As the national governing body of pickleball in Scotland, Pickleball Scotland has responsibility for governing and developing the sport and we are working to promote our key values so that activities are delivered in safe, fun, accessible and inclusive ways. Through our safeguarding policy and regulations, we strive to uphold and champion a rights-based approach that ensures a positive ethos and well-run sports culture which is welcoming and equitable for all levels of participation.
We recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and protected adults is paramount and that all participants have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care and will do everything we can to keep everyone safe and equally valued in our sport.
Following the change in Disclosure Scotland legislation that came into effect on 1st April 2025, it is now a criminal offence to deliver a regulated role (i.e. pickleball activities for children under 18 and vulnerable adults) without membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme for the specific sport being delivered. Our workforce who plan to get involved with regulated roles should contact our Safeguarding Officer for information about processing a PVG application with us as the governing body for our sport.
Children First is Scotland's national children’s charity, dedicated to protecting children from harm, providing support for recovery from trauma and abuse, and assisting families with practical, financial, and emotional help. They offer a national support line (08000 28 22 33) and together with sportscotland they also provide training courses to safeguard children and young people participating in sport across Scotland. Our organisation has officially adopted the eight Standards for Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport which provides a framework to help our affiliated Pickleball Scotland clubs and workforce members create a positive, safer environment for children and young people. We are pleased to have a sportscotland approved tutor delivering these courses for our trained and qualified Pickleball Scotland workforce. For information about how to access Pickleball Scotland Wellbeing and Protection in Sport courses relating to both child and adult safeguarding, please contact Sandra Macrae, our Safeguarding Officer.
Information about other safeguarding and inclusion CPD training opportunities for workforce, such as Inclusive Practice and Pickleball for Wellbeing courses, can be found on the Education Pathways page.
We are committed to developing and applying the highest standards of national safeguarding and inclusion arrangements for the delivery of pickleball activities in local communities and we welcome enquiries from any organisations interested in learning more about our ethos and approach.
Contact Pickleball Scotland’s Lead Safeguarding and Inclusion Officer, Sandra Macrae, via inclusion@pickleballscotland.org to report and log a concern that has been raised.
If someone is in immediate danger call the police (999)
If you’re worried about a child, even if you’re unsure, you can contact the following support services:
We seek to ensure that our safeguarding policy, regulations and procedures are consistent and transparent to facilitate compliance with statutory duties and reflect available guidance on good practice in safeguarding children, young people and protected adults.
We believe that safeguarding is everybody's responsibility. Our Safeguarding Policy and Regulations apply to all individuals, clubs, associations, and other organisations involved in any capacity in the sport of pickleball in Scotland.
Safeguarding concerns are always taken seriously and can be based on a series of seemingly minor issues (e.g. minor breaches of our regulations or Codes of Conduct), through to more serious, persistent or unlawful behaviour (e.g. allegations or concerns about abuse, sexual or physical assault, or repeated breaches of our Codes of Conduct, Ethics and Behaviour).
Regardless of their seriousness and scope, all concerns raised will be given a considered response in line with appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures and in accordance with the Scottish Government's guidelines. Whilst outcomes depend on a number of factors including both the seriousness and level of risk associated with a complaint or safeguarding referral, Pickleball Scotland has a policy of zero-tolerance towards any conduct that indicates a risk of actual or potential harm.
Download our Safeguarding Policy and Regulations
Our Codes of Conduct, Ethics and Behavours set out the standards of conduct that are expected and required of Participants, Ambassadors and Coaches. Through our policies and regulations, we aim to protect everyone involved with the sport, uphold our values, and champion a rights-based approach.
Download our Codes of Conduct, Ethics & Behaviour
