(1) Child Protection

(2) CRB Checks

(3) Goal post safety

The introduction of this Child Protection Policy by Hexley Rangers Football Club is to show that we are determined to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect from harm, those children who participate in football at our club.

This is the cornerstone of our commitment to developing a culture in which children and young people can participate in football in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Through this initiative, it is our stated aim to ensure that every individual at Hexley Rangers F.C is

better prepared to play their part in the protection of children.

We hope that this policy will go some way to achieving the aim of the Football Association, the NSPCC and ourselves in protecting children from abuse and helping to end all cruelty to children. We strongly believe that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.

We recognise, however, that child abuse is also a very emotive and difficult subject. It is important to understand the feelings involved but not to allow them to interfere with our judgement about any action to be taken.

Hexley Rangers F.C recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying.

We are determined to meet our obligation to ensure that our club provides football opportunities for children and young people, with the highest possible standard of care.

Clear practices and procedures, in addition to each team’s training programme, will ensure that everyone knows exactly what is expected of them in relation to the protection of children and young people within our sport.

Hexley Rangers F.C will at all times provide the following:

·          A Qualified Child Protection Officer (Carol Thomas)

·         An assurance that ALL adults that coach, train or work closely with children or young people at our club have either attended a full Child Protection Course (as recognised by the Football Association) for which they are holding a certificate, or are working towards achieving this certificate at present.

·         All adults, who will be working with children and young people at the club, will also be asked to complete an application form and will be asked to provide the names of three references.

·         The club will also ensure that a satisfactory Enhanced CRB check is put in place with KCC.

·      Any new adults joining our club to work with the children will be asked to provide their Child Protection Certificate. If no certificate is available and they are happy to attend a training course, the club will ensure that a place is booked on the earliest available course.

·      A programme of ongoing professional development within the club for the existing Child 

Protection Officer.

The aims of the Hexley Rangers F.C Child Protection Policy are:

·         To develop a positive and pro-active position in order to best protect all children and young people who play football, enabling them to participate in an enjoyable and safe environment.

·         To demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection

·         To promote ethics and high standards throughout the club

(2) CHILD PROTECTION/CRB CHECKS

As part of our Charter Standard best practice, and after receiving satisfactory references, Hexley Rangers have always applied to the Criminal Records Bureau for a disclosure for all adults working with children at the club.

All our Managers attend a Child Protection Workshop and as our Child Protection Officer, Carol Thomas is responsible for ensuring that all CRB checks (disclosures) are completed.

Last year all our CRB checks were completed by the Council for Voluntary Services and as a voluntary organisation these were prepared at a discounted rate.

As from 1^st May 2006 the FA are changing the process for CRB checks.

The Child Protection Officer will now be known as the Club Welfare Officer.

All CWO’s must have a new CRB check through the FA CRB Unit and they will no longer accept CRB checks from other registered agencies.

There are lots of reasons for this but mainly it is because the law does not allow some information to be shared and this could lead to concerns for the welfare of some of children.

Club Welfare Officers must have their new FA CRB check in place by

1^st May 2006 (which we have done).  Once we have received the newly completed check for our CWO, Carol will begin the process of completing new FA CRB checks for all adults at the club that work with the children.

These must be completed by 1^st August 2006.

The FA take this very seriously and failure to comply has already resulted in 10 clubs having their FA Charter Status suspended.

At Hexley Rangers the welfare of your children is paramount and therefore we will endeavour to ensure that these disclosures are completed within the time frame.

If you would like further information, please speak to Carol Thomas, Club Welfare Officer.

(3) Health and Safety Messages

- GOALPOST SAFETY -

ENSURE YOUR CHILD PLAYS THEIR PART

Tragically, over the last few years nine children have been killed by falling goalposts in the UK.

Football should be fun, safe and enjoyable wherever you play.

The FA is working with manufacturers to set new standards in goalpost safety.

Each Parent and player at Hexley Rangers can play their part by following four Golden Rules: 

CHECK IT - SECURE IT – TEST IT – RESPECT IT

Goalposts are not to be used by children as gymnastics equipment, and goalposts should not be used at all, unless they are in a good condition, securely anchored to the ground and are stable.

Help to raise awareness and create a safer environment for all our children.