Child
Protection Policy
Every
child and young person who plays football shall be able to participate in an
enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from
abuse. We recognise,
however, that child abuse is a very emotive and difficult subject. It is
important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere
with our judgement about any action to take.
The Football Association recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare
of all children and young people by protecting them from physical or emotional
harm and from neglect and bullying. It is determined to meet its
obligation to ensure that those clubs and organisations providing footballing
opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible
standard of care.
Clear practices and procedures, in addition to a detailed training programme
already underway, will ensure that everyone knows exactly what is expected of
them in relation to the protection of children and young people within our
sport. It is essential that those children and young people attracted to and
participating in football are able to do so in a quality, safe and enjoyable
environment. In striving to attain this, The Football Association has the
Following Objectives:
A requirement that the FA Premier League and the Football League include in
their rules a policy statement concerning child protection. A requirement
that all bodies affiliated to the Football Association as Charter Standards Organisations, affiliated through the
To provide ongoing development and training opportunities to all organisations
as mentioned above.
To provide ongoing development and training opportunities for members of the FA
Coaches Association as an integral part of all FA Coach and Medical Education
courses and courses for referees in staff development courses for
members of the FA Premier League and the Football League through the County
Football Association structure and through the process of attaining and
maintaining the Charter Standard Award
The aims of the FA Child Protection Policy are:
To develop a positive and pro-active position in order to protect all
children and young people who play football enabling them to play in a safe
environment
To
deliver quality assured child protection training and build a network of tutors
to facilitate this delivery, in conjunction with, and supported by, the NSPCC.
To
demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection
To promote ethics and high standards throughout football
The key principles underpinning this policy are that :-
The child's welfare is, and always must 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 identity
All
suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and
appropriately working in partnership with children
and young people and their parents/carers is essential. Social Services
Depts have a statutory responsibility to ensure the welfare of children &
young people
The FA is committed to working together with Social Services Departments
and local Child Protection Committees (ACPC) in accordance with their
procedures.
The FA's Regulations on Child Protection as defined in the FA Handbook
1. Any act, statement, conduct or other matter that harms a child or
children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall
constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.
2. In these regulations the expression "Offence shall mean one or
more of the offences contained in Schedule 1 to the Children and Young Persons
Act 1933 and any other criminal offence which reasonably causes the Association
to believe that the person accused of the offence poses or may pose a risk of
harm to a child or children.
3.
Upon receipt, by the Association of :
3.1
notification that an individual has been charged with an offence: or,
3.2
notification that an individual is subject to an investigation by the police,
Social Services or any other authority relating to an offence
3.3 any information that causes the Association to reasonably believe that a
person poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, then The
Association shall have the power to order that individual to be suspended from
all or specific football activity for such period and on such terms and
conditions that it thinks fit.
4
In reaching its determination as to whether an order under Regulation 2 should
be made, the Association shall give consideration , inter alia to the following
factors:-
4.1
whether a child is or children are or may be at risk of harm
4.2
whether the matters are of a serious nature
4.3
whether an order is necessary or desirable to allow the conduct of any
investigation by the Association or any other authority or body to proceed
unimpeded.
5
The period of an order referred to in 2 above shall not be capable of lasting
beyond the date upon which any charge under the Rules of the Association or any
offence is decided or brought to an end.
6.
Where an order is imposed on an individual under regulation 2 above, The
Association shall bring and conclude any proceedings under the Rules of the
Association against the person relating to the matters as soon as reasonably
practicable.
7.
Where a person is convicted or is made the subject of a caution in respect of an
Offence that shall constitute a breach of the Rules of the Association and the
Association shall have the power to order the suspension of the person from all
or specific football for such periods (including indefinitely) and on such terms
and conditions as it think fit.
8.
For the purposes of these regulations, The Association shall act through its
Council or any committee or sub-committee thereof, including the Board.
9.
Notification in writing of an order referred to above shall be given to the
person concerned and/or any club with which he/she is associated, as soon as
reasonably practicable
CONCLUSION
AFC Cornard Dynamos Youth Football Club through confirming this policy document, has indicated its determination to ensure that children and young people can participate in all forms of football activity with their safety being of paramount importance.
It is essential that this document is representative of a process of continual improvement in the area of child protection within football. It is for all adults engaged in football activities to promote good practice and procedures whilst being ever vigilant and aware of their responsibilities towards the children and young people in their care