The Importance of Recording Lower Level Concerns or Poor Practice
At Badminton Wales, safeguarding isn’t just about responding to serious incidents — it’s about spotting early warning signs before they escalate. National learning shows that lower level concerns are often missed, even though they’re key to preventing harm. A strong reporting culture keeps everyone safe and supports adults to maintain professional standards.
What Are Lower Level Concerns?
Low level concerns are early indicators that an adult’s behaviour may be slipping below expected standards. They don’t meet the threshold of serious harm, but they still raise questions about boundaries or judgement.
Examples include:
- being over‑familiar with junior players
- showing favouritism
- contacting young athletes on personal phones or social media
- unnecessary 1:1 time out of sight of others
- using unprofessional or intimidating language
- repeatedly ignoring safeguarding guidance
These may be isolated lapses — or early signs of risk. Recording them helps us tell the difference.
Report A Concern
If something worries you, please let us know using our report form.
Report a concernHow Badminton Wales Responds
Our safeguarding procedures ensure concerns are taken seriously at every level. We provide:
- clear reporting routes
- guidance for clubs on recognising and recording concerns
- secure systems for documenting all issues, big or small
- support from the Safeguarding Team
- escalation to statutory agencies where required
Good records lead to consistent, child‑centred decisions.
Why Recording Matters
Consistent recording helps Badminton Wales to:
- identify patterns over time
- see when behaviour is starting to change direction
- distinguish one‑off mistakes from repeated issues
- spot clusters of concern within clubs or programmes
- intervene early with support or training
Whether concerns relate to weak boundaries or deliberate grooming, transparency and documentation are critical to keeping young people safe.
Support for Clubs, Coaches and Players
The Badminton Wales Safeguarding Team can help you:
- understand what counts as a low level concern
- use reporting systems confidently
- review and strengthen club safeguarding processes
- access training, templates and guidance
- seek advice about anything that feels “not quite right”
If you’d like help improving safeguarding practice in your club, please contact the Safeguarding Team.