CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN’S WELLBEING
This Code of Conduct details the standards and practice required by all SYFA members of staff and volunteers including all verbal and non-verbal actions when involved in activities with children and young people. For the purposes of Child Wellbeing and Protection, we include all activities children and young people under the ages of 18 years old.
All concerns about breach of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and responded to in line with the Club Policies. GOOD CONDUCT
 Make football fun, enjoyable and promote fair play.
 Treat all children equally, with respect, dignity, sensitivity and fairness (Article 2, UNCRC).
 Build balanced relationships based on mutual trust.
 Put the wellbeing and best interests of each child first before winning or achieving performance goals (Article 3, UNCRC).
 Support children to understand their rights in football and the safeguards put in place to protect them.
 Include children in decisions and activities affecting them wherever possible, respecting and taking seriously the views they contribute (Article 12, UNCRC).
 Always work in an open environment, wherever possible.
 Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
 Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of children.
 Involve parents/carers wherever possible.
PRACTICE TO BE AVOIDED
In the context of your role within SYFA, the following practices should be avoided:
 Having ‘favourites’ – this could lead to resentment and jealousy by other children and could be misinterpreted by others.
 Spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others.
 Excessive training and competition, pushing children against their will and placing undue pressure.
 Entering children’s bedrooms on trips away from home, unless in an emergency situation or in the interest of health and safety. If it is necessary to enter rooms, knock and say that you are coming in. The door should remain open, if appropriate.
 Doing things of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves.
UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT
In the context of your role within SYFA, the following practices are unacceptable:
 Failing to act on, record or acknowledge allegations or concerns raised by a child.
 Allowing bullying behaviour in any form between children to go on unchallenged.
 Displaying bullying behaviour or making inappropriate comments to a child causing emotional harm.
 Allowing children to swear or use sexualised language unchallenged.
 Engaging in sexually provocative games, including horseplay or touching a child in a sexually suggestive manner.
 Making sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun.
 Forming intimate emotional, physical or sexual relationships with children.
 Engaging in rough physical contact.
 Establishing inappropriate contact with children via social media either online or on mobile phones.
 Reducing a child to tears as a form of control.
 Inviting or allowing children to stay with you at your home.
 Sharing a room alone with a child.
Sign-up:
I have read and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.
I have also read and agree to abide by SYFA’s Child Wellbeing and Protection Policies, Procedures and Safeguards.