Larkhall Athletic Youth FC » Child Protection

Child Protection

Larkhall Athletic Youth Football Club (LAYFC) 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 of its 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 Child Protection and Best Practice Policy and Procedures, Safeguarding Children and Young People in football (revised edition 2006) and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document.

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, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation
All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
Working in partnership with other organisations, 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. LAYFC recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club

LAYFC 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 Regulations 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, coach, club official or medical staff. We endorse and adopt The FA’s Child Protection and Best Practice Guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will:

Develop a role profile
Request identification documents
As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
Request and follow up with two references before appointing
Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guideline

All current LAYFC members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of LAYFC, 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 FA CRB Unit and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

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 or young people and to minimize the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.

LAYFC supports The FA’s Whistle-blowing Policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can whistle-blow by contacting The FA Child Protection Team on 0207 745 4771 or by writing to The FA Case Manager, The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA or by going direct to the Police, Social Services, or the NSPCC. LAYFC encourages everyone to know about and utilise these procedures if necessary.

LAYFC has appointed a club Child Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA’s role profile and completion of the Child Protection and Best Practice Workshop. The post holder will be involved with designated persons training provided by The FA. The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents/carers regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. The CWO can liaise directly with the FA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing awareness amongst club members of key child protection issues, including what can constitute poor practice and abuse.

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. If bullying does occur, all players or parents/carers should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly in accordance with LAYFC’s disciplinary procedures and FA guidelines. Any incidents should be reported to the club CWO, the relevant team coach or Year Group Leader (unless these people are directly involved). In cases raised with a team coach or Year Group Leader, they must ensure that the CWO is also immediately advised. Alternatively, in cases of serious bullying, parents/carers can contact the FA CPO.

LAYFC has implemented codes of conduct for players, parents/carers, as well as coaches and other officials. In order to validate these codes of conduct, LAYFC’s disciplinary procedures contain clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level. LAYFC also acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions, which may be implemented by leagues or the FA in more serious circumstances. All prospective members will be informed of these codes.

The County Football Association’s Child Protection Officer, whose details can be found in the County Handbook
The FA/NSPCC Child Protection 24-Hour Helpline 0808 800 5000
www.TheFA.com/Goal

The FA Child Protection Team. Any LAYFC player, parent/carer or official who has any questions or concerns about this policy is invited to consult the LAYFC Child Welfare Officer in the first instance.