The England Handball Association (EHA) is committed to creating and maintaining a positive sporting environment. All disclosures, incidents and concerns reported are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly in a timely manner. Where needed, the EHA will work in consultation with external and statutory agencies such as the NSPCC, Children Social Services and the Police. If you have any concerns relating to a child or adult involved in handball our online report form should be completed. |
Should you have an immediate concern about a child where their safety is at immediate risk, please contact the Police on 999.
We encourage anyone dealing with a safeguarding disclosure, incident, allegation or concern, to follow the three R’s:
 | - Ensure the environment for a conversation is a safe space for everyone involved
- Stay calm, listen and clarify detail
- Be mindful or your body language and move away from any distractions
- Use open-ended questions and follow the pace of the individual disclosing
- Try to control your own emotions, remembering that the disclosure may be difficult for someone to share
- Be honest and explain you will have to tell someone in order to help the situation, and that you cannot keep a secret
- Share the concern as early as possible
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 | - Make notes of the conversation as soon as possible and with as much detail as possible
- Be as accurate as you can about what you have seen, heard and or been told
- Use calm and neutral language
- Poor practice can likely be dealt with locally however you must still record it
- Add the date and time to notes taken, including your signature where possible
- If the disclosure is potentially a crime or abuse, contact the police immediately
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 | - Report your concerns as soon as possible using our online report form
- If reporting concerns about an adult at risk, speak with them and ask for their consent before sharing
- Only share information with people on a need-to-know basis, with your Club Safeguarding Officer in the first instance, or with our Lead Safeguarding Officer
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All efforts should be taken to maintain appropriate confidentiality and information only shared on a need-to-know basis.
In any case where you are unsure as to what to do, contact your Club Safeguarding Officer.

EHA recognise that the talented and elite players moving through our Performance Pathway have the right to train and compete in a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment.
Whilst we endeavour to provide fantastic experiences and reward for our players, we know that there are certain factors within elite sports that make young elite players more vulnerable to abuse and the effects of poor practice coaching. The following factors can contribute to the vulnerability of both young and adult elite athletes. The Ann Craft Trust provides more detail on these contributing factors and offer solutions to mitigate risk of abuse.
Finding the Balance
It can be challenging for young elite athletes to find the right balance therefore EHA’s coaches work closely with players and parents to help maintain and restore a healthy balance. We communicate openly with players and their parents, and together we create a schedule that includes training and competitions, revision and exams, as well as time for relaxing and socialising with family and friends. The CPSU offer lots of advice on how best to support talented and elite players. |
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Support Designed for Young People
There are lots of organisations that exist to support children and young people with their mental health and in times of crisis. Click on the images to find out how they could support you.