Safeguarding and Welfare

We acknowledge that 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 poor practice and abuse. Shouldham Football Club recognizes that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

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Shouldham Football Club has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual, or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying.

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Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players or parents/carers should report any incidents to the Club Welfare Officer.  All incidents will be dealt with promptly.

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Respect codes of conduct for Players, Parents/ Spectators, Officials, and Coaches have been implemented and are detailed on our Welcome Pack. Conformance with our codes of conduct is required by all members and players and confirmed through Online Registration and consent form.

 

All current Shouldham Football Club members working in eligible roles, with children and young people - such as managers and coaches are required to hold an in-date FA accepted Enhanced CRC with Barring List check as part of our responsible recruitment practice.

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Shouldham Football Club has an appointed Club Welfare Officer. The Club Welfare Officer is the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person.

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Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility if you are worried about a child it is important that you report your concerns – no action is not an option.
 

1. If you are worried about a child then you need to report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer:

   • on 0797 926 4148 or safeguarding.shouldhamfc@gmail.com

2. ​If the issue is one of poor practice the Club Welfare Officer will either: 

   • ​deal with the matter themselves or

   • seek advice from the CFA Welfare Officer.

3. If the concern is more serious – possible child abuse, where possible, contact the CFA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Children’s Social Care.

4. If the child needs immediate medical treatment take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and tell them this is a child protection concern. Let your Club Welfare Officer know what action you have taken, they in turn will inform the CFA Welfare Officer.

5. If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer or the matter is clearly serious then you can either:

   • contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly

   • contact The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 169 1863 or Safeguarding@TheFA.com

   • contact the Police or Children’s Social Care

   • call the NSPCC 24 hour Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000 or text 88858 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
      

Shouldham Football Club supports The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about an adult in a position of trust with football can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 169 1863, by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, Wembley Stadium, PO Box 1966, London SW1P 9EQ, by emailing Safeguarding@TheFA.com or alternatively by going direct to the Police, Children’s Social Care or the NSPCC.

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For more information please read our full Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures

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