Child Protection Policy  ___________________________________________

• Chelmsford City Youth FC 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 its members. A young child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any football club activity Chelmsford City Youth FC subscribe to the Football Association child protection best practice policy and procedures, we also endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.

• The key principles of the FA child protection policy are that:

·         The child's welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.

·         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.

·         All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

·         Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.

·        We acknowledge that every young 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.

·       Chelmsford City Youth FC recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved within the club.

·       Chelmsford City Youth FC 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's child protection regulation applies to everyone in football, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, football coach, club official, medical staff or helper on a club tour or outing.

·       We endorse and adopt the FA's child protection and best practise guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will:

·         Develop a role profile.

·         Request identification documents.

·         As a minimum, meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing.

·         Request and follow up with two references before appointing.

·         Require an FA CRB Unit enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with the FA guidelines.

·       All current Chelmsford City Youth FC members with direct access to children and young adults will be

      required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via the FA CRB Unit.

·        Chelmsford City Youth FC 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 practise 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 know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the   committee or, in cases of serious bullying contact CFA CPO.

·        Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches has been implemented by Chelmsford City Youth FC