In an effort to prioritise the safety and well-being of athletes, British Wrestling is proud to introduce a comprehensive update to its coach licensing policy.
This new policy strengthens our commitment to safeguarding through additional requirements for level 1 coaches and implements officials’ licensing for all officials involved in the sport. These changes implemented from 1st January 2024 are aimed at creating a secure and nurturing environment for all participants in British Wrestling. A copy of the policy is now available on the website policies page here.
Why Safeguarding Matters
Safeguarding in sports is paramount, and British Wrestling is committed to upholding the highest standards in this regard. The new coach licensing policy now requires all level 1 coaches to undergo specific safeguarding training. This training will ensure that coaches are well-prepared to recognize, respond to, and prevent any form of abuse, be it physical, emotional, or psychological, within the wrestling community.
Key Updates in the Coach Licensing Policy
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Mandatory Safeguarding Training: Under the updated policy, level 1 coaches must complete safeguarding training in addition to the existing criteria before receiving or renewing their coaching license. This training equips coaches with the knowledge and skills needed to create a safe and supportive environment for wrestlers, especially young athletes.
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Continual Education: Coaches will be required to engage in ongoing education and professional development to stay up-to-date with best practices in safeguarding. This ensures that coaches are continually improving their ability to protect and support the wrestlers they work with.
Coaches requiring training can find details of appropriate courses here.
Officials Licensing
British Wrestling understands that safeguarding extends beyond coaching. To address this, the association has introduced officials licensing that incorporates bespoke safeguarding training. This initiative aims to ensure that every individual involved in the sport, not just coaches, is equipped with the tools to promote safety and protect athletes.
Bespoke Safeguarding Training for Officials
Officials licensing includes tailored safeguarding training that focuses on the specific roles and responsibilities of officials in wrestling. This training designed with support from experienced officials and safeguarding experts will help officials recognise signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and ensure that events are conducted in a safe and secure manner.
British Wrestling will be in touch with all officials to invite them to the training at an appropriate time.
The Future of British Wrestling
The introduction of this updated coach and officials licensing policy marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of all British Wrestling participants. British Wrestling is committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential.
These changes represent a continued commitment to the principles of integrity, safety, and inclusivity that are at the core of British Wrestling’s mission. With this new policy in place, British Wrestling is poised to create a stronger and safer future for the sport, fostering the development of athletes while protecting their physical and emotional well-being.
