SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN FOOTBALL
Sussex County FA is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for children and young people to participate in football.
Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. Sussex County FA works in accordance with The FA’s strategy to keep children safe throughout all affiliated football:
- Getting the right people involved in the game – carrying out references and CRB checks
- Creating a safe environment – codes of conduct, education and best practice
- Promoting clear systems to deal with any concerns – policy and procedures
We now have a designated volunteer workforce of people who promote and oversee best practice in Safeguarding Children. Since the start of 2008/09 season, all Clubs with youth sections and Youth Leagues were required by The FA to have an appointed Club or Youth League Welfare Officer.
The Club or Youth League Welfare Officer is in place to improve practices at the Club and be the first point of contact for any concerns relating to children or vulnerable adults.
Season 2009/2010
Please find attached The FA’s official holding statement regarding the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. This Act has brought about changes in Government legislation regarding the safe appointment of individuals in football which will come into effect from 12th October 2009.
In summary, The FA’s has the following advice for everyone in youth football until July 2010:
- Continue with the current CRB process
- Ensure new starters working with U18s are CRB checked immediately
- Ensure everyone helping in U18 football who does not yet have a CRB check has a check as soon as possible
The Club and Youth League Welfare Officer role:
The FA has made it mandatory for Club and Youth League Welfare Officers to have completed the following by the start of 2010/2011 Season:
- Complete an Enhanced CRB Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit
- Attend The FA Safeguarding Children Workshop
- Attend The FA Welfare Officers Workshop
It is therefore essential that the above is addressed by Club and Youth League Welfare Officers this season.
Please go to The FA’s website regarding Welfare Officers Frequently Asked Questions:
Click HERE to download more details
Safeguarding Children downloads:
Please go to the following website to access FA policies and procedures relating to safeguarding children:
Click HERE to download more details
Catherine Larner
County Welfare Officer
Catherine.larner@sussexfa.com
01903 753547 / 07525 667076