Safeguarding Children

1. Policy Statement

Bishops Castle Town Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care.

We are committed to providing a safe, positive and enjoyable environment for all children and young people involved in club activities. For the purpose of this policy, a child or young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18 taking part in any club‑related football activity.

The Club subscribes to and fully endorses The FA Safeguarding Children – Policy and Procedures and adopts the Policy Statement contained within that guidance.

2. Key Safeguarding Principles

The key principles of The FA Safeguarding Children Policy, adopted by Bishops Castle Town FC, 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 age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith or belief
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Working in partnership with children, parents/carers, statutory agencies and other organisations is essential

Every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment, protected from poor practice and abuse.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult involved in the Club.

3. Scope and Responsibility

Bishops Castle Town Football Club recognises its role in safeguarding the welfare of children and young people by protecting them from:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying

The FA Safeguarding Children Regulations apply to everyone involved in football, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Coaches and Team Managers
• Match officials
• Club officials
• Medical and first‑aid staff
• Volunteers and helpers at club events or tours

4. Safer Recruitment

The Club endorses and adopts The FA’s Responsible Recruitment Guidelines for recruiting volunteers and staff.

We will:

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities
• Request proof of identity
• Meet and, where appropriate, interview applicants before appointment
• Obtain and follow up at least two references before appointment
• Require FA‑accepted Enhanced DBS checks with Children’s Barred List, where eligible, in line with FA policy

All Bishops Castle Town FC members working in eligible roles with children (including managers and coaches) are required to hold a current FA‑accepted Enhanced DBS check.

If concerns arise regarding the suitability of any individual, guidance will be sought from The FA Safeguarding Team or Shropshire FA. All suitability decisions will be made in accordance with legislation and in the best interests of children and young people.

5. Whistle‑Blowing

Bishops Castle Town FC supports The FA Whistle‑Blowing Policy.

Any adult or young person with concerns about someone in a position of trust can report concerns by contacting:

• The FA Safeguarding Team
  Tel: 0800 169 1863
  Email: safeguarding@thefa.com

Concerns may also be raised directly with:

• Police
• Children’s Social Care
• NSPCC

The Club encourages all members to understand and use the Whistle‑Blowing Policy where necessary.

6. Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

The Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA role profile. The post holder has completed the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop and undertakes ongoing training as required.

The CWO:

• Is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns
• Liaises with Shropshire FA Welfare Officer
• Refers concerns through appropriate channels
• Promotes awareness of Respect, good practice and safeguarding within the Club

7. Anti‑Bullying

The Club acknowledges and endorses The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse.

Bullying of any kind is not tolerated. All players and parents/carers should feel confident to report concerns, which will be addressed promptly and appropriately.

Serious bullying incidents may be escalated to the Shropshire FA Welfare Officer.

8. Codes of Conduct and Respect

Bishops Castle Town FC has implemented FA Respect Codes of Conduct for:

• Players
• Parents/Spectators
• Coaches and Officials

Clear actions and sanctions apply for repeated or serious misconduct. In some cases, matters may be referred to the County FA for further action.

9. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Doing nothing is not an option.

If you are worried about a child or young person:

1. Report concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer
2. If the matter involves poor practice, the CWO will manage it or seek advice from Shropshire FA
3. If the concern is serious (possible abuse):
   • Contact the Shropshire FA Welfare Officer, and
   • Contact Police or Children’s Social Care immediately
4. If urgent medical attention is required, call an ambulance or attend hospital and inform staff it is a child protection concern
5. If you cannot contact the CWO, contact:
   • Shropshire FA Welfare Officer
   • The FA Safeguarding Team – 0800 169 1863
   • NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000

Full FA safeguarding procedures, flowcharts and referral guidance are available via: www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding

10. Further Advice and Contact Details

Club Welfare Officer:

Jack Perry
Email: welfare.officer@bctfc.co.uk

11. Our Commitment

Bishops Castle Town Football Club is fully committed to:

• Safeguarding children and young people
• Upholding FA safeguarding standards
• Creating a safe, inclusive and enjoyable football environment

Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility.