Important information for parents.

Dear Parents,

At the present time not all group leaders on the junior rota are checked out by the criminal record board and I feel that this is leaving us in a very vulnerable position.

The present system is organised on the basis of “if you are willing to take the kids out you can go on the rota” and although I have every trust in the parents and volunteers who lead the junior group I have little or no knowledge of the background of volunteers.

I am, therefore, proposing to move the juniors to a Wednesday night so I can personally take the group out with the help of a CRB checked volunteer every week and without the need for a rota system.

This will ensure that at least one group leader will always be properly vetted to work with children. It is also my long term goal to have two junior groups to accommodate the difference in ability.

Tamar Trotters are currently aiming to gain Club Mark recognition. The Club Mark Award scheme is a nationally recognised quality accreditation for clubs with junior sections. As part of the criteria we must be seen to accommodate and promote all aspects of junior running, not only for the children of club members, but also for all youngsters who are interested in running. In doing this I feel it will be unfair on club parents/guardians to be asked to continue with the rota. However, any further help will always be appreciated and will help to spread the load!

The proposals above only effect the under thirteen’s and novice juniors who are not running in adult groups. The over thirteen’s can continue to run in adult groups on a Tuesday and Thursday evening. In moving to the new system, I can see the following benefits:

• reduce the risk of unsuitable adults working with the juniors
• The children will be properly coached.
• Eliminate the need for a rota.
• Helpers will only have to give up about a maximum of 45 minutes every three weeks (based on three helpers)
• Allow the club to meet some of the strict criteria laid down in order to achieve Club Mark status.

At this stage, the above are just proposals but I welcome comments on the revised training arrangements and if Wednesday night would be convenient for your child/children to run?

Many thanks

Phil Pollard (junior captain)