- Introduction: Whiteley Wanderers Youth 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. 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.
- Key Principles: The key principles of The FA Safeguarding Children Policy are that:
- The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
- All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith, or belief.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- Working in partnership with other organizations, children and young people, and their parents/carers is essential. 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. Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club recognizes that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
- Safeguarding Role: Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club has a 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. 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.
- Responsible Recruitment: We endorse and adopt The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for recruiting volunteers and we will:
- Specify what the role is and what tasks it involves.
- Request identification documents.
- As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible interview people before appointing them.
- Ask for and follow up with 2 references before appointing someone.
- Where eligible require an FA accepted Enhanced Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Barring List Check in line with current FA policy and regulations.
- Current Members Requirements: All current Whiteley Wanderers Youth 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.
- Guidance and Reporting: If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club guidance will be sought from The Football Association. 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.
- Whistle Blowing Policy: Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club supports The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a adult in a position of trust with football can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 169 1863, by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, Wembley Stadium, PO Box 1966, London SW1P 9EQ, by emailing Safeguarding@TheFA.com or alternatively by going direct to the Police, Children’s Social Care or the NSPCC.
- Club Welfare Officer: Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop.
- Bullying Prevention: We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club.
- Respect Codes of Conduct: Respect codes of conduct for Players, Parents/ Spectators, Officials, and Coaches have been implemented by Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club.
- Reporting Concerns: Reporting your concerns about the welfare of a child or young person.
- Further Advice: Further advice on Safeguarding Children matters can be obtained from our Safeguarding Champions.
For more detailed information, refer to The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures available via www.TheFA.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding.
County Football Association’s Designated Safeguarding Officer:
The FA Safeguarding Children general enquiry line: 0845 210 8080.
