Child Protection during Football (Soccer) Coaching | Coaches Colleague

Developing a Policy (Non UK)

Coaches Colleague is seeking to introduce footballing organisations to Child Protection and equip them to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate their own Child Protection procedures and Policies. Child protection is about putting in place the best possible practices and procedures; this will protect not only the child but the adults working with the children.

Accepted Philosophy

It should be accepted that the safety of children and young people is the responsibility of all the adults involved in football, regardless of their role or position. The UN Convention on Children’s Rights (1989) states that children have a right to :-

Respect
To be protected from harm
Be secure and feel secure
Information about themselves
Have a say in their life

Definition of Child Protection

This is the term used to describe philosophies, policies, standards, guidelines and procedures to protect children from both intentional and unintentional harm. Child Abuse or Maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, resulting in actual or potential harm to a young child’s health, development and dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. World Health Organisation 1999.

What is a Child Protection Policy?

There are numerous definitions of Child Protection and one that we feel represents an international approach is from Setting the standard: a common approach to CP for International (NGOs).
‘A Child Protection Policy is …..a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguard children from harm and makes clear to all what is required in relation to the protection of children. It helps to create a safe and positive environment for children and to show that the organisation is taking seriously its duty and responsibility of care seriously.

A Child Protection Policy

How does a team make sure that all the adults in our club or team are aware of the risks involved with working with children and young people?

Football has made strides over recent years to ensure that all coaches and managers take CP (Child Protection) seriously. If 10s of millions of children play football either organised in leagues or not, the adults involved need in some way to raise their awareness of protecting all young footballers. For the purpose of further information all children and young people are defined as under the age of 18, in line with the UN Convention on the Right of the Child.

All footballing organisations working with children have a moral and legal responsibility to protect children within their care from both intentional and unintentional harm. This is considered to be Duty of Care.

DOES YOUR CLUB HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION POLICY?

If the answer is yes then:-

You may have a volunteer or designated CP person who has taken a course or gained information and can implement a policy. Make sure you and everybody else is aware of this person in the club. This person may well have taken a further course if available to increase their knowledge and understanding of the area. While Coachescolleague.com does not pertain to be a recognised authority on Child Protection we can however provide the basis on which to design your own CP policy and offer tried and tested guidelines and information should you so require.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CLUB DOES NOT HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Common sense and necessity demands that your club should ensure that 1 or more of your club officials gain information on CP. This can be achieved by researching the topic themselves or ideally, by attending a workshop or relevant training. Therefore one person in every team, club or footballing group should have a qualification in this area. However, as this takes time, and in order to make the introduction of a CP Policy as smooth as possible Coachescolleague.com has produced a template for your use until your personnel are qualified enough to create one for your club.

EXAMPLE POLICY

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY FOR (Your Team Name) FOOTBALL CLUB

Insert Team Name F C is committed to providing a safe environment for all club members. It is understood that everyone under the age of 18 shall be regarded as a child or young person and that Insert Team Name F C is committed to its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all its members. Insert Team Name F C accepts that every child or young person who participates in football should do so in a safe and enjoyable environment protected from any poor practice or abuse and that this is the responsibility of all the adults involved with the club.

We acknowledge the work of the FA and other relevant organisations in terms of CP and Best Practice Policy and Procedures.

The key Principles of a CP Policy:-

Maintaining the welfare of the child or young person is our main concern.
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.
We will take seriously and respond quickly to any suspicions or allegations of abuse.
We acknowledge that any partnerships with, other organisations, our members and our member’s parents is crucial to meeting our responsibilities to our members.

Insert Team Name F C accepts that Child Protection regulations apply to everyone, paid or unpaid, (All volunteers, match officials, helpers, coaches, officials of the club or medical staff). Insert Team Name F C will make every effort to protect the children and young people from physical, sexual, emotional harm as well as neglect and bullying.

Insert Team Name F C maintains strict guidelines for the recruitment of volunteers and will adhere to the following :-

Insert Team Name F C will request identification documents.
Insert Team Name F C officials will meet, chat, conduct an interview with the volunteer.
Insert Team Name F C will outline a basic description of responsibilities.
Insert Team Name F C will request 3 references to be acted on.
Insert Team Name F C will expect the volunteer to be placed on a club probationary period perhaps with a mentor if possible.

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