LHJFC is committed to creating and preserving the safest possible environment for children to play football.
Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in football.
Lostock Hall Junior Football Club recognizes its responsibility to safe guard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that LHJFC as an organization, which provides football opportunities for children and young people do so, to the highest possible standard of care. (LHJFC Child Protection Reporting Procedures Guide)
These procedures applies to anyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. For example, volunteers in clubs, referees, club officials, helpers on club tours, football coaches and medical staff.
LHJFC accepts children's welfare is paramount and that all children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender or religion, have the right to protection from abuse. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
LHJFC aims are:
•To develop a safe environment in order to protect all children and young people who play football.
•To demonstrate best practice in the area of child protection.
•To ensure that all team managers and assistant managers have completed the Football Association Child Protection Best Practice Workshop and have clearance through the Criminal Records Bureau.(CRB)
•To ensure that the child's welfare is, and always must be, the paramount consideration.
•To ensure all suspicions of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately working in partnership with children/parents/carers is essential.
The following aims should be used in conjunction with the LHJFC Child Protection Reporting Procedures Guide. These procedures have been developed to reflect the key principles of the FA Child Protection Policy and has such the following documents should be referred to for further guidance.
•The Football Association Child Protection Policy
•The F. A. Coaches Association Child Protection Policy
•The F. A. Centers of Excellence
•The F. A. Safety First.
The above can be viewed on www.thefa.com The FA.com
Lostock Hall Junior Football Club
Child Protection Reporting Procedures
The following steps shall be taken should you:
1. Have a concern about the welfare of a child or young person.
2. A child or young person informs you of a possible abuse situation, or
3. Through observation or a third party you become aware of a possible abuse situation.
Step 1
Stay Calm
•If the child or young person is present reassure him/her that they are not to blame.
•Don't make promises of confidentiality or outcome.
•Keep questions to a minimum.
Step 2
Is the child or young person in need of immediate medical attention?
NO?
•Contact the designated person for child protection.
•Do not contact parents at this stage.
•Make a factual record of events and pass to designated person.
•The designated Child Protection Officer (CPO) will either discuss the situation with other committee members or if action is needed urgently provide the appropriate advise and action to be taken to the confidant. The designated CPO shall then inform the other committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation.
•If the designated CPO cannot be contacted straight away seek urgent advise from Local Social Services, the police or The FA/NSPCC helpline. Contact details are given at the end of the Child Protection Report.
YES?
MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON PRESENT BEFORE PROCEEDING
•Take the young child or person to hospital or telephone an ambulance.
•Inform doctor at the hospital who will take appropriate action.
•Inform the parents/carers immediately unless you have specific reasons not to, then contact LHJFC's designated child protection officer or local Social, the Police or The FA/NSPCC helpline for guidance. Contact details are given at the end of the Child Protection Report.
Step 3
If the allegations of abuse involves a designated person for child protection.
•The confidant shall:
•Make a factual record of events as soon as possible.
•Contact the LHJFC Child Protection Officer and provide the CPO with the factual record of the events of the allegation of abuse.
•The designated Child Protection Officer (CPO) will either discuss the situation with other committee members or if action is needed urgently provide the appropriate advise and action to be taken to the confidant. The designated CPO shall then inform the other committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation
•If the designated CPO cannot be contacted straight away seek urgent advise from Local Social Services, the police or The FA/NSPCC helpline. Contact details are given at the end of the Child Protection Report..
•Take action advised by these agencies including advise on contacting parents/carers.
•Inform the LHJFC committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation.
Step 4
In addition, if the allegation involves someone in affiliated football.
•The confidant shall:
•Make a factual record of events as soon as possible.
•Contact the LHJFC Child Protection Officer and provide the CPO with the factual record of the events of the allegation of abuse.
•The designated Child Protection Officer (CPO) will either discuss the situation with other committee members or if action is needed urgently provide the appropriate advise and action to be taken to the confidant. The designated CPO shall then inform the other committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation
•If the designated CPO cannot be contacted straight away seek urgent advise from Local Social Services, the police or The FA/NSPCC helpline. Contact details are given at the end of the Child Protection Report..
•Take action advised by these agencies including advise on contacting parents/carers.
•Inform the LHJFC committee members of the situation as soon as possible after the initial allegation
Lostock Hall Juniors Football Club Child Protection Officer.
Steven Galloway
33, Medway Close
Lostock Hall
Preston
Lancs
PR5 5AF
Tel. 01772 321762
Mobile 07971156870
The Lancashire Football Association
Tel. 01772 624000
FA/NSPCC Helpline.
Tel. 0808 800 5000
Social Services
Preston
155 Greenbank Street
Preston
PR1 7JS
Tel. 01772 404404
Brindle Road
Bamber Bridge
Preston
PR5 6UQ
Tel. 01772 904650
Out of office hours.
