Gimme a clue???

Sheila M · 9 Jul 2006, 21:02 (Ref:1651732)

I've just received my Clerk's Licence renewal form from the MSA. One of the questions asked is "When officiating in your licensed capacity do you come into contact with any minor under the age of 18?". Well, yes I do, sometimes (very rarely).

I am then asked to sign a declaration stating (amongst other things) "I hereby agree to abide by the MSA Child Protection Policy and Guidelines".

OK fair enough. But, WHAT are they? And WHERE are they to be found? I have looked on the MSA website but can't find anything; the Blue Book doesn't seem to mention it either.

I'd be happy to say I'll agree to the guidelines, but if I don't know what they are ....

A clue someone? Anyone? Please?

flagwaver · 9 Jul 2006, 21:24 (Ref:1651742)

Think we are all in the same boat over this one.
With circuit racing drivers getting younger it applies to more & more of us. Would be nice to know what we are agreeing to.

Robin_D · 9 Jul 2006, 21:44 (Ref:1651757)

And T- Cars and Marshals.

Errr sorry I can't help.

Sheila M · 9 Jul 2006, 21:46 (Ref:1651760)

Ok, I shall ring the MSA tomorrow and get a definitive response (hopefully). I'll let you all know - watch this space!

JABWOA · 10 Jul 2006, 02:10 (Ref:1651836)

A similar thing is happening down under (but through the government not the MS sanctioning bodies) in which anyone who comes in regular contact with minors must be policed checked and then carry a card authorising them to come in "care" situations for minors or face (in some states) BIG penalties. Motorsport bodies are still awaiting final verdict as to what determines "care." ie. it's more aimed at those with longer continuing contact with minors like teachers, priests, scoutmasters rather than the odd day here or there like working trackside/paddock.

Paul Newns · 10 Jul 2006, 08:31 (Ref:1651998)

Are we getting to the stage where MSA will want to carry out police checks before letting us marshal? I know kids have to be protected from the evil b*****ds out there but this is getting silly.

***MagnetON*** · 10 Jul 2006, 08:45 (Ref:1652010)

As rescue crew it's something we are always aware of that we may have to be in close contact to a minor for extrication / assessment purposes and for on-going medical examinations.

I therefore wouldn't be surprised to see MSA rescue license holders being subject to background checks given the current level of public concern over this.

EvilPumpkin · 10 Jul 2006, 09:38 (Ref:1652053)

The Irish Sports Council brought in a ruling some time ago about codes of conduct for any sporting organisation that deals with minors i.e. anyone under 18.

Details here - http://www.irishsportscouncil.ie/cod...00_00axxx_Home

This includes having a Childrens' Officer to deal with any queries from minors and to deal with parents etc.

I know that at one point, a Childrens' Officer was going to be appointed for the MRMCI as we had some marshals under 18 - I'm not sure what happened after that or if it's still ongoing.

johngee · 10 Jul 2006, 09:48 (Ref:1652059)

I would assume that we, as Clerks, are fairly protected in this area, since we should always be dealing with under 18's in the presence of parent/guardian/other responsible adult? I just ticked the box as I suspect the MSA will just produce a list as a matter of record.

Gridlock · 10 Jul 2006, 11:16 (Ref:1652146)

Its all part of the "Child Protection Act" You can find details of the Act by checking Child Protection on Google. It involves anyone working with or activities were young people under the age of 18 are involved. To complicated to go into here but you will find all the details you need on the website. As far as marshals are concerned I doubt if Criminal Record Checks will be required?

Sheila M · 10 Jul 2006, 20:49 (Ref:1652856)

Quote:

Originally Posted by johngee

I would assume that we, as Clerks, are fairly protected in this area, since we should always be dealing with under 18's in the presence of parent/guardian/other responsible adult? I just ticked the box as I suspect the MSA will just produce a list as a matter of record.

You suspect correctly John!

I spoke to John Symes today (lovely man - he greeted me with "whaddyawant?" as opposed to "Sheila, how lovely to hear your dulcet tones again, how may I help you?")

Anyway he'd just come out of a meeting discussing this exact point. Apparently, since the Licence renewals forms went out, people have been stopping him in the street, the pub, etc., and ringing him up asking the same question. Apparently, according to John, I would have no problems signing the declaration as I would agree with the Policy and Guidelines.

Anyway, he pointed me in the direction of the Blue Book and I have now found it (on page 6) It says:

"The child's welfare is paramount.

All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity, have the right to proection from abuse.

All suspicions and allegations of inappropriate behaviour will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately."

So, there you have it. We can all tick the box that says we come into contact with under 18s and that we agree with the Policy!

Peter Harding · 10 Jul 2006, 22:13 (Ref:1652972)

If this covers minors under 18, what about minors over 18 and non-minors under 18?
Don't we adults have the right to protection from abuse?
Is the policy ageist?
If all the marshals were under 18 perhaps the marshals' welfare would be paramount.

Yes ok I've lost it

Gridlock · 11 Jul 2006, 08:36 (Ref:1653185)

Yes Peter I believe you are covered as the act includes the elderly and handicapped?

PVDA · 11 Jul 2006, 09:33 (Ref:1653221)

I know some people who work underground, are they the sort of Miners they are talking about

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