LOUDWATER FOOTBALL CLUB

Children & Adults At Risk Protection Policy

Loudwater Football Club is committed to creating and preserving the safest possible environment for children and young (at risk) adults to train and play football. It is the duty of all Club Members, Club Officials, Team Managers, Coaches, Parents, Helpers, and other individuals directly or indirectly involved with the club to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from exposure to or direct involvement in any physical, sexual, or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying, whilst in the care of the club.

Loudwater Football Club accepts that children's and young (at risk) adults welfare is paramount and all children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, or religious belief, have the right to protection from any abuse. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately, in accordance with the guidelines contained within this policy.

Definitions

The term child abuse is used to describe ways in which children or young people are harmed, usually by adults and often by those they know and trust. There are five main types of child abuse, though a child may experience more than one kind at any one time in his/her life.

(1)PHYSICAL ABUSE

Includes: occasions where parents, adults or other children deliberately inflict injuries on a child or knowingly do not prevent such injuries. It includes injury caused by hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning, biting or using excessive force and giving children or young people alcohol, inappropriate drugs or poison and attempts to suffocate or drown them. Physical abuse may also be deemed to occur if the nature and intensity of training disregards the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body or predisposes the child to injury resulting from fatigue or overuse (e.g. over training and also when coaches encourage children or young people to take performance enhancing drugs or alcohol)

(2)EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Includes: occasions when adults fail to show children of young people due care and attention or threaten, use sarcasm, taunt or shout at a child causing him/her to lose self-confidence or self esteem and become nervous or withdrawn. It includes situations where children or young people are overprotected, preventing them from socialising. It may also occur when an adult repeatedly ignores or fails to respond to a child’s efforts or progress, or places the child under unrealistic pressure to perform to high expectations constantly.

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(3)NEGLECT

Includes: occasions where adults fail to meet a child’s essential needs, such as adequate clothing, food, water, warmth and medical care. It also includes occasions where an adult leaves a child alone without proper supervision, or does not ensure that the child is safe, or exposes them to undue extremes, temperature or risk of injury (e.g. through using unsafe equipment).

(4)SEXUAL ABUSE

Includes: occurs when males and females use children or young adults (at risk) to meet their own sexual needs. Examples include forcing children to take part in sexual activity such as sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse, fondling or exposure to pornographic material. This also includes suggestions that sexual favours can help (or refusal can hinder) a career or child’s progress. Sexual abuse might also occur when inappropriate physical contact takes place (e.g. through inappropriate touching of children or young people).

(5)BULLYING

This is not easy to define and can take many forms. The three main types are physical (e.g. hitting, kicking and theft), verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, threats or name-calling) and emotional (e.g. isolating an individual from activities). There is also the abuse of trust – where young people are indoctrinated with attitudes to training, drugs and cheating, or social, political and religious views, which are unacceptable to the young footballer's family, community or rules of the sport.
The inappropriate use of photographic material taken at sporting events is an area of abuse that is increasing and all those involved within the sport should be aware of this. In order to combat this known issue, Loudwater Football Club utilises a policy of actively challenging any observed photographic activity by persons unknown to the club’s representatives.

Attached to this policy as Appendix A is the standard form used by Loudwater Football Club for this activity.

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Identifying Abuse:

It is the policy of Loudwater Football Club to ensure that every child or young person who takes part in football events operated under the control of the club should be able to participate in a fun and safe environment and be protected from any forms of abuse.

To ensure that the club and those operating under the agreed authority of the club and upon on the club’s behalf are able to implement the policy; the following key statements are briefed to all club officials and lead managers.

•Anyone under the age of 18 years shall be considered as a child for the purpose of this document.

•Young (at risk) adults will include any individual notified to the club as being on an “at risk register” and those with a medical or physical disability.

•Any child’s welfare is paramount and shall take priority over all other club activities.

•All children or young people whatever their age, culture, ability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identify have the right to protection from abuse.

•All suspicious incidents and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately, in line with the steps included within this document.

•All Coaches, Managers and other involved people will be provided with a copy of this policy and must be checked through the Criminal Records Bureau (enhanced) disclosure process, prior to commencing any individual interaction with children or young (at risk) adults on behalf of the club.

•Adults working with children or young people are also provided protection and are aware of the best practice to be adopted, so they can be protected from any wrongful allegations.

•Working in partnership with children or young people and their parents/carers is essential for the protection of the child.

•Loudwater Football Club recognises the statutory responsibility of Social Services to ensure the welfare of children or young (at risk) people and it is committed to working with the appropriate Child / Adults At Risk Protection committee, and to complying with their procedures.

Dealing with child abuse is rarely straightforward. In some cases a child’s disturbed behaviour or an injury may suggest that child has been abused in many situations however, the signs will not be clear-cut and decisions about action to take can be difficult.
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Possible Signs of Abuse include:

•Uncharacteristic changes in a child’s behaviour, attitude and commitment e.g. becoming quiet and withdrawn, or displaying sudden outbursts of temper.

•Pitch or training ground gossip.

•Bruises and injuries, not typical for the sport, or injuries for which the explanation seems inconsistent.

•Signs of discomfort and pain.

•Reluctance to remove tracksuit or kit or take a shower.

•The child becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt.

•The child losing weight for no apparent reason.

•Nervousness when approached or touched.

•Fear of particular adults – especially those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected.

•Inappropriate sexual awareness, including explicit language or behaviour.

•Children or young people who are reluctant to go home.
It must be recognised that the above list is not exhaustive, and the presence of one or more indicators is not proof that abuse is actually taking place.

All children or young people will suffer cuts, bruises and grazes from time to time and their behaviour may sometimes give cause for concern. There may well be reasons for these factors other than abuse. If however you are concerned about the welfare of a child or young person YOU MUST ACT. Do not assume that someone else will.

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The Role of the Club will be:

•To appoint a Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer.

•To accept that all Club Officials, Managers, Assistants and committee members have principle responsibilities in this area and must to be prepared to respond to any indication of abuse.

•To be ready to amend any bad practice.

•To implement any recommendations of the F.A. or any other body/association relating to this area.

•To maintain the full confidentiality of the child and the accused.
•To implement, where necessary, the appropriate steps outlined within this policy (in full) to ensure that any reported instance of abuse is managed through to a satisfactory conclusion.
The Role of the appointed Child / Adults at Risk Protection Officers in the Club will be:

•To ensure all club Officials/ Managers/ Coaches and support staff complete a volunteer CRB Disclosure Application Form.

•To manage the Disclosure process, through to conclusion, for all applications and to bring to the notice of the club any disclosed information that might make the applicant unsuitable to operate on behalf of the club. The club will discuss only disclosed information relating to childcare in order to determine an applicant’s suitability.

•To receive and advise on reports from other club members.

•To initiate action, ensuring all appropriate persons have been contacted.

The Role of all appointed members operating on behalf of the Club will be:

•To support and actively monitor all aspects of child and young person (at risk) interaction within the appointed age groups.

•To ensure that all support staff appointed to assist are identified to the appointed Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer for CRB Disclosure checking.
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Guidelines for dealing with potential abuse:
Abuse May Become Apparent in a Number of Ways

•A child may tell you:

•A third party may have reported an incident, or may have a strong suspicion

•You may have suspicions.

If an allegation is brought to your attention: It is not your job to report abuse: however, your legal and moral duty is always to report a concern. The Club and the F.A. will support anyone who, in good faith, reports concerns about a child’s welfare.

Step 1 – Establish the facts.

•DO NOT panic. Follow the guidelines laid down here. DO NOT make promises you cannot keep.

•LISTEN and Reassure: DO stay calm and do not rush into any inappropriate action.

•Reassure the child that they are not to blame or are in any trouble and confirm that you know how difficult it must be to talk about any concerns.

•Listen to and believe; show that you believe what the child says and that you take them seriously.

•In many cases it may be more appropriate to nod and acknowledge the child’s account.

•Explain that you may have to tell other people in order to stop what is happening, whilst maintaining the maximum possible confidentiality.

•If you must question the child then use open ended questions i.e. those where more than a Yes/No response is required. (What, When, Who, Why etc.)

•Keep questions to a minimum.

•Ensure that you clearly understood what the child has said. Ensure that you communicate all the information accurately. A written statement may be requested.

•Allow only one adult to talk to the child. Do not apply any pressure.
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•The law is very strict and child abuse cases have been dismissed if it appears
that the child has been led or words and ideas have been suggested.

•Remember that any discrepancies in statements may lead to legal problems.

•You must maintain confidentially.

•Consult with the appointed Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer.

•Do not Delay; appropriate follow-up action must be taken immediately.

•Take sole responsibility for further action. (If you feel that you are unable to continue on a course of action then discuss this with the appointed Child Protection Officer to establish the best way forward)

Step 2 – Record the details.

Record what the child has said and/or your concerns legibly and accurately.
Details should include:

•The child’s name, address, and date of birth.

•Who brought the issue to your attention, including their name and contact details.

•Date and time of the incidents and/or nature of allegation, your observations e.g. describe the behaviour and emotional state of the child and/or bruising or other injuries.

•The child’s account – if it can be given – of what has happened.

•Any action that you took as a result of your concerns e.g. commits made to the child, whether or not the parents/carers have been contacted.

•Record whether the person writing the report is expressing his or her own concerns or passing those of someone else.

•Sign and date the report.

•Keep a copy of the report.

Please note that when a complaint is made, it is the person to whom the complaint is made that the authorities (Police and/or Social Services) will come to for an account of what was said. The first hand account is of primary importance.

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Step 3 - Involve the appropriate People.

Once you have completed your report you must ensure that the appointed Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer in your club has been informed, so a decision can be made as to the most appropriate action to be taken by the club.

If you are unhappy with the Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer’s handling of the incident, you should contact a Club Official immediately and make a record of this.

This person might be the Club Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer.

The Club Official shall then contact the Social Services. A record of the name and designation of the official informed, together with the time and date of the call should be kept, in case future contact is required. Contact should also be make directly to the Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer of the relevant FA association. In all cases do not delay.

If you cannot contact the persons above immediately, you must contact the authorities (Police and/or Social Services)

If you are unsure what to do, advice can be obtained from the F.A. Child / Adults At Risk Protection help line 0808 800 5000 or from your local Social Services department.
Best Practice Guidelines for Coaching Staff:

Adults working with children or young people are also provided protection and are aware of the best practice to be adopted, so they can be protected from any wrongful allegations.

The following examples of best practice should be followed:

•Avoid physical contact where possible. If in doubt, then ask the child’s permission.

•Avoid situations where you are alone with a child. (Conduct all interaction in an open environment)

•Gain parental consent before travelling with a child.

•Avoid situations where a child is alone with you in a car.

•Never share a room with a child on your own.

•Do not over train a child or push them beyond reasonable levels of training.

•Do not punish a child by forcing them to exert themselves beyond a reasonable level.
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Best Practice Guidelines for Coaching Staff (Continued):
Best Practice means challenging bullying, foul or provocative language or any controlling behaviour.
•Never ignore bullying by parents, coaches or children (actions that upset or reduce children to tears)
•Listen to and support the person being bullied.
•Explain to the bully that this is unacceptable and demand an apology is made.

Best Practice means maintaining an appropriate relationship with children.

•Treat children fairly and avoid favouritism.

•Be friendly and open but be aware if you feel that a relationship is becoming too close.

Best Practice means respecting all young players.

•Help them take responsibility for their own development and decision-making.
Best Practice means avoiding unnecessary physical contact.

•Touching can be okay and appropriate, as long as it is not intrusive or disturbing to the receiver.

•Ask permission first if you are not sure.

Best Practice means being qualified and staying up-to-date.

•Ensure that your training regime is appropriate for the age and development stage of each player.
Adopting Best Practice not only ensures the child’s welfare, it also protects you from possible wrongful allegations. Children rarely make false allegations. If they do, it is usually because they are confused or covering up for someone else’s abusive behaviour and hope that their action might scare the real abuser into stopping.

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PROMOTING GOOD PRACTICE

By promoting good practice throughout the Club and in the wider context of football
it is possible to reduce situations where abuse of children or young people can arise.
The Club should have a policy that ensures children or young people are protected and
kept safe from harm, and everyone should know what to do if there are concerns about abuse and where the procedures are kept.

The appointment of a Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer is key in the process and he/she will be encouraged to promote good practice throughout the Club by ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities. This role may include leading by example. Organising simple training briefings, and the issuing of leaflets/posters and notices throughout the various areas used by the Club.

Use of photography and video recorders. There has been an increase in the misuse of sports photography and video recording within the sporting arena. To reduce the risk of abuse to children or young people, some Sports Centres require any person wishing to use cameras and video recorders to declare their interest by filling in a simple form which asks their name, address, who they are with, and the reason for the use of the camera / video recorder.

This is not intended to prevent bona fide use of this equipment for family or coaching purposes, but may deter the inappropriate use of such material. Clubs, Event Promoters and Sport Centres are encouraged to adopt this practice.

Bullying. There is a possibility that bullying may occur between children or young people and all involved in football are encouraged to be aware of this possibility. Clubs are encouraged to adopt an anti-bullying policy and ensure that everyone understands that bullying will not be tolerated in any form.

Clubs must be prepared to take the problem seriously and investigate any incident and decide on appropriate action, also ensuring that children or young people are able to report the instance of bullying (either to age group representatives) or to someone in authority, preferably the Child / Adults At Risk Protection Officer.

Team Management/Team Travel. Implicit within this policy is the duty of care that a Team Manager and/or Club has to its young footballers when travelling to events.

It is recommended that Clubs travel with a full address list and contact telephone numbers for all the children or young people within their team and the permission of the parent/guardian of each child (the inclusion of special instructions, medical consent forms, dietary requirements and allergies is also extremely useful). This will allow Team Managers to take the necessary action in the event of an emergency.

Overnight stays. For those events that require an overnight stay in lodgings/hotels it is essential that Team Managers take the necessary action to prevent the misuse of alcohol (from hotel mini bars etc.) and access to adult video/film channels.

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APPENDIX A

LOUDWATER FOOTBALL CLUB

Use of photography and video recorders.
Following an increase in the misuse of sports photography and video recording within the sporting arena and in order to reduce the risk of abuse to children or young people, Loudwater Football Club require any person wishing to use cameras and video recorders to declare their interest by completing the following information.

Permission to film any event managed by Loudwater Football Club will not be unreasonably withheld and please accept our apologies for this action, however, our principle responsibility is to the welfare of the players within our care.

Team Managers and support staff have been instructed to take this action by the Club and have been further instructed that any person refusing to complete the attached information should be requested to leave or reported to the local police.
The following disclosed information will be maintained by the Club’s Child Protection Officer for a period of 3 months and will not be released unless the Police, Social Services or other registered body, makes a formal request to do so.

Date: ………………………………….

Full Name (including middle names):…………………………………………

Full Address (including Post Code):………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Phone Number………………………………………………………………………

Connection to Club:………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Are you acting on behalf of any organisation and if so, which one:

………………………………………………………………………………………..
What is the purpose of the photography / video:……………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

On behalf of Loudwater Football Club we thank you for supporting our actions and trust that you understand our intentions.