The Gravesham Schools’ Football Association (GSFA) in association with Kent Schools ’ Football Association (KSFA), the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) and the Football Association (FA), recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people entrusted to its care by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm, poor practice, neglect, bullying and abuse. The GSFA is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all those who participate in any GSFA activities.
Every child or young person who plays or participates in sport should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse of any kind. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in that sport.
The key principles of the FA’s and GSFA’s Safeguarding Children Policy are:
1. The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
2. All children and young persons have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation.
3. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
4. Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young persons and their parents or carers is essential.
The FA’s Safeguarding Children Regulation applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. The GSFA ensures that all those teachers and volunteers who have direct contact with children will be subject to scrutiny in accordance with FA guidelines. All are required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via the ESFA/FA CRB Unit.
GSFA has adopted and published separate individual policies on Anti-Bullying and Discipline, and these should be read in conjunction with this Safeguarding Children Policy. A Code of Conduct for players, parents and spectators operates for all the Association’s games and is published in the players’ handbook.
