Reminder is issued about Safeguarding
SUFFOLK FA have issued a reminder about new regulations introduced by The FA on safeguarding in Open Age Football.
The FA stance is as follows:
- Our Safeguarding Children Policy applies to every child (under 18) even those participating in adult football
- Our focus has been on greatest risk – youth football
Who needs to follow Safeguarding policy in Open Age Football?
As a club if you have a 16/17 year old player who is:
- registered at any time during the season;
- •on loan;
- •or allow players from your youth section to train regularly with adult teams; then you have a responsibility to ensure safeguards are in place.
DBS Checks
A DBS Check is required for anyone aged 16 years + who undertakes any potentially unsupervised roles working directly with children and young people U18
‘…managing, training, coaching, supervising, giving advice or guidance on wellbeing, caring for children or driving a vehicle solely for children on behalf of a club or organisation.
Key actions for Clubs
- Adopt & implement The FA Club Safeguarding Children Policy (template attached)
- Identify coaches/managers & medics for teams with 16/17 year olds
- Ensure coaches/managers & medics for teams with 16/17 year olds are FA DBS checked
- Identify an individual who can take on the role as club CWO - New ‘free’ training for CWO (Adult Teams) to come…
- Distribute FA guidance to 16/17 year olds
Suffolk FA Designated Safeguarding Officer Darryn Marsh said: “We are committed to creating safe and enjoyable football for all.
“We are here to support all of our adult clubs and leagues to ensure these requirements are met and can help you with any questions you may have in terms of safeguarding.”
For further information and assistance please contact Darryn Marsh on 01449 616606 or via email darryn.marsh@suffolkfa.com