Safeguarding

1. Commitment to Safeguarding

(a) Caton United Football Club (the “Club”) acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

(b) The Club is committed to ensuring that football is played in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment for all participants.

(c) The Club shall adopt and comply with The Football Association (“The FA”) Safeguarding Children Policy, Codes of Conduct, Respect Programme and Equality Policy, as in force from time to time.

(d) The welfare of children and young people is paramount.

2. Scope

(a) This Safeguarding Statement applies to all:

• Players
• Coaches and Managers
• Club Committee Members
• Volunteers
• Match Officials
• Parents/Guardians
• Spectators
• Contractors working on behalf of the Club

(b) Specific safeguarding obligations apply to those working directly with children and young people under the age of 18.

3. Club Welfare Officer

(a) In accordance with FA best practice, the Club shall appoint a Club Welfare Officer (“CWO”) where youth teams are established.

(b) The CWO shall:

• Hold appropriate FA safeguarding qualifications
• Be DBS checked in accordance with FA requirements
• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns
• Maintain appropriate safeguarding records
• Liaise with the County FA and statutory agencies where necessary

(c) The CWO shall report safeguarding matters to the Club Committee where appropriate, whilst maintaining confidentiality.

4. Safer Recruitment & Volunteer Roles

(a) The Club recognises the importance of encouraging volunteers to support the development of football in the local community.

(b) Volunteers shall fall into two categories:

(i) Regulated Roles (Working with Children)

Including but not limited to:

• Coaches
• Team Managers
• Assistant Coaches
• Welfare Officers
• First Aiders
• Individuals regularly supervising Under-18 players

These roles shall require:

• Enhanced DBS check (via The FA)
• Completion of FA Safeguarding Training
• Completion of FA First Aid qualification (where required)
• Registration with the County FA where applicable

(ii) Non-Regulated Roles (Non-Youth Facing)

Including but not limited to:

• Grounds maintenance volunteers
• Fundraising helpers
• Event stewards
• Administrative volunteers
• Catering support
• General Committee Members not involved in youth supervision

These roles shall not normally require DBS clearance unless duties change.

(c) The Club Committee reserves the right to determine whether a role requires safeguarding checks.

(d) All volunteers shall agree to abide by the Club’s Codes of Conduct.

5. Codes of Conduct & Respect

(a) The Club adopts The FA Respect Code of Conduct.

(b) All members shall:

• Treat others with dignity and respect
• Promote fair play
• Refrain from abusive, discriminatory or intimidating behaviour
• Accept decisions of match officials without dissent
• Set a positive example for young players

(c) Parents and spectators shall:

• Encourage effort and enjoyment
• Refrain from coaching from the sidelines
• Avoid negative or aggressive behaviour
• Respect match officials and opposition teams

(d) Players shall:

• Play by the Laws of the Game
• Show respect to teammates, opponents and officials
• Avoid bullying, discrimination or exclusion
• Accept discipline in a positive manner

6. Equality, Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination

(a) The Club is committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Socio-economic background

(b) The Club shall not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation.

(c) Complaints shall be handled in accordance with the Club’s Complaints Procedure and FA regulations.

7. Safe Environment & Facilities

(a) The Club shall take reasonable steps to ensure that its facilities and equipment are safe and suitable for use.

(b) Risk assessments shall be undertaken where appropriate, particularly for youth activities.

(c) Changing arrangements for Under-18 players shall follow FA guidance.

(d) No adult shall be alone in a changing facility with a child unless exceptional circumstances apply and safeguarding procedures are followed.

8. Communication & Social Media

(a) Coaches and volunteers shall:

• Use appropriate communication channels
• Avoid private one-to-one messaging with children
• Include parents/guardians in relevant communications where appropriate

(b) Photographs or videos of children shall only be taken with parental consent and used appropriately.

9. Reporting Concerns

(a) Any safeguarding concern shall be reported immediately to:

• The Club Welfare Officer; or
• The County FA Safeguarding Team; or
• The Police or Local Authority Children’s Services in an emergency.

(b) All concerns shall be treated seriously and confidentially.

(c) No person shall suffer detriment for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.

10. Fair Play & Player Development (Under-18 Teams)

(a) The Under-18 team shall operate as part of a player development pathway aligned with the objects of the Club as stated in the Constitution

(b) The emphasis shall be on:

• Development over results
• Positive coaching
• Player welfare
• Safe transition to adult football

11. Breaches of this Policy

(a) Any breach of this Safeguarding and Conduct Statement may result in:

• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Suspension
• Removal from role
• Expulsion from the Club
• Referral to The FA or statutory authorities

(b) The Club Committee shall determine appropriate action in accordance with FA regulations.