Child Welfare and Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy

Safeguarding Children Policy Statement

Every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.

The Hertfordshire Schools’ Football Association recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is determined to meet its obligations to ensure that those Associations and schools providing football opportunities for children and young people do so to the highest possible standard of care.

Every child or young person (defined as any person under the age of 18) who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football. The HSFA is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all children and young people to participate in the sport to the best of their abilities for as long as they choose to do so.

The Safeguarding Children Policy is supported by The FA’s Respect Programme to address verbal abuse and bullying of youngsters by parents and coaches on the sidelines. The Association’s Safeguarding Children Policy principles are that:

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1. The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration;

2. All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, faith or sexual orientation;

3. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately;

4. Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their Parents and Carers is essential.

HSFA is committed to working in partnership with the LEA, Police, Children’s Services Departments, Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in accordance with their procedures. This is essential to enable these organisations to carry out their statutory duties to investigate concerns and protect all children and young people.

The HSFA’s Safeguarding Children Policy is in response to government legislation and guidance, developed to safeguard the welfare and development of children and young people. All affiliated Associations and schools are required to endorse and adhere to Hertfordshire Schools FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy. All Welfare Officers are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct for volunteer Welfare Officers.