defiance of its Bye-Laws. Such offending Member may, if he or she desires, state his or her case to the Meeting before a vote is taken. At least 14 days before calling such Meeting the Secretary shall give notice in writing to the offending member to give him or her an opportunity of withdrawing from the Club.
33. The foregoing Clauses shall form the Constitution and shall not be altered unless by a majority of two-thirds personally or by proxy in writing at a meeting of Members specially called to revise the Constitution.
34. The Committee acknowledges discrimination exists in society and will ensure membership is open to all irrespective of gender, race, colour, creed, disability, religious belief or any other form of discrimination.
35. If Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club is ever to be wound up, after the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities no surplus funds will be distributed to the Members but shall be transferred to some other non-profit making organisation or charitable body with either objects similar to the club or for the benefit of the community.
