It is the mission of this football club to provide a safe, fun, positive environment for children to enjoy sociable, physical activity through the great game of football. To help us do this we have a safeguarding policy that has been written in line with the FA's guidance and best practices. If you have any safeguarding concerns to raise, please scroll down to the section entitled 'How to Raise Concerns to Lytchett Matravers Football Club' for full details.
Help and advice
Support, advice and information can be found confidentially through the following organisations:
https://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
https://www.dorsetfa.com/about/rules-and-regulations/safeguarding-and-welfare
Lytchett Matravers Football ClubSafeguarding Children Policy and Procedures
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Lytchett Matravers Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members.
1.2 A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s (The FA) Safeguarding Children – Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document.
2.0 The Key Principles of The FA Safeguarding Children Policy
2.1 The key principles covered within this policy are:
2.2 We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.
2.3 Lytchett Matravers Football Club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
3.0 Lytchett Matravers Football Club’s Role and Responsibility
3.1 Lytchett Matravers Football Club acknowledges it’s role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying.
3.2 It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Regulations (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.
3.2 We endorse and adopt The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for recruiting volunteers and we will:
3.4 All Lytchett Matravers Football Club members working in eligible roles, with children and young people, such as managers and coaches are required to hold an in-date FA accepted Enhanced CRC with Barring List check as part of responsible recruitment practice.
3.5 If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Lytchett Matravers Football Club, guidance will be sought from The Football Association.
3.6 It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via the CRC Process and that all suitability decisions will be made in accordance with legislation and in the best interests of children and young people.
3.7 It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.
4.0 How to Raise Concerns to Lytchett Matravers Football Club
4.1 The Club has a Club Welfare Officer in post in line with The FA’s requirements.
4.2 The Club Welfare Officer has completed the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop and is involved with Welfare Officer training provided by The FA and/or County FA.
4.3 The Club Welfare Officer is the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person. Club members include players, parents/guardians, officials, coaches and volunteers. The Club Welfare Officer will liaise directly with the County FA (CFA) Welfare Officer and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing awareness of Respect, poor practice and abuse amongst club members.
4.4 The Club acknowledges and endorses The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players or parents/carers should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the Club Welfare Officer in cases of serious bullying the CFA Welfare Officer may be contacted.
4.5 Respect codes of conduct for Players, Parents/ Spectators, Officials and Coaches have been implemented by Lytchett Matravers Football Club. In order to validate these Respect codes of conduct the club has clear actions it will take regarding repeated or serious misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by the County FA in more serious circumstances.
4.6 Reporting your concerns about the welfare of a child or young person. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility if you are worried about a child/young person it is important that you report your concerns – no action is not an option.
4.7 Anyone can raise concerns that relate to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people participating in activities facilitated by the club.
4.8 In the first instance this can be via managers/coaches or any club committee member who will ensure any concerns raised are reported to the Club Welfare Officer. Please use the regular club communications channels to do this - e.g. WhatsApp or in person at the club. It is not appropriate to go directly to any club member's home or work address without prior invitation.
4.9 Lytchett Matravers Welfare Officers are:
Amy-Jane White, Club Welfare Officer Tel: 07867 311023
Louise Fontana, Assistant Club Welfare Officer Tel: 07545 081890
email: [email protected]
4.10 If the issue is one of poor practice the Club Welfare Officer will either:
4.11 If the concern is more serious for example possible child abuse if possible contact the CFA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Children’s Social Care.
4.12 If the child/young person needs immediate medical treatment take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and tell them this is a child protection concern. Let your Club Welfare Officer know what action you have taken, they in turn will inform the CFA Welfare Officer.
4.13 More contact details are attached at Appendix A.
5.0 How to Raise Concerns Direct to the Football Association
5.1 Lytchett Matravers Football Club supports The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy.
5.2 Any adult or young person with concerns about an adult in a position of trust with football can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA Safeguarding Team on:
Tel: 0800 169 1863
The FA Case Manager The Football Association Wembley Stadium PO Box 1966 London SW1P 9EQ
email: [email protected]
Dorset FA Safeguarding Contacts:
Kevin Pike (Senior Safeguarding Lead) By Phone: 01202 688270 By Mobile: 07903 574657 Zoe Pollard (Designated Safequarding Officer) By Phone: 01202 688281 By Mobile: 07908 647054 (8.30am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday) By Email: safeguarding@dorsetfa.com
Policy implemented: May 2018 Version: 1 Due for Review: January 2019 Date Committee agreed: 15th May 2018
APPENDIX A
IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS1. Call the NSPCC 24-hour Helpline for advice on:
0808 800 5000 text 88858
2. The Football Association Safeguarding Children General Enquiry line:
0845 210 8080 |