19
July
2018
SafeGolf, the UK & Ireland partnership working together to promote a safe and positive environment for everyone in the sport, is being launched today (July 18) at Carnoustie during The Open Championship. SafeGolf is the next step for the sport’s safeguarding partners who in recent years have supported the development of a robust safeguarding framework across the golfing landscape for all those playing, volunteering and working in golf. The name is new and clear, but the mission remains the same: to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, as well as adults at risk. SafeGolf offers a new website launched today – http://www.safegolf.org – through which anyone who may have a concern about the welfare of any player, or are concerned about the behaviour or practice of a coach, volunteer, organiser, parent or a player, can contact the lead safeguarding officer at their national governing body. The SafeGolf branding and name have been developed to be straightforward, easily understood and memorable for everyone involved in the sport. Members of SafeGolf include: England Golf, Wales Golf, Scottish Golf, Confederation of Golf in Ireland, the Professional Golfers’ Association, Ladies European Tour, the Golf Foundation, Golf Club Managers’ Association, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association and The R&A. In May 2017, the Golf Foundation launched its findings into what makes a great golfing experience for juniors. Carried out by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc, one of the most notable findings from the research was that 99% of parents whose children play golf see it as providing a safe environment. Gill Camina, independent Chair of the SafeGolf strategic group, said: “SafeGolf is a hugely positive partnership which increases the ability of the golf bodies to influence practice and act as advocates for safeguarding across the golfing landscape, developing a consistent approach to ensuring that all people have a fun, safe and positive experience when playing golf. The strength of shared expertise, improved communication and understanding between golfing organisations greatly increases the potential impact of this work and ensures that priorities are identified which are well informed and supported at every level of practice and participation. “Each of the ten SafeGolf partners, who represent all areas of golf in the UK & Ireland, are fully committed to working together for the maximum benefit of young people and adults at risk. This is vitally important for the whole sport of golf.” The launch of SafeGolf today is from the ‘R&A Swing Zone’ in the Spectator Village at Carnoustie on the eve of The Open Championship. Invited local youngsters are enjoying energetic and fun Tri-Golf challenges while receiving coaching from expert PGA professionals as they develop their early golf swings. Appropriately, there will be safe points for children to congregate at Carnoustie during The Open and other major golf events, for them to easily access support or if they become separated from family and friends. See more at http://www.safegolf.org Please LOGIN to read the full article.
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