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Safeguarding

Introduction

Sifil AFC is a community football club that provides football teams for children aged 6-16. The safety and well-being of the children in our care is of paramount importance. This child safeguarding policy outlines the measures we have in place to protect children and ensure a safe environment for them to participate in football.

Our club policy is aligned to the overarching policy laid down by the governing body, Football Association of Wales (FAW). You can find details of that policy here.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Sifil AFC is committed to safeguarding the children who participate in our football activities. We believe that all children have the right to feel safe, be treated with respect, and have their well-being protected.

Designated Safeguarding Officers

Sifil AFC has appointed two Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) who are responsible for overseeing and implementing our child safeguarding policies and procedures.

The DSOs are:

  • Andrew Desmond - General Club Secretary & Standards officer
  • Angharad Whiting - nominated Club safeguarding & wellbeing lead

There are also representatives for our 2 Mini & Junior age categories who can be contacted in the event of a safeguarding/wellbeing concern, and/or, for general advice and guidance.

  • Lee Webb - Mini Secretary (u6s - u11s)
  • Kirsty Webb - Junior Secretary (u12 - u17s)

A formal safeguarding concern can be raised via email to sg@sifilafc.wales, or by contacting one of the club representatives listed above.

Establish and adhere to guidelines for safe facilities and equipment

Sifil AFC will aim to ensure all playing facilities (Home and away), as well as the playing equipment are in a safe condition, and of an adequate standard, to avoid injury and harm to players and coaches.

  1. Playing Field:
    1. The playing field should be level, free of holes, and have adequate drainage to prevent pooling of water.
    2. The field should be a regulation size appropriate for the age and skill level of the participants.
    3. The field should be free of any hazardous objects or debris that could pose a risk to the players.
  2. Sidelines and Boundaries:
    1. Clearly marked sidelines and end zones should be in place to define the playing area.
    2. Spectator areas should be separated from the playing field by a fence, barrier, or other appropriate means to ensure the safety of players and spectators.
  3. Lighting:
    1. If the facility is used for night or evening activities, the playing field and surrounding areas should be adequately lit to ensure the safety of players and spectators.
  4. Emergency & Injury response:
    1. The facility should have clear and unobstructed access for emergency vehicles and personnel.
    2. First aid kits and emergency contact information should be readily available on-site.
    3. The club will ensure team coaches/helpers are qualified to the mandatory minimum standard in regards to First Aid & Safeguarding (as determined by the FAW).
  5. Field Equipment:
    1. Goal posts, Corner poles, safety barriers, and any other field equipment should be properly installed and maintained to ensure safety.
    2. Field markers and boundary lines should be clearly visible and well-maintained.
  6. Maintenance and Inspection:
    1. All equipment and facilities should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are in safe and proper working condition.
    2. Any issues or concerns should be addressed promptly to maintain a safe environment for the children.
  7. Coaches and Volunteers:
    1. Enforce the playing field/facility and equipment requirements (as per points 1,2, 5 & 6) during all football activities.
    2. Promptly report any safety concerns or issues to the site management and/or club a committee member.

Safe Recruitment and Training

Sifil AFC has robust recruitment procedures in place to ensure that all coaches and volunteers, who work with children, are suitable and appropriately trained to FAW requirements. This includes:

  1. Requiring all coaches and volunteers to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
  2. Providing safeguarding training for all coaches and helpers/volunteers.
  3. Ensuring that all coaches and volunteers are familiar with our child safeguarding policies and procedures.

Code of Conduct

Sifil AFC has a code of conduct that applies to all coaches, volunteers, and staff who work with children. This code of conduct outlines the expected behaviour and standards of conduct, and includes provisions related to:

  1. Appropriate physical contact.
  2. Avoiding being alone with children.
  3. Ensuring appropriate language and behaviour is exhibited.
  4. Reporting any concerns or allegations.

Responding to Concerns and Allegations

Sifil AFC has clear procedures in place for responding to any concerns or allegations of abuse or inappropriate behaviour. These procedures include:

  1. Reporting any concerns or allegations to the Designated Safeguarding Officers.
  2. Ensuring that all concerns and allegations are taken seriously and investigated properly and within a reasonable time frame
  3. Providing support and guidance to any child or family affected by a concern or allegation.
  4. If required, co-operating fully with any external agencies, such as the police or local authority, in their investigations.

Consent and management of data

Sifil AFC will take reasonable steps to collect all relevant consent from parents/guardians, and will hold that information in a safe and sensitive manner.

  1. The club will expect all players to have a completed Social Media Consent Form, before the club (and its representatives) capture and share content (e.g., pictures, names etc) of children.
  2. The club will expect all players to have a completed Medical Information & Consent Form as part of initial player registration, and on an on-going basis, as and when, relevant circumstances arise.
  3. The club will store all player details safely and securely on the clubs nominated document storage system.
    1. All information of a sensitive nature, will be password protected and only accessible to the nominated club representatives referenced in this policy.

Review and Monitoring

Sifil AFC will regularly review and monitor the effectiveness of this child safeguarding policy and make any necessary updates or improvements, via the management committee.

The policy will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if required.