Midland Rocketry Welfare Policy
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Midland Rocketry (MRC) is affiliated club of British Model Flying Association (BMFA).
MRC is a specialist club whose activities are restricted to the flying of model rockets.
The aims of the club are defined in the constitution. The aims of the club require some interaction with young people and it is
therefore necessary to establish MRC’s policy and procedures for managing such interaction. In formulating this policy MRC
has adopted the BMFA policy for the protection of children and vulnerable adults, copies of which are available on the BMFA
website at www.bmfa.org.
The policy applies to all activities of the club including club meetings and outreach activities.
Definitions:
The following definitions apply to this policy:
• A member is defined as being a responsible adult who has paid membership fees and is over 18 years of age.
• A junior member is defined as being someone who has paid membership fees and is less than 18 years of age.
• A vulnerable adult is defined as a person of 18 years of age or over but through mental or physical attributes requires a higher level of
supervision than would be normally necessary for an adult member.
• A responsible adult is defined as the parent/guardian of a junior member or vulnerable adult, or someone who has the written
permission of the parent or guardian to escort and supervise the junior member or vulnerable adult.
Principles:
This welfare policy is underpinned by the following principles and practices:
• Junior members or vulnerable adults are only allowed to attend if they are escorted by a responsible adult.
• No child or vulnerable adult shall undertake any activity which might place him or her at undue risk of harm. In any event prior
consultation with their parent, guardian or carer must take place if there is any doubt on the member’s abilities to undertake a specific
activity.
• No member of the club is to be expected to assume responsibility for a child or a vulnerable adult unless such a responsibility
already exists.
• Should any member, parent, guardian, carer or the person themselves have concerns about the welfare of children or vulnerable adults then he or she is to contact the club Welfare Officer or one of the help lines listed in the BMFA policy and at the end of this policy.
• All members are required to respect the rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to promote their welfare.
• Should physical contact be required during model flying for instructional or any other purposes it will be done in the presence of the parent/guardian and with their prior agreement.
• Should the Club wish to use an identifiable photographic or video image of a child it will obtain the written consent of the parent or
guardian.
• It should be noted that the club does not provide toilet facilities at its launch site and it is your responsibility to make suitable
arrangements.
• This membership form must be countersigned by the parent or guardian if the applicant is less than 18 years of age or by the authorised
carer of a vulnerable adult, thereby signifying acceptance of the conditions of membership.
Review:
This policy must be reviewed at least annually by the Chairman/Committee. It may be changed by the Chairman/Committee without reference to the members. It will be promulgated on the club website.
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Rev 01 Sept 2018