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The Policy Statement – B.C. A.F.C.

Guideline 1

It is the policy of Bolton County A.F.C. to protect children and young people from harm, abuse and exploitation and to care for them in safety.

As members of this Football Club we recognise that it is the responsibility of each one of us separately and jointly, to prevent the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and young people, and to report any abuse discovered or suspected.

This statement was agreed at the monthly meeting on March 2000

It was presented and approved at the Annual General Meeting held on May 2000

As part of our continuing commitment to the care and protection of children and young people, the Football Club has appointedJason Ormrod 0753 4604826

Guideline 2

The Role of the Club Welfare Officer
  1. To ensure that the policy statement adopted by the Football Club is given to existing and new managers and assistants.
  2. To ensure that the statement is read annually to the Football Club and that the statements procedures are monitored.
  3. To ensure that all managers and assistants who work with children are subject to checks approved by the F.A, (F.A.CRC clearance).
  4. To retain information in a secure and confidential manner.
  5. To take up references if required supplied by new volunteers prior to their recruitment.
  6. To ensure access to volunteers to discuss any worries or concerns they might have about child welfare or the running of the group.
  7. To ensure that all who work with children or young people know the telephone number of the co-ordinator.
  8. Maintain an up to date register of children, their parents / carers, telephone numbers and addresses.
  9. Be aware of any medical problems, which the child or young person might suffer from.
  10. A first aid kit is always available.

Guideline 3

Plan the Running of the Organisations so as to minimise situations where abuse of children and young people might occur.

  • Avoid one to one contact with a child or young person wherever possible.
  • Where possible use same gender supervision.
  • Where possible have two adult helpers.
  • Avoid giving a lift home to a child or young person unless accompanied by another adult wherever possible.
  • If it is necessary to be alone with a child or young person

Minimise time allocated.

Ensure that another adult is informed of where you will be and why.

Where possible remain in view of another child or adult.

Try never to be behind a closed door with a child or young person.

  • Avoid physical contact in general terms with a child or young person, this might be construed as inappropriate.
  • If the group is of a mixed gender ensure where possible that at least one male and one / two female’s leaders are present.
  • Be aware of as many safety aspects as possible i.e. road safety, equipment, environment.

Guideline 4

Plan the organisation of the club so that a situation where people might be tempted to abuse does not occur.

  1. See guideline 3Any procedures developed should apply to all managers and assistant volunteers