Safeguarding Policy

Oadby Town FC Safeguarding Policy

Oadby Town FC, aims to be a FA Charter Standard Club, who will acknowledge its duty to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person under its care. The club is committed to creating a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is defined as an individual below the age of 18 who is engaged in any football activity of the club. We endorse and adopt The Football Association's Safeguarding Children - Policy and Procedures, including the Policy Statement contained in that document.

The core principles of The FA Safeguarding Children Policy include:

• Placing the child's welfare as the foremost consideration
• Ensuring protection from abuse for all children and young people, regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation
• Prompt and appropriate response to any suspicions or allegations of abuse
• Collaborative efforts with other organizations, children, young people, and their parents or guardians
• Providing a secure and enjoyable environment for children to participate, free from poor practices and abuse

Oadby Town FC recognizes that ensuring a safe environment is the responsibility of every adult involved with the club. The club undertakes to protect children and young people from harm, including physical, sexual, emotional harm, neglect, or bullying. The Football Association's Child Protection Regulation applies to everyone involved in football, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes volunteers, match officials, club tour assistants, football coaches, officials, and medical staff. We uphold The FA's Responsible Recruitment guidelines for volunteer recruitment, which includes thorough vetting processes such as interviews, reference checks, and Enhanced CRB Disclosure.

All current members who regularly care for, supervise, train, or are in sole charge of children and young people will be required to complete an Enhanced CRB Disclosure through The FA CRB Unit. In situations where concerns arise about the appropriateness of individuals who are already involved with or seeking to join Oadby Town FC, guidance will be sought from The Football Association. Decisions will prioritize the well-being of children and young people.

Oadby Town FC supports The FA's Whistle-blowing Policy and encourages anyone with concerns about a colleague to report them to The FA Child Protection Team, the Police, Children's Services, or the NSPCC.

The club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) as outlined by The FA's role profile. The CWO has received training in Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop. They serve as the primary contact for Club committee members regarding concerns about child or young person welfare. The CWO liaises with the CFA Welfare Officer and follows appropriate procedures.

Bullying is considered a form of abuse, and Oadby Town FC is committed to addressing any incidents promptly. Respect codes of conduct for players, parents/spectators, officials, and coaches have been implemented by the club. The club will take action against repeated or severe misconduct, with the possibility of CFA sanctions in more serious cases.

All members must report any concerns about child welfare to the CWO. For immediate medical attention or concerns about abuse, individuals are encouraged to contact the CFA Welfare Officer, Police, or Children's Services.

Oadby Town FC is dedicated to creating a secure environment for everyone involved and encourages education on safeguarding matters. Additional information can be found at www.TheFA.com/Footballsafe and through County Football Association's Welfare Officer contacts.

For detailed guidance, refer to The FA's Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures available on www.TheFA.com/Footballsafe, including step-by-step flow diagrams for addressing concerns.