CLAPHAM RANGERS FC POLICIES

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Clapham Rangers Football Club 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 defined as anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s safeguarding and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.

The key principles of Clapham Ranger’s FC safeguarding policy are:

  • The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
  • All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation
  • All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
  • Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.
  • We acknowledge 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. Clapham Rangers recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club
  1. Clapham Rangers has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s safeguarding regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteers, match officials, helpers on club tours, football coaches, club officials or medical staff.
  2. We endorse and adopt The FA’s Child Protection and Best Practice Guidelines for Recruiting Volunteers and will –
  • Develop a role profile
  • Request identification documents
  • As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
  • Request and follow up with two references before appointing
  • Require an FA DBS where appropriate in line with FA guidelines
  • All current Clapham Rangers members with direct access to children and young people will be required to complete a DBS via The FA DBS Unit and attend a 3 hour ‘Safeguarding Workshop’ delivered by an FA Tutor
  • If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Clapham Rangers, guidance will be sought from The Football Association
  • It is noted and accepted that Clapham Rangers will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via The FA DBS Unit and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.
  • It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.
  1. Clapham Rangers supports the FA’s ‘whistle-blowing’ policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can contact The FA Child Protection Manager on 0844 980 8001 or by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, Wembley Stadium, Wembley, London HA9 OWS or by going direct to the police, social services or the NSPCC.
  2. Clapham Rangers encourages everyone to know about the policy and utilise it if necessary.
  3. Clapham rangers has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the child protection and best practice workshop. The post holder will be involved with designated person’s training provided by The FA. The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. They will liaise directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a pro-active role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.
  4. We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the Child Welfare Officer, a member of the committee or, in cases of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.
  5. Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by Clapham Rangers. In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances. All prospective members will be informed of these codes.
  6. Further advice on safeguarding matters can be obtained from:
  • The County Football Association’s Safeguarding Officer, whose details can be found in the County Handbook
  • The Football Association or NSPCC Child Protection
  • 24-Hour Helpline – 0808 800 5000
  • TheFA.com/Goal
  • The FA safeguarding team on 0844 980 8001

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Clapham Rangers FC is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the Club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally.

Our commitment at Clapham Rangers FC is to eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, age, marital status and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, religion or belief, or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

Equal opportunity at Clapham Rangers FC means that in all our activities we will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably because of their sex, sexual orientation, race, age, marital status and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, religion or belief or disability. This includes:

  • The advertisement for volunteers
  • The selection of candidates for volunteers
  • Courses
  • External coaching and education activities and awards
  • Football development activities
  • Selection for teams
  • Appointments to honorary positions.

Clapham Rangers FC will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

Clapham Rangers FC is committed to the development of the programme of on-going training and awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation and in the wider context within football as a whole.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

Clapham Rangers FC is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and those involved with Clapham Rangers FC such as coaches, volunteers or members. Clapham Rangers FC requires all such individuals of whatever level or authority to abide and adhere to this general principle and the requirements of the Equality Act, 2010. The following is prohibited:

  • Treating any individual less favourably than others because of their sex, sexual orientation, race, age, marital status and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, or disability (“the Characteristics”).
  • Expecting an individual to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different to the requirements for others because of their Characteristic(s).
  • Imposing on an individual requirements which are in effect more onerous on that individual to comply with because of their Characteristic(s) than it is on others who do not have that Characteristic(s). For example, this would include applying a condition (which is not warranted by the requirements of the position) which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.
  • Victimisation of an individual because they made a protected act. A protected act includes making a complaint that a person has contravened the Equality Act 2010 or bringing proceedings under the Equality Act 2010.
  • Harassment of an individual which involves engaging in unwanted conduct related to a Characteristic(s) and the conduct has the purpose or effect of violating that individual’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.
  • Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely because of a member’s Characteristic(s). Thus, in all of Clapham Rangers FC’s recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary matters etc. – in other words all instances where those in control of members are required to make judgements between them – it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.

Clapham Rangers FC will investigate claims of discrimination, victimisation or harassment on the above grounds and take any necessary action required.

As discrimination, victimisation or harassment is against Clapham Ranger FC’s policy, any members in breach of this policy may be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Clapham Rangers FC (the “Club”) is committed to a safe environment for all players, volunteers (all levels) and coaches. It will promote standards of health, safety and welfare within football and will ensure compliance with all relevant statutory provisions. The Club will ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out, that procedures and safe systems are implemented in accordance with all current statutory provisions and that all reasonable and practical measures are taken to avoid risk. Safe practices will be adopted and continuous improvement will be sought through regular audits and reviews.

Appropriate instruction and training will be provided together with adequate resources to ensure that the successful management of health and safety is carried out within the Club and that this policy is collectively implemented. This policy together with arrangements and procedures, will be reviewed regularly and revised and updated as necessary.

To support our Health & Safety Policy statement we are committed to the following duties:

  • Undertake regular, recorded risk assessment of the activities undertaken by the Club
  • Create a safe environment by putting health and safety measures in place as identified by the assessment
  • Ensure that all members are given the appropriate level of training and competition by regularly assessing individual ability dependant on maturity, age and development
  • Ensure that all members are aware of, understand and follow the Club’s health and safety policy
  • Appoint a competent Club member to assist with health and safety responsibilities
  • Ensure that accident procedures and reporting requirements are in place and known by all members
  • Goalposts are erected and maintained in accordance with Football Association Guidelines
  • Any equipment used during training and official matches is well maintained and fit for purpose
  • Provide access to adequate first aid facilities, telephone and ensure that a qualified first aider is in attendance at matches
  • Report any injuries or accidents sustained during any Club activity that are not minor
  • Ensure that the implementation of the policy is reviewed regularly and monitored for effectiveness.

AS A CLUB MEMBER YOU HAVE A DUTY TO:

  • Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do
  • Co-operate with the club on health and safety issues
  • Correctly use all equipment provided by the Club
  • Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

ACCIDENT PROCEDURE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENT POLICY

Should a member of the Club require first aid treatment a first aider should be summoned by the quickest available means. A qualified first aider will be in attendance at all matches.

Minor Injury (i.e. small cut, bumps, grazes, bruises):

  1. Take appropriate first aid action.
  2. Make provision for the injured person to rest or continue as appropriate.
  3. Record any incident or injury and complete the accident book / form.

Major Injury:

  1. Arrange for injured person to be taken to hospital or ring for an ambulance. Use your discretion as to whether to administer First Aid.
  2. Telephone the next of kin.
  3. Record any incident or injury and complete the accident book / form.

When contacting the emergency services remember to:

  • Keep calm and speak clearly.
  • Give your name and state the service you require.
  • Give your full name and telephone number and the full address / location of the club/ facility / pitch.
  • Location, details and time of the accident / incident.
  • Number of casualties and their condition together with details of any treatment being administered or which has already been given.
  • Access point for ambulance.
  • Someone should be instructed to meet the ambulance which will aid the medics to reach the casualty as quickly as possible.

Should an actual or alleged assault incident take place, the senior club official available should be informed. Witnesses’ names and addresses should be taken. Follow the same procedure as above for injuries and if necessary also summon the police service. An incident report form should also be completed.

ADVICE FOR COACHES / PARENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

  • Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation
  • Assess the scene. Is there danger of further injury? If so, ensure that the danger is reduced/ removed
  • Listen to what the injured person is saying
  • Alert the first aider who should take appropriate action for minor injuries
  • In the event of an injury requiring specialist treatment, call the emergency services.
  • Deal with the rest of the group and ensure that they are adequately supervised.
  • Do not move someone with major injuries
  • Wait for the emergency services
  • Contact the injured person’s parent/carer
  • Complete accident / incident report form

SAFETY BRIEFING FOR JUNIOR MEMBERS

It is important to brief members of their responsibilities for protecting themselves and others against injury or harm. They should be encouraged to enjoy the sessions without being subject to risk. Ensure that all participants:

  • Wear the correct football clothing e.g. boots on grass, astro-boots on astro turf and not trainers
  • Wear the correct protective clothing e.g. shin pads
  • All clothing and protective clothing fits correctly and laces are done up properly
  • Remove all jewellery, chewing gum etc.
  • Are familiar with the environment in which they are playing, point out any potential hazards or obstructions
  • Report any damage to equipment to the person in charge
  • Warm up so they are ready for exercise
  • Always listen to instruction
  • Always bring a drink to every session
  • Wear sun cream in hot weather
  • Ensure that you stretch adequately after the training session or match

INJURY / INCIDENT REPORT FORM

TO BE FILLED IN BY THE COACH / INDIVIDUAL IN CHARGE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT

Coach / Individual’s Name:

 

Address:

 

Telephone Number:

 

About the Injured Person:

 

Full Name:

 

Address:

 

Telephone Number:

 

Gender:

 

Age:

 

About the Incident:

 

Activity taking place at the time of the Incident:

 

Date & Time of Incident:

 

Place of Incident:

 

Description of Incident:

 

Action Taken:

 

Action taken by Coach:

 

Were the emergency services called (if yes, provide details):

 

Action taken by Doctor or Nurse (if appropriate):

 

Diagnosis:

 

 

Signatures:

 

Signature of Coach / Club Rep:

 

 

Signature of Casualty / Member Parent (if possible):

 

 

Signature of Witness 1:

 

 

Name and address of Witness 1:

 

 

 

Signature of Witness 2:

 

 

Name and address of Witness 2: