Child Protection Policy

  Child Protection Policy.  

Policy Statement:

Worthing Rebels Football Club is fundamentally committed to providing the means by which children of all ages can take part in football within a safe & structured environment.

Our top priority at all times must be the wellbeing & safety of our youth members.

This priority will prevail above all other considerations both on & off the field of play.

We have a duty of care to players & their parents/guardians to take all possible steps to ensure that their football experience with our Club is enjoyable, fulfilling & safe.

In order to ensure that this objective is met the Club are committed to the following policies & procedures all of which are designed to maximise child safety:

•         The Club will, at all times, ensure that they are familiar with the Football Association guidelines & “Best Practice” with regard to Child Protection.
•        The Club will remain conversant with & immediately adopt / implement any Child Protection policy or procedure recommended by the Football Association.
•         The Club will strive to provide facilities for each youth team that are consistent with the principles of Child Protection (e.g. enclosed playing areas, changing rooms, toilet facilities, appropriate surfaces for training sessions, etc.)
•         The Club have appointed Stephen Found as their “Child Protection Officer”.
•         Stephen is a longstanding & well respected member of the Club's Committee & management/coaching team & has attended the Football Association's Child Protection training workshop.
•         Stephen will provide a confidential first point of contact to any Club Member or their families should they wish to discuss any issue relating to Child Protection.
•        All volunteers involved with youth teams will be recruited & appointed in line with the Football Association's guidelines.
•       Volunteers will be interviewed by the Club Secretary / Chairperson, references will be taken, Personal Disclosure Forms in an approved form will be completed by all applicants & guidance will be provided to all new coaches/managers.
•         Coaches & managers will be required to attend & pass the Level 1 Coaching Certificate which includes the Child Protection module.
•        The Club will strive to ensure that youth teams are supervised by a minimum of two approved adults at all times. Volunteers will be discouraged from “one to one” contact with youth members.
•        The Club will ensure that the Football Association's “Goalpost Safety” policies are complied with at all times.
•         Mini Soccer rules & Best Practice will be adopted & implemented without exception.