Ashburton Fencing Club is a small, friendly and very informal  "grass-roots" club based in central Croydon.

We welcome beginners and experienced fencers from the ages of 9 years to 90+, to come along and enjoy the evening, sharing their interests and knowledge in fencing.

The club is located at the Territorial Army Centre, Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2EW and we meet on Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.

ENTRANCE TO THE CLUB IS AT THE FRONT GATE ON THE MAIN ROAD. Parking is not available and we have been advised not to park along the front of the building (as you may be towed away!).

Please press the DRILL HALL button located on the gate side panel and someone will let you in.
 

Dates We Are Closed In 2025/26

August 7, 14, 21, 28
September 4, 11
December 18, 25
January 1, 8 2026

On very rare occasions a club night may be cancelled (Boo! Hiss! etc.) but we will update this page as soon as any details are known.
 

Risk assessment for Ashburton Fencing Club:

The Risk Assessment officer for Ashburton Fencing Club is Mike Smith and there will be other designated monitors to ensure that the safety guidelines are adhered to for the safety of everyone attending a fencing session.

These observations and guidelines have been issued to all club members and new members to ensure that they aware of them prior to their arrival at the club.

1.  Any member who feels or shows symptoms of fatigue, fever and irritating coughs are asked to refrain from attending club sessions until they are cleared of the symptoms in compliance with the Covid-19 guidelines.
Please use basic common sense - if you don’t feel well ‘Stay at home!’

2.  All members are encouraged to wash hands and use sanitiser gel/spray/wipes.

3.  The discipline of fencing requires 2 combatants to fight with a starting distance of 4 metres. Close quarter fencing is rarely used and members are asked to refrain from this tactic at present. Bodily contact is strictly prohibited.  As a normal part of club fencing, protective clothing, including a mask and glove, is worn.

4. All club equipment will be sanitised - anti-bacterial spray for jackets and masks and anti-bacterial spray/wipes for sword handles and other equipment.  Where the club provides protective clothing, swords, or other equipment to members, the members will keep this clothing or equipment for their personal use only until they no longer attend the club.

5. Younger members are sometimes brought to the hall by a parent who may stay until their child has finished fencing.  The same rules regarding sanitising hands apply to the parents.

6. All new members and fencing visitors will be required to provide their address and telephone number for contact purposes.  Non-fencing visitors will provide name and telephone number.

Ashburton Fencing Club is committed to prioritising the well-being of all children and adults at risk, promoting safeguarding in our club at all times, including all programmes and events we run. This Policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive fencing experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.

2.  Use of terminology

Child: a person under the age of eighteen years.

Where there is a safeguarding concern, anyone under the age of 18 is regarded as a child unless advised otherwise by the BFA Safeguarding Team.

Adult at risk of abuse or neglect: a person aged eighteen years or over who is, or may be, in need of community care services by reason of disability, age or illness; and is, or may be, unable to take care of, or unable to protect him or herself against abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding children: protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing the impairment of children’s health or development, ensuring that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances.

Safeguarding adults at risk: protecting adults from abuse and/or neglect. Enabling adults to maintain control over their lives and make informed choices without coercion. Empowering adults at risk, consulting them before taking action, unless someone lacks the capacity to make a decision, or their mental health poses a risk to their own or someone else’s safety, in which case, always acting in his or her best interests. 

(See appendix A for full glossary of terms).

3.  Scope

This Policy is applicable to all staff, volunteers, committee members, coaches and club members. It is in line with national legislation and applicable across the UK.

Advice, guidance and support is available from the BFA Safeguarding Team.

4.  Responsibility for the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY: NOT RESPONDING TO A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN IS NOT AN OPTION.

• Our club’s committee has overall accountability for this Policy and its implementation

• Our club Welfare Officer Donald Kay is responsible for updating this Policy in line with legislative and club developments

• All individuals involved in/present at the club are required to adhere to the Policy and Code of Conduct

• The BFA Safeguarding Team can offer support to help clubs proactively safeguard.

Where there is a safeguarding concern/disclosure:

• The individual who is told about, hears, or is made aware of the concern/disclosure is responsible for following the Reporting a Safeguarding Concern Procedure. Unless someone is in immediate danger, they should inform their club Welfare Officer or BFAA Safeguarding Team.

• The club Welfare Officer and Safeguarding Leads are responsible for reporting safeguarding concerns to the BFA Safe Safeguarding Team.

• The BFA Safeguarding Team is responsible for assessing all safeguarding concern/disclosures that are reported to them and working with the club Welfare Officer and national Safeguarding Leads to follow up as appropriate on a case-by-case basis, prioritising the well-being of the child/ adult at risk at all times. Dependent on the concern/disclosure, a referral may be made to:

•    The police in an emergency (999);

•    Local Authority Children’s Services Croydon Council: 020 8255 2888

•    Local Authority Adult Services Croydon Council: 020 8726 6500

•    Designated Officer for concerns/disclosures about a member of staff, consultant, coach, official or volunteer to Mike Smith (01273 097641) or  our Welfare Officer Donald Kay (0208 660 5730)

•    Disclosure and Barring Service for concerns/disclosures about a member of staff, consultant, coach, official or volunteer.

5.  Breaches of the Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct and Reporting Procedure

Breaches of this Policy and/or failure to comply with the outlined responsibilities may result in the following:

• Disciplinary action leading to possible exclusion from the club, dismissal and legal action

• Termination of current and future roles within the club and roles in other clubs and the BFA.

Actions taken by players, parents or carers, staff, consultants, volunteers, officials, coaches inside or outside of the club that are seen to contradict this Policy may be considered a violation of this Policy.

6.  Whistleblowing

Safeguarding children and adults at risk requires everyone to be committed to the highest possible standards of openness, integrity and accountability. As a club, we are committed to encouraging and maintaining a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously.

What is whistle blowing?

In the context of safeguarding, “whistle blowing” is when someone raises a concern about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk.

A whistle blower may be:

• a player;

• a volunteer;

• a coach;

• other member of staff;

• an official;

• a parent;

• a member of the public.

How to raise a concern about a child or an adult at risk at the club

If a child or an adult at risk is in immediate danger or risk of harm, the police should be contacted by calling 999.

Where a child or an adult at risk is not in immediate danger, any concerns about their well-being should be made without delay to the Club Welfare Officer. The Club Welfare Officer will pass the details of the concern on to the BFA Safeguarding Team at the earliest opportunity and the relevant local authority and the police will be contacted, where appropriate.

If, however, the whistle blower does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer, the whistle blower should contact the BFA Safeguarding Team directly on 077177 40125, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.

The Club Welfare Officer can be contacted on: [0208 660 5730].

Information to include when raising a concern

The whistle blower should provide as much information as possible regarding the incident or circumstance which has given rise to the concern, including:

• their name and contact details (unless they wish to remain anonymous);

• names of individuals involved;

• date, time and location of incident/circumstance; and

• Whether any witnesses were present.

What happens next?

All concerns raised by a whistle blower about the well-being of a child or an adult at risk will be taken seriously and every effort will be made to deal with each concern fairly, quickly and proportionately.

If the whistle blower does not believe that the concern has been dealt with appropriately and wishes to speak to someone outside the club or the BFA Safeguarding Team, the NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line should be contacted on 0800 028 0285 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.

Support

The club will not tolerate any harassment, victimisation or unfair treatment of, and will take appropriate action to protect, whistle blowers when they raise a concern in good faith.

 

Safeguarding Code of Conduct:

Codes of Conduct

All members of staff and volunteers agree to:

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times

• Treat all children and adults at risk fairly and with respect

• Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking

• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court

• Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language

• Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer

• Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk

• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs

• Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media

• Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos

• Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)

• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions

• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training

• Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances

• Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle

• Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such

• Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for

• Not to have a relationship with anyone over 18 whilst continuing to coach or be responsible for them

All children agree to:

• Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults

• Play fairly and honestly

• Respect club staff, volunteers and Officials and accept their decisions

• Behave, respect and listen to your coach

• Take care of your equipment and club property

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity

• Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media

• Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media

• Not smoke, drink alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events

• Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others

All adults agree to:

• Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their fencing

• Use appropriate language at all times

• Be realistic and supportive

• Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match

• Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect

• Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child

• Accept the official’s decisions and do not interfere with matches

• Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best

• Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue

• Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for fencing

• Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct

• Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations

• Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history.
   

Report a Concern:

Updated 09/03/23

If you have a safeguarding concern you MUST report it. 

Non Urgent – Report Form Here. (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ebe200c43477477594b69fa7b9ca1883)

If you are a child and have a worry or concern click here.

Urgent/Serious/Imminent Risk – Call police, local child/adult services and BF on  07526 003030.

If you have personally experienced any form of harassment or abuse, or any behaviour that has made you feel uncomfortable we encourage you to reach out – click here for advice and guidance if you are a young person affected.

In BF we believe that the welfare of children and adults at risk is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to preventing and protecting them from harassment and abuse. Everyone in fencing – administrator, club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone – can help.

Serious Concerns/Imminent Risk

If you have a serious concern and you believe that a child or adult at risk is at imminent risk in the first instance you must contact the Police or Children/Adult Services in your area and then contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer on the emergency 24hr safeguarding number: 07526 003030 immediately.

If you are in doubt as to whether your concern is serious, contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer, Liz Behnke for advice on 077177 40125.

If the Lead Safeguarding Officer is unavailable call the NSPCC for help, advice and support: 0808 800 5000 (sadly no longer 24/7) or  email them on help@nspcc.org.uk.

All Other Concerns

If there is no immediate risk, you can report the concern in the following ways:

1. All concerns where there is no imminent risk to the welfare of a person should be reported to BF by clicking here.

2. If the concern arises during an event, you should contact the designated Event Welfare Officer

3. If the concern relates to an affiliated club activity, you should contact the Club Welfare Officer

4. If none of the above apply or you are not comfortable speaking to the nominated welfare officers please contact the Lead Safeguarding Officer during normal working hours: Liz Behnke on 077177 40125.

Finally, please remember BF will support anyone who, in good faith, reports his or her concerns that a child is at risk of, or may actually be, being abused.

BF Welfare Procedures including safeguarding guidance can be accessed by clicking here.

Helplines

Having reported a concern, you may wish to access further support.

The following helplines provide emotional and crisis support to everyone affected by harassment and abuse, mental ill health and other issues. For more helplines please see ARE YOU OK?.

Childline – https://www.childline.co.uk/ or 0800 1111

Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/

National Bullying Helpline – Information and advice about all forms of bullying (nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk) – 0300 323 0169 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

Bright Sky: a free to download mobile app, launched in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is also designed to be used by specialist and non-specialist practitioners and other employers, and for anyone looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newtonmobile.hestia&hl=en_GB

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bright-sky/id1105880511?mt=8

Accessing Vulnerable Group Expertise

If you wish to access additional information to support vulnerable groups, the following organisations have specific expertise that you may find useful.

Activity Alliance | Disability Inclusion Sport – The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

Ann Craft Trust: Safeguarding Adults and Young People at Risk

Sporting Equals – Promoting ethnic diversity across sport and physical activity

Stonewall – Information and support for LGBT communities and their allies. Contact Stonewall’s Information Service FREEPHONE 0800 0502020 Lines are open 9:30 – 4:30 Monday to Friday

Reporting Child Abuse to the Police

Operation Hydrant have developed an animation, designed to inform victims and survivors of child abuse what happens next should they decide to report to police, to enable a more informed decision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84G_1gUDM7M&feature=youtu.be

If you are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online, make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors – https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

Information Sharing

All information received will be treated in confidence and only shared on a need to know basis with those individuals who will be able to manage the situation.  On occasion it may be necessary to seek advice, or inform the statutory agencies e.g. the Police or Local Authority Services. When investigating safeguarding concerns it may also be necessary and appropriate to contact those responsible for safeguarding in other organisations, such as schools and clubs.

Disclosure Reporting:

What to do if a disclosure from a child or adult at risk is made to you:

1. Listen carefully and calmly to the individual

2. Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing and what they have told you is very important

3. Avoid questioning where possible, and never ask leading questions

4. Do not promise secrecy.  Let the individual know that you will need to speak to the Welfare Officer/BFA Safeguarding Team because it is in their best interest.  If you intend to speak to the police or social care, you should let them know this too.

5. Report the concern. In an emergency, call the police (999), otherwise talk to the Welfare Officer/BFA Safeguarding Team as soon as possible. Do not let doubt/personal bias prevent you from reporting the allegation

6. Record details of the disclosure and allegation using the BFA Reporting a Concern Form. Make certain you distinguish between what the person has actually said and the inferences you may have made. Your report should be sent to the BFA Safeguarding Team within 48 hours of the incident.If you do not have access to this document, write down the details using what you have available then sign and date it.

Affiliations: The club is affiliated to the British Fencing Association and the Surrey County Fencing Union.

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