HEBBURN BOYS FOOTBALL CLUB

 CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

August 2002

The Football Association has an approved Child Protection Policy which is designed to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect children who participate at all levels, and that football takes place in an environment which is safe and enjoyable. The group leaders have a copy of this policy which can be made available to members and parents.

Every group must have a person who is responsible for dealing with Child Protection issues. The name and designation of this person is recorded on our policy. It is important that this person (and a named deputy) is accessible when activities with children are taking place.

Responding to a child who alleges or discloses abuse

It is important that we listen to children who allege or disclose abuse without questioning their accounts. We listen closely to what they have to say and explain that we are not able to keep secrets. As soon as possible, we write down what the child said, taking care to record details accurately. We report as soon as possible to the person who has responsibility for Child Protection in our group (Designated Person). Any reporting is made before the end of the session or before the end of the working day.

Allegations made against a person not working within the centre

The allegation is immediately discussed with the person who holds responsibility for child protection, who will contact Social Services with a referral. The decision as to whether to inform the child’s parent will be made by the designated officer in consultation with the Area Child Protection Team.

Allegations made by a child against another child in the centre

Our priority in this situation is to ensure the safety of both children. It is the responsibility of the designated worker to ascertain whether the behaviour was abusive or inappropriate. They will use their knowledge of child development and their understanding of the children involved in order to make this decision. The allegation, if appropriate will be reported to the Area Child Protection Team. Both sets of parents will be informed within the boundaries of confidentiality. Where possible, both children will be accommodated within the service however if this is not possible, the child alleged to have behaved abusively will not be able to attend for the period of the investigation.

Allegations made by a child or parent against a worker

The designated worker will be informed immediately of any allegation made against a staff member or volunteer. They will contact the Area Child Protection Team for advice and instruction. The person concerned may be suspended from duty pending investigation which will be co-ordinated by the Area Child Protection Team. Staff and volunteers will be advised that they are not to discuss the incident/investigation with the staff member concerned as this could seriously affect the outcome of enquiries. The child will continue to be cared for in the usual way.

Allegations made by a child against a manager

The staff member receiving the allegation will immediately inform a member of the group’s management team. This will be reported to the Area Child Protection Team for advice and instruction. The process will then be the same as that followed for other staff members.

Arrangements for supervision of children's activities

The Club encourages parents to be actively involved in the day to day running of the Club, to support its activities and to attend training sessions, games and social events. We want to ensure that our members are satisfactorily supervised when participating in the Club and welcome the participation of family members in helping us to achieve this aim. The following arrangements are in place to ensure that the Club operates safely:

Discipline within the Club

We believe that children and young people should be encouraged to develop and exercise self-discipline in relation to sporting and other social activities. We do not use any form of physical punishment, nor do we advocate humiliation or bullying of any kind as a means of controlling behaviour. If a young person's behaviour on the pitch or during training is deemed unacceptable, whether dangerous or in other ways harmful to other members or to the Club, we will exclude them from training or from playing for a specified period of time.

Publicity via the internet

The Club is keen to publicise its work with children and young people both regionally and nationally. This enables us to form links with other clubs and join networks, which keep us abreast of current developments, training and funding opportunities. Although we are aware of the benefits of internet usage, we also acknowledge that we have a responsibility to ensure that our young people are not placed at risk. For this reason, parents will be asked to give their consent for team and individual photographs of members to be displayed on the internet and on posters in public places. No information will be posted unless parents have given their written consent (see information relating to Registration Documents).

Contents of registration documents

Each young person who joins the Club is required to complete a registration form. This will include:

The registration form requires parents to indicate their permission for their child to receive emergency medical treatment from a trained person if necessary. It also requires them to indicate whether they give their permission for young people's photographs to be used for publicity purposes. Registration forms will be retained by the group leaders and will be taken to training sessions and games to ensure that essential details are accessible when the Club is in session. The group leaders will ensure that all information is kept confidential.

Appointing group leaders and volunteers

We recognise that people who work with children and young people, including those who coach and organise our Club, hold positions of trust and responsibility. We are therefore committed to ensuring that all reasonable steps are taken to confirm the authenticity and credentials of group leaders via the Criminal Records Bureau.