Child Protection Policy
Fleet Town Colts FC’s first consideration is always for the welfare of its young players. It will endeavour to protect the rights and safety of all of the club members, with specified procedures relating to the following considerations: • All Club Officials and Registered Supervisors, will be subject to a Self-Declaration of their suitability to act on the Clubs behalf and be bound, as parents, by the Parental Code of Conduct.
• The Colts will ensure that all of the players are officially registered, and that they, their parents, guardians and related spectators, have signed the Code of Conduct before they may participate in Club activities
• The Colts will ensure that all pertinent medical information, concerning its members, is supplied at initial registration and kept by the relevant Registered Supervisor whilst the player is under Club protection. The Colts, however, must be kept aware as changes to these details take place
• The Colts reserves the right for its Registered Supervisors, to act in any manner, which they feel will protect the members in their charge, including the administering of first aid and seeking further medical advice, without further consent from parents or guardians, and will ensure that a first “aider”, trained, at least, to the FA’s Emergency First Aid standard is present during training and officially organised games
• The Colts will ensure that all equipment and facilities are safe and well maintained
• The Colts will ensure, wherever possible, that no single Registered Supervisor has charge of more than 15 young players, without support, and that they are, unless part of the family, never alone with a single young player
• The Colts will ensure, wherever possible, that all Registered Supervisors have received or are receiving appropriate training to a relevant level
• The Colts will ensure, wherever possible, that if toilet and / or changing facilities are available then young players are supervised, in their use, by a helper of the same sex, who has signed the Code of Conduct
• The Colts will ensure that young players are never left unsupervised
• The Colts reserves the right to expel any person in breach of this policy or the Code of Conduct, including bullying and abuse of match officials, and pursue any means to maintain this expulsion for the protection of the remaining club members
• The Colts will endeavour to ensure that any approaches made by professional scouts or other persons, outside the organisation, are made through the relevant Registered Supervisor and not directly to any member
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Health & Safety
Fleet Town Colts FC is committed to high standards of health and safety. It is our policy, as a football club, to maintain these high standards and to encourage all persons associated with the club (including players, managers, coaches, parents together with those persons and supporters of visiting teams) to provide a safe environment for the development of the children playing football.
While there are inherent risks associated with any form of contact sport, Fleet Town Colts FC will ensure that these risks are minimised by:
• Ensuring that training and playing venues are fit for the purpose
• Ensuring that all equipment used during training and official matches is well maintained and fit for purpose
• Refusing to allow players to train or play without appropriate kit, particularly shin-pads, boots appropriate for the paying surface or if they are deemed unfit to play through health reasons
• Ensuring people who hold recognised football coaching certificates will oversee training and matches
• Ensuring that at least one qualified First Aider will be in attendance at all training sessions and official matches and that a fully equipped Medical Kit is available at all times
• Maintaining “Family Details and Emergency Contacts” and ensuring Managers/Coaches have access to these at all training sessions and matches
• Holding details of any disabilities and illness that a player may suffer from and having procedures agreed with Parents and Guardians to treat any conditions which may arise while playing or training
• Ensuring that the recommendations concerned with duration of play are adhered to, and that adequate rest breaks are allowed during training and official matches
• Maintaining Club Child Protection Policy and Code of Conducts and ensuring that they are adhered to
The safety of all persons associated with the club is of paramount importance but particularly so, minors. While all managers, coaches, referees and First Aiders will be the subject of checks to ensure compliance to the club’s Child Protection Policy, parents need to consider that many games are in public places and ensure their children are aware of the possible associated dangers.
All Club Officials are screened as to their appropriateness to have responsibility for training children, however, parents and guardians also have a responsibility to act on the decisions made on their children’s behalf by the Club.
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Training
Training is the most important part of what we do at the Club. We provide expert training from qualified instructors, managers and coaches educated to, at least, Level 1 FA certificate of coaching, ensuring that we maximize our players understanding of the game, the principals of team attainment and build on their inherent strengths. This we provide in a safe and friendly atmosphere using the best equipment and facilities.
Training is given from July to April each year on Saturday mornings primarily at Calthorpe Park but also for some squads at Southwood, Peter Driver and the Aldershot Army Hockey Centre.
Saturday Club – early July to end April, 10.15am at Calthorpe Park.
Nursery training for U6s & U5s children (year 1 & reception at school), is available at Calthorpe Park from early July each summer. The format is relaxed and friendly and the children are encouraged to practice their skills and are introduced to the basics of ball play, positions and preliminary regulations. Friendly matches will be arranged, depending on the progress of the squads usually from January onwards. This is for U6s or year 1 children only and a registration fee is payable if the boy wants to join this squad.
This service provides the opportunity for children to try their ‘foot’ at football and see if they like it, without the necessity of registering with the Club. There is a cost per session, which covers the coaches’ fees and “day membership” to the club, which is required for the children to be covered by our insurance.
Training Issues |Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the training sessions are as informative, safe and enjoyable as possible, there are various codes, which must be observed by parents and players. These exist to ensure the safety of the children. The managers and coaches will happily take responsibility for the players, under their supervision, provided that these codes are adhered to.
Training Codes | All players whether registered or using “day membership” must provide contact details, emergency contact details and any information concerning medical history
• Children, whether playing or not are not to be left at the sessions without a parent or guardian present, or without the allocation of a willing and responsible deputy, who has made themselves known to the coach or manager. The coach or manager cannot act as a deputy except by prior arrangement
• Children whether playing or not must not go off on their own during or after sessions
• Day members must ensure that they have paid weekly fees, to ensure that they are covered by the club insurance policy
• All players must wear appropriate footwear, laced and studded football boots for grass work and trainers for artificial surfaces. Secured shin pads, from above the ankle to below the knee covered completely by stockings. Appropriate clothing for likely weather conditions to allow for play and any periods of inactivity
• Players must have available liquid refreshment
• Parents and guardians must ensure that they arrive in good time to collect their children, should they have left them. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that the manager or coach is aware, prior to leaving, of anyone authorized to collect their child and children will not be released to unauthorized persons
Managers and coaches are prohibited, under the terms of the Child Protection Policy, from being alone with children not directly related to them. If any club official finds himself or herself in such a position or have a child who has no responsible parent, guardian or willing deputy with them then the following process will take place.
1. Attempt to reach parents / guardians on contact telephone
2. If this fails then there will be an attempt to arrange collection using the emergency telephone number
3. If this fails then the police or social services will be contacted and the child surrendered into their care
Violations of these codes will result in the exclusion of the child and parents / guardians from the club, with no refund of any monies paid, until the manager or coach is satisfied that the matter has been taken in hand.
In the event of training being cancelled for any reason at short notice the manager or appointed deputy will attempt to inform by telephone, but assume that training will take place at agreed times unless informed otherwise. Please do not call the organisers on Saturday mornings to check if training is to take place.
The following check list is provided for your information on what equipment should be taken to training sessions and official matches
Check List of Home and Away Equipment
• Sufficient Drink (preferably still)
• Energy Snack
• Any emergency medication (ensure that regular medicines are taken before fixtures)
• List of Emergency contact numbers
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Warm Jacket and over trousers
• Rain proof Jacket
• Change of clothes (if raining)
• Towel
• Change of footwear
Fleet Town Colts reserve the right to exclude any children, from its activities, should they arrive without adequate kit or provision.
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Official Matches
General Rules as they apply to League Tournaments
• Club Codes of Conduct regarding behaviour towards match officials and opposing team spectators must be observed at all times
• Squad lists are set at 10 for a 7 a-side team. It is the manager’s decision which players are substituted and when, given that no player will spend an entire game as a substitute, except under disciplinary action
• If a fixture is cancelled at short notice the manager or appointed deputy will attempt to inform by telephone or e-mail, but parents/guardians are to assume that games are on unless informed otherwise
• It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to transport the players safely to the fixed venue
• Players should come prepared for periods of substitution (i.e. warm clothes) and with a drink (please see Check List for Home and Away Equipment)
• Age qualification for entry into an age group is that a player’s birthday falls between 1st September and 31st August in the year that they play. Therefore, the following age groups apply for players:
• Year 2 at school – Under 7
• Year 3 at school – Under 8
• Year 4 at school – Under 9
• Year 5 at school – Under 10
• There must be no greater age difference between any two players on the field than 2 years. This effectively means that players may play in an age group one year above their age (except at Under 7), if sanctioned by parents / guardians and team manager, but no player can play in an age group lower than his age.
• No player may take part in 11 a-side soccer until they have attained the age of 10 years. This means that any player who played in the Under 10’s as an 8 year old (i.e. one year up), may not move into an Under 11, 11 a-side squad until they are 10.
• All players below 11 years of age play 7 a-side whilst at 10 and over squad sizes increase to 11 a-side. Match durations are as follows:
• Under 7 and Under 8 Age Groups 20 minutes each way
• Under 9 and Under 10 Age Groups 25 minutes each way
• There is also a maximum period set for allowable daily play. That is 45 minutes for under 7 and under 8 and 60 minutes for under 9 and under 10.
The ball size is set at size 3 at Under 7 and size 4 for ages up to under 16. Match officials need not be qualified, but should have some understanding of the rules as they apply to the age groups. Details of League rules are supplied to managers each year and we would advise you to make yourself aware of their content.
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Equality Policy
As the governing body of the game, The Football Association (The FA) is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level. Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it. The FA’s commitment is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. The FA is also committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and by providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.
Fleet Town Colts FC are fully committed to support The FA in its aims and endeavours to raise the standards of Grass Roots football and to make football an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all concerned. Football is a competitive sport and Fleet Town Colts FC believe that the game should be played in this competitive spirit – we play to win – but not at all costs and always within the laws and true spirit of the game.
The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that Fleet Town Colts FC is equally accessible to them all.
The Management Committee 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. Fleet Town Colts FC, 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 Fleet Town Colts FC 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.
Fleet Town Colts FC will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination. This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal.
Fleet Town Colts FC will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
Fleet Town Colts FC 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.
Fleet Town Colts FC is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all 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 1975 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as well as any amendments to these acts and any new legislation.
Fleet Town Colts FC 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 Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below.
1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary. 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; and
e. A preference for a solution to the incident
2.The Club’s Disciplinary and Complaints sub-committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.
3.The Club’s Disciplinary and Complaints sub-committee will have the power to:
a. Warn as to future conduct;
b. Suspend from membership; and
c. Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Club’s
Policies or Codes of Conduct.
If the complaint is with regard to the Club’s Management Committee or the Club’s Disciplinary and Complaints sub-committee the member has the right to report the discrimination direct to the relevant County Football Association.
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Why do we have a policy?
Fleet Town FC, as the focal point of professional football in the locality, has developed an exciting youth football facility known as Fleet Town Colts (referred to as the Colts), which offers competitive football to the young boys and girls of Fleet and its surrounding areas, and introduces children, under 6 upwards to football with a friendly “start up” training facility.
From modest beginnings the Colts has grown to be the largest local youth club, regularly attracting some 300 players to weekly training sessions and hosting as many as twelve competitive games on match days. We want to ensure that the Colts offers all its playing members the ability to enjoy football in a fun and safe environment. A child protection policy is a key element of this. Also as a Charter Standard club we are obliged by the terms of the charter to ensure that we have an effective child protection policy.
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What are the aims of our policy?
The Colts aims to provide a chance for young people to learn and play football in a structured environment, encouraging the development of the players’ individual skills, their sense of team attainment and the concept of fair play. This is best achieved in a safe environment and the behaviour of all club members is controlled in a way not restricting the activities that they enjoy. Our Policy manages this behaviour.
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Who does the policy involve?
For any good policy, to work effectively everyone, who has an interest in the activities of the organisation, must be involved. Therefore, all Club Officials, active holders of the Squad Management, Coaching and Supervisory positions together with the First “Aiders”, Referees and other helpers (referred to as Registered Supervisors), have their part to play, as do the players, their parents, guardians and related spectators.
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When are we under protection of the policy?
The Colts must reserve the right to inform any relevant authority, if information comes to its attention concerning the safety of a club member outside its normal activities.
Otherwise the members are protected during the set training periods, officially organised matches and events and when traveling to and from those matches and events, where the parents or guardians are not present.
If you have any suspicion of abuse or breach of this policy please contact, in the first instance:
Fleet Town Colts FC Child Welfare Officer
See website for contact details
Other useful contacts are:
Hampshire FA CWO c/o Hampshire County FA
William Pickford House
8 Ashworth Gardens, Off Winchester Road
Southampton, Hampshire SO16 7PN
Telephone: 023 8079 1110
Surrey FA CWO c/o Surrey County FA
321 Kingston Road
Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7TU
Telephone: 01372 373543
The FA Child Protection Department
Lilleshall Hall National Sports Centres
Newport, Shropshire TF10 9AT
Telephone: 0207 745 4909 (charged calls)
Email: goal@TheFA.com
www.TheFA.com/Goal
The FA / NSPCC Helpline
Telephone numbers: -
UK Helpline: 0800 8005000
Asian Helpline: 0800 096 7719
Deaf Users: 0800 056 0566
www.nspcc.org.uk
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