What are they?
The Safeguarding Children Workshop (formally known as the Child Protection and Best Practice Workshop) takes three hours to complete. The workshop content promotes a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone in football. The course outlines poor practice as well as abuse and advises on the actions to take when a concern is raised. The Football Association recognises that every person with a role with children football has a responsibility to protect the participants in their care and these workshops address safeguarding issues in football. It will help individuals protect children as well as themselves.
What is covered?
- Football’s commitment to safeguarding children
- Examples of best practice, poor practice and abuse
- Recognising the signs, indicators and forms of abuse and their impact on children
- Identifying behaviour that would give you cause for concern
- Explaining the action to take if you are worried about the welfare of a child
Who should attend?
All Club Welfare Officers, Youth League Welfare Officers, Coaches, Medics and Referees in football where under 18 year olds or vulnerable adults participate should attend this workshop. Individuals in FA Charter Standard Clubs or those completing coaching, medical and refereeing qualifications are required to attend.
The Football Association recommends that all applicants are 18 years or over. The workshop requires emotional maturity to deal with the content as well as some experience in a leadership role. However, referees may attend this workshop if they are over the age of 16 years.
Please be advised that it is mandatory for Welfare Officers to have completed The FA Safeguarding Children Workshop by the start of season 2009-2010.
How do I attend a workshop?
A list of workshops may be found under Courses on the left
Re-certification
It is best practice for an individual to renew his/her learning regarding safeguarding every 3 years. If you attended the Safeguarding Children Workshop over 3 years ago, you should complete an FA re-certification pack. This is a leaflet and checklist which costs £10.00.
You can obtain the re-certification pack by telephoning 0115 969 4600.