Safeguarding & Welfare
If a child or young person is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, always call 999 before submitting the reporting form or contacting the Club Welfare Officer
At Warriors Basketball, the safety, wellbeing and welfare of every player is our highest priority.
Our commitment to safeguarding at Warriors Basketball
We are privileged to work with children and young people of all ages and recognise the important role we play in providing a safe, inclusive and positive environment where every player can enjoy basketball, develop confidence and reach their full potential.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every member of our Warriors community – Directors, coaches, volunteers, team managers, parents, carers, players and supporters – has a role to play in creating an environment where children feel safe, respected, valued and listened to.
We are committed to fostering a culture where safeguarding is embedded in everything we do, ensuring that the welfare of every child is at the heart of our club.
How we keep our Warriors community safe
Warriors Basketball follows Basketball England's safeguarding policies, procedures and best practice guidance. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare, ensuring that everyone involved with the club understands their responsibilities in protecting children and young people.
We aim to ensure that:
Every child feels safe, welcome and included.
Children are treated with dignity, respect and kindness.
Every player has the opportunity to enjoy basketball in a safe and positive environment.
The voice of every child is heard and valued.
Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly and appropriately.
Coaches, volunteers and club officials understand their safeguarding responsibilities and receive appropriate training and support.
Creating a Positive Safeguarding Culture
Safeguarding is about much more than responding to concerns—it is about creating a culture where every member of our community feels safe, respected and confident to speak up.
We want every member of the Warriors family to know:
Who they can speak to if they have a concern.
How to report a concern.
That they will always be listened to with respect.
That concerns will be handled sensitively and appropriately.
That raising a concern is always the right thing to do.
Whether you are a player, parent, coach, volunteer or supporter, if something doesn't feel right, we encourage you to tell someone. You do not need proof to raise a concern. If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, we would always rather know and be able to offer support.
Together, we can ensure that every person who walks into Warriors Basketball feels safe, respected, valued and part of our community.
Speaking up at Warriors Basketball
At Warriors Basketball, we encourage everyone to speak up if they have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person.
If you are worried about a player, the behaviour of an adult, or anything that doesn't feel right, please don't ignore it. You do not need to be certain that something is wrong to raise a concern. It is always better to share a concern than to say nothing.
You can report a concern in any of the following ways:
Complete our Safeguarding & Welfare Reporting Form (available below).
Email our Club Welfare Officer at welfare@warriorsbasketball.co.uk.
Speak directly to our Club Welfare Officer, Gemma Selmes.
Speak to any Warriors Director or Coach, who will ensure the concern is passed to the Club Welfare Officer promptly
Online Safeguarding & Welfare Reporting Form
Our confidential reporting form is available to players, parents, carers, coaches, volunteers and members of the public.
The form can be used to:
Report a safeguarding or welfare concern.
Report inappropriate behavior.
Raise concerns about poor practice.
Share concerns about a player's wellbeing.
Seek advice if you are unsure whether something should be reported.
All concerns will be treated seriously, sensitively and in accordance with Basketball England's safeguarding procedures. Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to safeguard a child or young person.
If a child or young person is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, always call 999 before submitting the reporting form or contacting the Club Welfare Officer.
Meet Our Club Welfare Officer
Gemma Selmes
welfare@warriorsbasketball.co.uk
I am proud to serve as the Club Welfare Officer for Warriors Basketball and am committed to ensuring that every child and young person who is part of our club feels safe, supported and able to enjoy their basketball journey.
Safeguarding has been at the heart of my professional career for more than 24 years. During that time, I have worked within education, including more than 12 years in senior leadership. As a school leader, safeguarding is central to everything I do, and I bring that experience and commitment into my role at Warriors Basketball.
Alongside my professional role, I am also a Warriors parent, Team Manager for our Under 14 National League Girls team and an active member of the Warriors community. This gives me a valuable understanding of our club from both a professional and a parent perspective.
As Club Welfare Officer, my role is to:
Promote a positive safeguarding culture throughout the club.
Support players, parents, coaches and volunteers with safeguarding and welfare matters.
Ensure concerns are listened to, recorded and managed appropriately.
Help everyone understand their role in keeping children safe.
Work alongside Basketball England and external agencies where necessary to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding are maintained.
I believe safeguarding is about far more than responding to concerns. It is about creating an environment where children feel valued, respected and confident to have a voice, and where every member of our Warriors family knows they will be listened to.
My aim is that every player, every parent and every volunteer steps onto the court knowing they are safe, respected and valued. Everyone should feel that Warriors Basketball is a place where they belong, where they can enjoy the game they love, build confidence, develop as individuals and know that their wellbeing always comes first.
I am always available to listen, offer advice and support anyone with a safeguarding or welfare concern. If something doesn't feel right, or you're worried about a child or young person, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'd always rather have a conversation early than have someone worry in silence.
Contact the Club Welfare Officer
Gemma Selmes
Email: welfare@warriorsbasketball.co.uk
Together, we can ensure Warriors Basketball remains a place where every child is safe, every voice matters, and everyone can Be Brave. Be Brilliant.