Somerset County Chess Association is committed to the promotion of chess however it also recognises a duty of care towards safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people (under 18) who play chess organised by the association.

The SCCA recognises its responsibilities to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse and exploitation.

The SCCA is a members’ organisation and thus has no control over how individual chess clubs are constituted or managed; it is expected however that clubs entering teams in SCCA authorised events such as the League or Cup follow good practice to safeguard children and young persons under 18 who are members. In that respect it is expected club officials be aware of the current legislation governing children involved in sporting activities. The SCCA also expects club officials to take immediate and appropriate action against any member giving concern as to his/her behaviour towards children and young persons.

The SCCA officers will deal effectively and promptly with any issues involving children and young persons brought to their attention. However, the nature of the organisation is such that they cannot be individually or collectively held responsible for the behaviour of individual members in private clubs.

Any member of the Association who has concerns about the behaviour of a fellow club member in respect of a child or young person is encouraged to speak in the first instance to his club officials.

Advice on good and bad practice when dealing with children is given here.