The objectives of the Safeguarding Children in Football Policy is to protect the Club, Manager, Parents, and most importantly the Children (players) by providing a safe environment to enjoy and develop in football, protected from abuse.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN FOOTBALL OFFICER

The Club will have on its committee the important role of Safeguarding Children in Football Officer (Welfare Officer).

The person in the role will have attended a Football Association 3-Hour Safeguarding Children in Football Workshop and be CRB checked. The Safeguarding Children in Football Officer will keep records of the CRB checks and will be part of any volunteer selection where again CRB checks will be taken.

All parents and children (players) will be made aware of the Safeguarding Children in Football Officer and how to contact them; they will be available for any of their concerns.

CHILD PROTECTION

All of the team Managers (coaches) are DBS-checked prior to taking up their roles.

This is followed at the nearest availability for them to complete a recognised Football Association Child Protection Certificate.

KEY PRINCIPLES

· The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration

· All children have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, or sexual identity

· All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately

· The Safeguarding Children in Football Officer will work with or call upon the services of the local Social Services Department or the Police as necessary

DEFINITIONS

Any act, statement, conduct, or other matter, which harms a child, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child, shall constitute behaviour, which is improper.

Any person who has been charged with an offence as in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 or related offences.

Any other information, which causes the Club reasonably to believe that a person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child.

Upon noting of any of the above definitions the Safeguarding Children in Football Officer and/or the Club Committee can ask for a person to refrain from spectating or taking part in any of the Club's activities.

The Safeguarding Children in Football Officer and/or the Club Committee will take all appropriate action that may involve the intervention of the local social services or the Police.

VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers will complete the Club application form, consent to a DBS check, and provide two references plus attend a Club interview made up of committee members and the Safeguarding Children in Football Officer.