Football Safeguarding Policy
September 2024
1. Introduction
At The Harrogate International Academy (HIA), we are fully committed to ensuring that all children and young people participating in our football sessions are safe and well-protected. The safeguarding and welfare of children is our top priority, and we aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
This policy outlines the steps we take to protect children, our responsibilities, and the procedures in place to ensure that safeguarding is a key part of every football session.
2. Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to ensure:
The welfare of every child participating in our football sessions is paramount.
All children, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion, have the right to feel safe and protected while engaging in football.
Appropriate action is taken if there are concerns regarding the safety and welfare of a child.
3. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to:
All staff working at HIA football sessions, including coaches and volunteers.
All children participating in our football programs.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers involved in our sessions.
Visiting teams, referees, and spectators during events.
4. Key Principles
All staff, coaches, and volunteers have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children.
No child shall be left in a situation where they are vulnerable or at risk of harm.
A child-centered approach is at the heart of all safeguarding procedures.
All staff and volunteers working with children must adhere to safer recruitment procedures, including DBS checks.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1 HIA Staff
The HIA has two staff members present during all football sessions. Lone working with children is strictly prohibited to ensure appropriate supervision and to reduce the risk of harm or abuse.
Staff members will be aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and receive safeguarding training.
Our staff members will act as designated safeguarding officers to deal with any concerns or allegations of abuse.
5.2 Coaches
We have an experienced coach overseeing the football sessions. The coach is responsible for promoting a safe, fun, and inclusive football environment.
The coach will ensure that all children participate in a safe manner, with appropriate supervision at all times.
The coach must report any safeguarding concerns to the designated safeguarding officers.
5.3 Parents and Guardians
Parents and guardians are encouraged to support the safeguarding principles of HIA and are required to inform staff of any specific needs their child may have.
Parents must provide updated emergency contact details and medical information relevant to their child.
6. Safeguarding Procedures
6.1 Safer Recruitment
All staff, volunteers, and coaches must undergo an enhanced DBS check before working with children.
References will be taken for all new staff to ensure their suitability for working with children.
6.2 Training
All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training and regularly update their knowledge.
6.3 Supervision and Ratios
A minimum of two staff members will be present at all football sessions to ensure adequate supervision.
All sessions will follow safe adult-to-child ratios, ensuring children are supervised appropriately at all times.
6.4 Risk Assessment
A risk assessment will be carried out for all football activities to identify and minimise potential risks.
The venue will be checked before each session to ensure it is safe for children to play.
6.5 Responding to Concerns
All concerns or suspicions of abuse or harm will be taken seriously and reported to the designated safeguarding officers immediately.
The safeguarding officers will involve external agencies (e.g., social services or the police) if necessary.
We maintain confidentiality and only share information on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.
6.6 Reporting and Recording
All incidents, concerns, or allegations must be recorded in writing and kept securely by the safeguarding officers.
Any disclosures made by a child will be taken seriously, and appropriate support will be provided to the child.
7. Codes of Conduct
All individuals involved with HIA football sessions are expected to adhere to the code of conduct which can be found on our website. To summarise:
Coaches and staff: Promote respect, inclusion, and fair play. Maintain professional boundaries and ensure their behaviour is exemplary at all times.
Parents and guardians: Encourage and support their child in a positive manner. Refrain from any behaviour that could negatively impact the child or other participants.
Children: Follow the rules set out during sessions, respect coaches, and peers, and report anything that makes them feel unsafe.
8. Health and Safety
All staff are responsible for ensuring that the environment is safe, and any potential hazards are addressed before sessions begin.
A first aid kit will be available at every session, and staff members will be trained in basic first aid.
Emergency procedures will be in place, and staff will know how to respond if a child becomes injured or unwell.
9. Whistleblowing
All staff, coaches, and volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns about a colleague or the organisation if they suspect wrongdoing. Whistleblowing procedures will be in place to ensure protection for those raising concerns in good faith.