IMPORTANT NOTICE - DURRINGTON RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB
September 2009
DEAR PARENTS/ CARERS,
•Safeguarding children is high on The FA`s agenda. The goal is to have someone at every club in the country aware of child protection and best practice, whether it`s a Premiership Academy or a Sunday morning park side.
•Safeguarding children is about doing things the right way, doing things properly. It`s about allowing children to enjoy the game without abuse of any kind.
•All children and young people have the right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. This includes bullying, physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect.
The FA believes football can have a powerful positive influence on children. But that means everyone involved in football must take on the responsibility of looking after those children that want to play the game.
•Every child or young person, defined as anyone under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.
CLUB WELFARE OFFICER (CWO) (previously referred to as the club’s Child Protection Officer.)
•A Club Welfare Officer has attended the FA Safeguarding Children Workshops and obtained CRB clearance.
•The main role is to encourage good practice and deal with any Child Protection issues that may arise in the club. And also to provide general advice and assistance as required.
•A CWO will also ensure that the club rules are in place and ‘Codes of Conducts’ are being adhered to by players, managers, coaches, team officials and parents, guardians and spectators,
•Policies are in place to protect children within our club; these include Child protection, anti-bullying and equality, plus a complaints procedure policy.
•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.
Please note that any raised issues will be treated in strict confidence and passed on to the relevant association.
In due course you will be receiving an annual review questionnaire which I would appreciate if you could spare a few minutes to complete and return to these to me. If the form includes confidential issues please place in a sealed envelope addressed to the CWO.
IF YOU REQUIRE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT;
Norman Watson (CWO)
07759239611
The Child Protection Helpline
The Football Association/NSPCC Child Protection helpline, which is open 24 hours a day and run on an entirely confidential basis, can be contacted on 0808 800 5000 (text phone 0800 056 0566 for deaf users). Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
CRB (Criminal Records Bureau)
CRB checks are being conducted for everyone involved in football that has access to children.
CRB checks are a way of checking people’s history to make sure they do not have any convictions that might mean they are not safe to work with children.
The FA only uses checks called Enhanced Disclosures which are currently renewable after three years.