Safeguarding and Welfare
English football takes safeguarding extremely seriously.
The ongoing work to make the game as safe and enjoyable as possible is led by The FA, the game’s governing body in this country. This work is delivered through County FAs such as ourselves in conjunction with leagues and clubs.
A clear safeguarding strategy has been put in place by English football to protect people involved in the national game. It is complete with policies, procedures and regulations. Every club in the country must adhere to the policies which apply to them. If not, they face sanctions, including suspension from playing.
Policies include the mandatory appointment of a Club Welfare Officer(s) for every league or club with youth teams. There is also a requirement for specified club committee officers to complete the free online ‘Safeguarding for Committee Members’ course. While mandatory for specified officers, the course is open to anyone to raise their awareness of potential situations and how to deal with them.
Welfare Officers must have an FA-accepted Criminal Record Check, which has to be renewed every three years. They must also undertake regular FA-approved safeguarding training. With the club committee’s support, Welfare Officers ensure the appropriate checks and training are completed for anyone at the club working with children and young people under the age of 18.Explanatory films and general information (see below) outline how safeguarding concerns should be reported to the football authorities – and how they are investigated. They also show how we work together across the game and with the statutory agencies to investigate and risk-manage any concerns raised.
The topics below cover the safeguarding framework for everyone in affiliated football in England. Please click on the relevant one to get more information.
In the meantime, should you have any questions about safeguarding please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Designated Safeguarding Officer.
If A Child Or Adult At Risk Is In Immediate Danger, Please Call 999
For non-urgent matters, please contact a member of our safeguarding team.
It's Not Your Responsibility To Decide If Abuse Is Taking Place, But It Is Your Responsibility To Report Any Concerns You Have.
Respect Code of Conducts
This season, the FA has introduced new codes of conduct for players, coaches, and spectators to safeguard the integrity of the game. You can find these documents below. As a County FA, we're eager to create short videos with our clubs so you can share condensed versions of these codes on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This visual approach will help players understand the rules and sign up using their phones.
Seven Minute Briefings
To foster a positive club environment, we're resuming our seven-minute briefing series for clubs. These briefings are intended for your welfare officer to present at manager meetings. This allows for a brief discussion on important topics and helps your club continue its excellent work in providing safe and inclusive football. Please see the briefings below!
