Child Welfare and Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Non-action is not an option.
Liphook United Football Club (LUFC) 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 members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18.
We subscribe to The Football Association’s (FA) Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in this document: 1-2-grassroots-football-safeguarding-children-policy-procedures-colour-version.pdf (thefa.com)
As football’s governing body in England, safeguarding is a fundamental aspect of The FA’s role – and that of its affiliated members. Collectively we have an ongoing duty to ensure the game is a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for the children, young people and adults who regularly play, watch, coach, referee and volunteer.
Our united approach to safeguard across the game is driven by a clear three-part strategy:
- • Implementing preventative safeguarding measures (such as safer recruitment) to create fun, safe football environments.
- • Making the reporting of concerns as easy as possible.
- • Ensuring safeguarding, child protection and adult at risk concerns are investigated swiftly and thoroughly in conjunction with statutory agencies – and with demonstrable outcomes.
This ongoing work is underpinned by the FA policies, procedures and regulations which can be found here:
Safeguarding - Rules & Regulations | The Football Association (thefa.com)
LUFC acknowledges that every 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. We recognise that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in the Club, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.
Whistleblowing in a safeguarding context means revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within an organisation, or within an independent structure associated with it. Any adult or young person with concerns can use whistleblowing by calling 0800 169 1863 and asking for The FA’s safeguarding team. Or email Safeguarding@TheFA.com.
Alternatively, concerns can be reported:
• Direct to the local Police or Children’s Social Care services; or
• The Child Protection in Sport Unit at cpsu@nspcc.org.uk; or
• The NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Hampshire FA also have a dedicated safeguarding team who are available 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday) on 01256 853012 or Safeguarding@HampshireFA.com.
Further contact details are available here:
Safeguarding, Respect and Welfare - Hampshire FA
If there is an urgent concern and you cannot contact LUFC or the Hampshire FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, you should contact any of the following:
• The NSPCC - Call: 0808 800 5000 (24-hours)
• For emergencies - Call the Police: 999
• For problems with your safety on the internet - Report this to CEOP by clicking here (https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/) and also let the FA and Hampshire FA safeguarding teams know (Safeguarding@HampshireFA.com / Safeguarding@TheFA.com.
LUFC have a designated Child Welfare Officer (CWO), as mandated by the FA and because we recognise the importance of keeping individuals safe in football. Our CWO has been appropriately appointed and trained to be the first point of contact for all club members and care givers regarding concerns for the welfare of a child or young person. The CWO liaises directly with the Hampshire FA’s safeguarding team and is familiar with safeguarding policies and procedures. The CWO also plays a proactive role in increasing the awareness of safeguarding and addressing poor practice where identified.
Liphook United FC’s CWO can be contacted using:
childwelfareofficer@liphookunitedfootballclub.org
Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face-to-face or through cyberspace and comes in many different forms. Bullying in any form is not tolerated at LUFC. If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should feel comfortable to report this and confident that incidents will be dealt with promptly and appropriately. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the committee or, in cases of serious bullying, the Hampshire FA’s Safeguarding Team.
LUFC’s anti-bullying policy and the FA’s Anti-Bullying Policy for Football Clubs can be found in the documents section of our website.
KIDSCAPE provides advice for parents/carers and children. They can be contacted on 020 7823 5430 their line is open Monday to Thursday 9am - 1pm, or you can access their website via www.kidscape.org.uk.