Code of Conduct for Parents, Carer’s & Spectators
A parent’s/ carer’s/ spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:
a. Other players
b. Officials
c. Managers
d. Spectators.
The club will ensure that parents/ carers/ spectators within the club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children –not just their own– and will encourage parents/ carers/ spectators to:
a. Applaud the opposition as well as their own team
b. Avoid coaching the child during the game
c. Not to shout and scream
d. Respect the referee’s decision
e. Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
f. Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football
The club will ensure that parents/ carers/ spectators agree and adhere to the Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.
All parents, carer’s and spectators are expected to behave at all times in a manner that will not bring FC Abbey Meads into disrepute in any way.
Code of Conduct for Coaches
a. Coaches must respect the right, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
b. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
c. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
d. Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
e. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
f. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
g. Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
h. Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and, where appropriate, parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they, as players, are entitled to expect from their coach.
i. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientist, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interest of the player.
j. Coaches must always promote the positive aspect of the sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
k. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
l. Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.
All managers and coaches are expected to behave at all times in a manner that will not bring FC Abbey Meads into disrepute in any way. Code of conduct for team officials 1. Obligations towards the Game, the team officials should a. Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
b. Promote and develop his/ her own team having regard to the interest of the players, supporters and reputation of the national game.
c. Share knowledge and experience when invited to do so, taking into account the interest of the body that has requested this rather than personal interests.
d. Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
e. Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
f. Always have regard to the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
g. Not to use or tolerate inappropriate language.
2, Obligations towards the Team, the team officials should a. Make every effort to develop the sporting technical and tactical levels of the club/ team, and to obtain the best results by the team, using all permitted means.
b. Give priority to the interests of the team over individual interests.
c. Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
d. Promote ethical principles.
e. Show due respect to the interests of players, coaches and other officials, at their own club/ team and others.
3. Obligations towards the Supporters, the team officials should a. Show due respect to the interests of supporters.
4. Respect towards the Match Officials, the team officials should b. Accept the decisions of the Match Officials without protest
c. Avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
d. Show due respect towards Match Officials.
All Team Officials are expected to behave at all times in a manner that will not bring FC Abbey Meads into disrepute in any way. Equality Policy
The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that FC Abbey Meads is equally accessible to them all.
FC Abbey Meads is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it.
Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.
This policy is fully supported by the Club Officers who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.
FC Abbey Meads, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. It means that FC Abbey Meads will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, its activities.
FC Abbey Meads will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and
FC Abbey Meads is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist, and to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness – raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.
FC Abbey Meads is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all its members and requires all members to abide and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the relevant equalities legislation – Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1995, as well as any amendments to these acts and any new legislation.
FC Abbey Meads commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims, when it is brought to its attention, of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice stop and sanctions imposed as appropriate.
Club Complaints Procedure
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the club Polices, Rules or Codes of Conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below.
1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.
The report should include,
a. Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place.
b. Any witness statement and names.
c. Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way.
d. Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made.
e. A preference for a solution to the incident.
2. The clubs Management Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.
3. The Clubs Management Committee will have the power to.
a. Warn as to future conduct.
b. Suspend from membership.
c. Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Clubs Policies or Codes of Conduct.
If the complaint is with regard to the Clubs Management Committee the member has the right to report the discrimination direct to the relevant County Football Association
Zero Tolerance
Inappropriate Language & Referee Abuse
Please Read Carefully and Adhere To The Following
FC Abbey Meads acknowledges that every child, young person or adult who plays or participates in football should be able to do so in an enjoyable and safe environment. FC Abbey Meads acknowledges that all of the above should be protected from poor practice and from all forms of abuse.
FC Abbey Meads will not tolerate any form of inappropriate language or threatening behaviour from parents, guests, spectators, visitors, officials or club representatives on match sidelines, particularly that aimed towards match officials and participating children.
FC Abbey Meads reserves the right to ask any individual demonstrating actions deemed to conflict with this policy to move away from the match sidelines.
FC Abbey Meads thanks you for your cooperation.
Taking of Photos
The common sense approach
There has been much talk about whether it’s safe to take pictures of under 18s playing sport.
The FA would like to assure parents, carers, coaches, spectators, players and local media that
we encourage the taking of appropriate images of children in football.
With regards to the potential risks The FA has developed this guidance to help avoid the following,
The inappropriate use, adaptation or copying of images for use on child abuse websites on the internet (often referred to as pornography sites);
The identification of children when a photograph is accompanied by significant personal information that will assist a third party in identifying the child. This can lead, and has led, to children being ‘groomed, and
The identification and locating of children in inappropriate circumstances which include:
(i) where a child has been removed from his/her family for their own safety
(ii) where restrictions on contact with one parent following a parental separation exist e.g. in domestic violence cases
(iii) in situations where a child may be a witness in criminal proceedings, or
(iv) other safeguarding children concerns.
The majority of images taken are appropriate and taken in good faith. If we take the following simple measures we can help to ensure the safety of children in football.
Common sense considerations to ensure everyone’s safety
1. share The FA’s guidance on taking images with all parents, carers and members when they join the club
2. ensure the club has parental consent to use a player’s image if it is to be used in the public domain e.g. club website or newspaper article. This is essential in relation to point 3 below
3. ensure that any child in your club who is under care proceedings is protected by ensuring that their image is not placed in the public domain.
This can be done by using an Annual Consent Form, so that parents/carers can identify whether this applies to children in their care
4. focus on the activity rather than the individual
5. ensure all those featured are appropriately dressed (a minimum of vest or shirt and
shorts)
6. aim to take pictures which represent the broad range of youngsters participating safely in football e.g. boys and girls, disabled people, ethnic minority communities, and
7. report any instances of inappropriate images in football to The FA Case Manager or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). Contact details can be found on the following page.
Don’t
8. publish photographs with the full name(s) of the individual(s) featured unless you have written consent to do so and you have informed the parents as to how the image will be used
9. use player profiles with pictures and detailed personal information on websites
Through Photographs and Video
10. use an image for something other than that which it was initially agreed, e.g. published in local press when initially produced for a clubhouse commemorative picture, and
11. allow images to be recorded in changing rooms, showers or toilets - this includes the use of mobile phones that record images.
Remember
It’s not an offence to take appropriate photographs in a public place even if asked
not to do so
No one has the right to decide who can and cannot take images on public land
If you have serious concerns about a possible safeguarding children issue relating to the recording of images then call the
Police. This action should only be taken where you believe that someone may be acting unlawfully or putting a child at risk
The land or facility owner can decide whether or not photography and/or videoing at football activities will be permitted when carried out on private land. However, you will need to make this known before allowing individuals access to the private property
Try not to use images that include individuals wearing jewellery (as wearing jewellery whilst playing is contrary to the Laws of the Game as well
as being a health and safety issue).
Commissioning professional photographers and the local media
If you are commissioning professional photographers or inviting the press to cover a football activity, ensure you and they are clear about each other’s expectations.
Remember the key is to plan ahead and communicate early on.
Provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour,
Inform them of your club’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
Establish who will hold the recorded images and what they intend to do with them,
e.g. place on a website for sale, distribute thumb nails to the club to co-ordinate sales,
Issue the professional photographer with identification, which must be worn at all times, Inform participants and parents or carers prior to the event that a professional photographer will be in attendance and ensure you have established
that no under 18s will be compromised due to safeguarding children concerns if
their image is taken – remember this can be done by using the Annual Consent at the start of the season
Child Protection Policy
FC Abbey Meads acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s child protection and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.
The key principles of The FA Child Protection Policy are that.
a. The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
b. All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
c. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
d. Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.
e.
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. FC Abbey Mead recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
FC Abbey Meads 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. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association child protection regulation (see The FA handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, official or medical staff.
We endorse and adopt The FA’s Child Protection and Best Practice Guidelines for recruiting Volunteers and will.
a. Develop a role profile.
b. Request identification documents
c. As a minimum meet and chat with applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing.
d. Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.
e.
All current FC Abbey Mead’s members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit. If there are any concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of FC Abbey Meads, guidance will be sought from The Football Association. It is noted and accepted that significance of the information obtained via The FA CRB Unit Enhanced CRB Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.
It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.
FC Abbey Meads supports The FA’s ‘whistle blowing’ policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA Child Protection Manager on 02077454771, by writing to the FA Case Manager at The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London W1D 4FA or by going direct to the police, social services or the NSPCC. FC Abbey Meads encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.
FC Abbey Meads has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the child protection and best practice workshop. The post holder will be involved with designated person’s training provided by The FA.
The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. They will liaise directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.
We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the committee or, in case of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.
Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by FC Abbey Meads. In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances, all prospective members will be informed of theses codes.
Further advice on child protection matter can be obtained from.
The County Football Association’s Child Protection officer, whose details can be found in the County Handbook.
The Football Association/ NSPCC Child protection.
24-Hour Helpline 0808005000
www.TheFA.com/Goal
The FA child protection team on 02077454649
Child Protection Procedure
Example A
Action to take if you become aware, through your own observations or through a third party, of possible abuse occurring within the football setting.
If this happens, you should:
Ensure the safety of the child or the young person (if present) – if the child or young person needs immediate medical treatment, take the child or young person to hospital or call a ambulance, inform doctors of concerns and ensure that they are aware that this is a Child Protection issue.
You should continue also to follow the FA Procedure outlined below.
Make a full record of what has been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible.
Parents and carers should be contacted only after advice from Social Services.
The person in charge should be clearly identified in every football setting.
Report the concerns to the person in charge immediately, unless the concerns are about the person in charge (see below).
The person in charge may seek advice from The FA/NSPCC Child Protection 24 hour Free phone Helpline 0808 800 5000, Social Services or the Police who will then follow local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures. If you are advised to make a formal referral make it clear to Social Services or the Police that this
is a Child Protection referral. The person in charge must also inform The FA Head of Education and Child Protection or The FA Child Protection Administrator.
If the person in charge is not directly available, or the concerns relate to the person in charge, refer your concerns directly to Social Services or the Police. These agencies will advise you whether a formal referral to Social Services is necessary and what further action you might need to take. If you are advised to make a formal referral make it clear to Social Services or the Police that this is a Child Protection referral.
You should also inform The FA Head of Education and Child Protection or The FA Child Protection Administrator on 01952 602301.
Confidentiality should be maintained on a strictly ‘need to know’ basis and relevant documents stored in a secure location.
Example B
Action to take if you become aware, through your own observations or through a third party, of possible abuse occurring at a Child’s or young person’s home or in some other setting (outside football)
If this happens, you should:
Ensure the safety of the child or the young person (if present) – if the child or young person needs immediate medical treatment, take the child or young person to hospital or call a ambulance, inform doctors of concerns and ensure that they are aware that this is a Child Protection issue.
You should continue also to follow the FA Procedure outlined below.
Make a full record of what has been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible.
Parents and carers should be contacted only after advice from Social Services.
Report the concerns to the person in charge immediately.
The person in charge should be clearly identified in every setting e.g. designated Child Protection Officer in a club, a Head Teacher in a school, a Sports/Football Development Officer in a Community Scheme.
If you are aware that the allegation is about someone who is involved in football in any capacity, you should also inform The FA Head of Education and Child Protection or The FA Child Protection Administrator on 01952 602301.
The person in charge may seek advice from The FA/NSPCC Child Protection 24 hour Freephone Helpline 0808 800 5000, Social Services or the Police and these agencies will then follow local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.
If the person in charge is not available to seek urgent advice from The FA/NSPCC Child Protection 24 hour, Free phone Helpline 0808 800 5000, Social Services or the Police. These agencies will advise you whether a formal referral to Social Services is necessary and what further action you might need to take.
If you are advised to make a formal referral make it clear to Social Services or the Police that this is a Child Protection referral.
Confidentiality should be maintained on a strictly ‘need to know’ basis and relevant documents stored in a secure location.
Recording of information, suspicions or concerns
Information passed to the Social Service Department or the Police must be as helpful as possible and it may be used in any subsequent legal action, hence the necessity for making a detailed record. The report should contain the following information:
The child’s or young person name, address and date of birth
The nature of the allegation
A description of any visible bruising or other injuries
Any observations that have been made by you or to you
Any times, locations, dates or other relevant information
A clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay
Your knowledge of, and relationship to, the child or young person. Whenever possible, referrals to Social Services department should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours
Keep a record of the name and designation of the Social Services member of staff or Police Officer to whom concerns were passed and record the time and date of the call, in case any follow-up is needed.
NON-ACTION IS NOT AN OPTION IN CHILD PROTECTION
Child Protection Contacts
FC Abbey Meads (CWO)
Leannda Benfield 07921394715
FC Abbey Meads Chairman
David Marsh 01793 643881
Swindon Social Services 01793 466903
North Wilts Youth & Minor League (CWO)
Peter Bailey 01793 875992
Wiltshire FA. (CWO)
Ian Hibbard 01225 868309
(CWO-Child Welfare Officer)
Sponsors
We would like to thank our team sponsors past and present, without the financial support it would be extremely difficult for our club to survive and flourish.
U7’s Vacant at time of print
U9’s A & B MN2 Consulting
U12’s JMR Building Services Ltd
& Highworth Felt Roofing
U13’s Dean Wardale Decorating
U16’s Rudolf & Hellmann Automotive
If you would like to sponsor one of or teams in the future please contact the club secretary