1. Statement of Commitment

Longford Striders is a RunTogether group supported by England Athletics. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and positive environment for all participants.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and this policy sets out how we protect children (under 18s) and adults at risk, in line with the requirements of England Athletics, UK Athletics and RunTogether.

We are equally committed to ensuring all sessions are delivered safely, consistently and within the scope of England Athletics qualifications. All our Run Leaders and Coaches operate under the England Athletics Leadership and Coaching Framework, ensuring sessions are appropriate, inclusive and within the limits of their qualification and insurance cover.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Run Leaders, Coaches, Group Helpers and volunteers associated with Longford Striders Coventry; all participants aged 12 and above who attend our sessions; parents or carers of junior participants; and anyone involved in group activities, both online and in person.

It also outlines the expected standards for individuals qualified as Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) and Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) within the group.

3. Minimum Age and Consent

The minimum age to run with Longford Striders Coventry is 12 years old. 

All participants aged 12–17 years are legally classed as children under safeguarding law and England Athletics policy. Parental or guardian consent is mandatory for all runners aged 12–17. No under-18 may participate without signed consent.

• Participants aged 12–15 must have parental or guardian consent and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian aged 18 or over. They remain the full responsibility of that adult.
• Participants aged 16–17 must have parental or guardian consent. They may sign the consent form themselves to confirm their understanding, but a parent or guardian signature is still required in all circumstances.

All under-18s are covered by the England Athletics Child Safeguarding Policy.

4. Safeguarding and Leadership Structure

This section outlines the roles and responsibilities of those involved in delivering and supervising Longford Striders Coventry sessions under the England Athletics RunTogether framework.

All Run Leaders and Coaches at Longford Striders hold recognised England Athletics qualifications and are required to maintain a current licence. This includes safeguarding awareness training, first aid training, and a valid Enhanced DBS check renewed every three years.

Leaders and Coaches are responsible for promoting safe practice within all sessions, maintaining appropriate standards of conduct, and raising any concerns in line with England Athletics safeguarding procedures.

Group Leader

The Group Leader is responsible for the overall coordination, safety and welfare of all Longford Striders Coventry sessions delivered under the England Athletics RunTogether framework.

The Group Leader ensures that all activities are conducted safely, inclusively and in accordance with England Athletics and RunTogether guidance. Specific responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the conduct and practice of all Run Leaders, Coaches and Group Helpers to ensure sessions remain safe and inclusive.
• Checking that all Run Leaders and Coaches hold valid England Athletics licences, safeguarding awareness training, first aid training and Enhanced DBS clearance before delivering sessions independently.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for any safeguarding or welfare concerns and liaising directly with England Athletics or the RunTogether Safeguarding Team when required.
• Conducting or overseeing risk assessments for sessions and ensuring appropriate emergency procedures are in place.
• Promoting a welcoming, supportive and respectful environment for all participants, regardless of ability or background.

The Group Leader upholds the values of England Athletics and RunTogether, ensuring every participant enjoys a positive and safe running experience with Longford Striders Coventry.

Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF)

Coaches are qualified to plan, design and deliver structured training programmes, coach technique and guide performance progression. This higher level qualification within the England Athletics framework allows a coach to work independently and in greater technical depth than Run Leaders (LiRF). Coaches are trained to assess running form, screen and profile athletes, monitor development and adapt sessions to meet individual needs and abilities. Sessions may include warm ups, mobility and activation work, running drills, interval training, hill sessions, pacing practice and endurance runs. As part of their training and assessment, coaches demonstrate an ability to coach a range of movement and running skills, including running over obstacles and developing basic throwing and movement patterns that support coordination and efficiency. They also complete detailed case studies and are assessed on planning and delivering mesocycles for performance development, developing longer term goal plans, and demonstrating theoretical knowledge through written assessment.

Coaches work with individuals or groups using a progressive, evidence informed approach that reflects the principles of the England Athletics Athlete Development Model. This promotes long term athletic development, balanced progression and sustainable performance while supporting athlete wellbeing. Coaches ensure that all training remains inclusive, goal focused and athlete centred, whilst maintaining a strong emphasis on performance, recovery and safety throughout the training process.

Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF)

Leaders (aka Run Leaders) are qualified to deliver safe, enjoyable and inclusive running sessions for mixed-ability groups. Their focus is on participation and enjoyment, not performance development.

Leaders may plan safe running routes and deliver sessions in line with England Athletics guidance, provided the content is appropriate for the group and within the leader’s remit. Sessions typically include a suitable warm-up and cool-down in accordance with the LiRF framework to help participants prepare for and recover from activity safely.

Leaders may also include simple running activities such as fartlek, lamppost sprints or hill efforts using pre-defined LiRF session cards, or under the instruction of a Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF), provided these activities are inclusive and suitable for all abilities.

Group Helpers

Group Helpers are experienced members of the group who volunteer their time to support sessions under the supervision of a qualified Run Leader or Coach.

Their role is to assist with safety, motivation and group management, but not to plan or lead sessions independently. Group Helpers work closely with the Group Leader to ensure sessions remain safe, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Run Leaders and Coaches must follow England Athletics’ Codes of Conduct, safeguarding guidance and qualification boundaries at all times.

• Run Leaders (LiRF) focus on participation, enjoyment, safety and inclusion.
• Coaches (CiRF) focus on structured performance development and technical coaching.
• Group Helpers provide valuable support during sessions, assisting with group management and motivation under the direction of a qualified Run Leader or Coach.

All roles are equally important and work collaboratively to create a safe and positive environment.

Parents and Guardians must provide accurate consent, medical and contact details, and ensure their child is appropriately prepared for sessions.

Participants must behave respectfully and inclusively in line with the England Athletics Codes of Conduct.

6. Participant Conduct and Expectations

All runners taking part in Longford Striders sessions  are expected to uphold the values of respect, inclusivity and safety at all times.

Participants must:

• Treat Run Leaders, Coaches, Group Helpers and fellow runners with respect and consideration.
• Listen to and follow safety instructions from leaders and coaches.
• Run within their ability and communicate if they are struggling, unwell or injured.
• Refrain from behaviour, language or actions that could be considered discriminatory, intimidating or disrespectful.
• Avoid bringing the group, Longford Striders, or England Athletics into disrepute through conduct in person or online.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in a discussion with the Group Leader. In serious or repeated cases, participants may be asked not to attend sessions until the issue has been reviewed in line with England Athletics’ Codes of Conduct.

7. Participant Medical Information and Safety

All participants who book onto a Longford Striders session must ensure they are fit and well enough to take part in running activity.

By registering for a session, runners confirm that they are medically cleared to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Participants must provide accurate In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details and disclose any relevant medical conditions that could affect their ability to run safely, such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, injuries or allergies.

Runners must bring any required medication (e.g. inhalers, EpiPens) to sessions and inform a Run Leader or Coach of its location in case of emergency.

Leaders will always act in the best interests of participants, but it is each runner’s responsibility to ensure they are appropriately dressed, prepared, hydrated and able to complete the planned session safely. All efforts are made to make sure each session is safe and accessible. Please note that all participants take part at their own risk.

If a participant has been advised by a medical professional not to take part in physical activity, they must not attend sessions until cleared to do so.

8. Photography and Media

Parental or guardian consent is required for any under-18 to appear in promotional photographs, videos or social media posts. Consent preferences will be recorded on the consent form.

Longford Striders Coventry may occasionally take photos or short videos during sessions or group runs for the purpose of promoting the group and celebrating participation on social media and communication channels.

Adults (over 18) who do not wish to appear in any photographs, videos or promotional material must inform the Run Leader or Coach at the earliest opportunity. Every effort will be made to ensure that those who have opted out are not included in shared images or footage.

9. Reporting Concerns

Concerns about behaviour, welfare or safeguarding should be raised with the Group Leader in the first instance.

The Group Leader will ensure that any concerns are managed appropriately and escalated in line with England Athletics safeguarding procedures.

If a participant, parent or volunteer prefers to report a concern directly, they may contact the England Athletics Safeguarding Team at:

safeguarding@uka.org.uk

07920 532 552 (for urgent matters)

If a child or adult is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, contact the emergency services by dialling 999.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to England Athletics guidance, RunTogether requirements, or safeguarding law.