It has been brought to our attention that there is a male member of the public giving concern to multiple running clubs in Belfast. Belfast Running Club itself has not been in any way affected but we are emailing to highlight these concerns, to advise you to remain vigilant and safe and report any concerns to the committee.
Multiple clubs have experienced a male presenting himself at their running sessions and asking to join their running groups including online and giving false names. Therefore we will be taking a register at training. This individual has become aggressive when challenged and has been hassling females for car lifts. He has also tried to contact members on Facebook directly so please be aware of this. Some of his other behaviour has raised concerns around safeguarding and discrimination so please avoid anyone you do not feel comfortable around and report this to a member of the committee. Both Athletics NI and the PSNI have been notified about this and the clubs affected have dealt with the matter in a professional and expedient matter.
We know that this will be concerning for our members and we remind members to familarise themselves with our safeguarding policy which we have adopted from UKA. https://www.uka.org.uk/governance/safegarding/uka-safeguarding-adults-at-risk-policy/
We also ask members to read the car sharing guidance below.
Belfast Running Club is committed to ensuring that all members can participate in club activities in an enjoyable and safe environment. All committee members, coaches, volunteers and club members have a responsibility to uphold our club Safeguarding Policies and Codes of Conduct, and to respond to any suspected breaches. We are committed to having a zero-tolerance approach to safeguarding to keep our members safe. We will remain vigilant as a club to ensure your safety.
If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact our Club Welfare Officer Mark Rocks either in person or by email at info@belfastrunningclub.co.uk in the first instance. Alternatively, you can contact any of our committee members at a club session or via the club email address above. Details of our committee members can be found here.
In a safeguarding emergency, where you or others are at immediate risk of harm, please always ring 999.
For further sources of support, please refer to:
- The Child Protection in Sport Unit – NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit | CPSU (thecpsu.org.uk)
- Athletics NI – Safeguarding | Athletics Northern Ireland (athleticsni.org)
- UKA – UK Athletics and HCAF Child Safeguarding Policy (englandathletics.org)
Thank you for reading this far and for your cooperation and understanding of this matter.
The BRC committee
Running Club Car Sharing Policy
- Voluntary Participation: Car sharing is optional.
- Pre-arrangement: Details should be communicated and agreed upon in advance.
- Respect and Comfort: Members can decline or withdraw from arrangements without pressure.
- Emergency Contacts: Exchange emergency contact information.
- Communication: Discuss concerns or preferences beforehand.
- Personal Boundaries: Respect personal space and avoid inappropriate behavior.
- Health and Safety: Ensure the vehicle is safe and members are healthy.
- Substance Use: No driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Confidentiality: Keep personal information shared for car sharing confidential.
- Feedback and Reporting: Provide feedback and report concerns to the club’s safeguarding officer.