Child Protection Policy

Contents

1. Objectives of the Leicester Falcons American Football Club

• 1.1 Introduction to the Leicester Falcons
• 1.2 Policy statement
• 1.3 Terms and abbreviations

2. Dealing with concerns and allegations about the welfare of a young person

• 2.1 Concerns about poor practice and possible abuse within a sport setting
• 2.2 Actions to take if a young person tells you they are being abused
• 2.3 Responding to previous abuse
• 2.4 Responding to suspicions or allegations of suspected abuse
• 2.5 Concerns about abuse in the home or other setting (outside sport)
• 2.6 Reporting procedures
• 2.7 Contact details for local organisations
• 2.8 Internal disciplinary enquiries and suspension
• 2.9 Support for the victim, accused and reporter
• 2.10 Informing parents
• 2.11 Records and confidentiality

3. Codes of practice and behaviour

• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Good practice
• 3.3 Poor practice
• 3.4 Guidance on physical contact
• 3.5 Indicators of abuse
• 3.6 Bullying
• 3.7 Action if bullying is suspected
• 3.8 Photography
• 3.9 Whistle-blowing Policy

4. Recruitment, selection and training

• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Recruitment
• 4.3 Application
• 4.4 Checks and references
• 4.5 Interview and induction
• 4.6 Training
• 4.7 Monitoring and appraisal
• 4.8 Complaints procedure

5. Implementation and monitoring

• 5.1 Implementation plan
• 5.2 Monitoring strategy
• 5.3 Further information

6. Appendix

• 6.1 Policies and Procedures
• 6.2 Codes of conduct
• 6.3 Forms
• 6.4 Points Of Information

1. Objectives of the Leicester Falcons American Football Club

1.1 Introduction to the Leicester Falcons American Football Club (LFAFC)
The LFAFC is committed to working in partnership with all agencies to ensure that information and training opportunities are available for all staff and volunteers to guide them in best practice when working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. Adopting best practice will help to safeguard young people and vulnerable adults from potential abuse as well as protecting staff, volunteers and other adults in positions of responsibility from potential false allegations of abuse.

The LFAFC recognises its evolving role as a key local club, and commits to providing advice and direction to our members and coaches. All partners wishing to enter work with LFAFC will be required to have sufficient safeguarding procedures (as described in this document) in place.

The welfare and safety of children and young people are the responsibility of everyone involved in sport at every level: whether you are an administrator, sports development officer, club official, coach, participant, parent or even a friend of a child. It’s up to all of us.

This policy applies to everyone working for the LFAFC whether paid, voluntary, full-time, part-time, or in ‘one-off’ employment (including contractors). The policy will be promoted to all parents, carers as well as coaches and professional sports and child protection staff in Leicestershire, through the medium of the website, and the production and circulation of this document.

1.2 Policy Statement – Every Child Matters
Children and young people have told us that five outcomes are key to well-being in childhood and later life – being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being. The Government’s ambition is to improve these outcomes for all children and to narrow the gap in outcomes between those who do well and those who do not.

These five outcomes are at the heart of the Children Act 2004, which provides the legislative foundation for the programme. The 2003 Green Paper Every Child Matters recognised that, in order to realise our ambition to improve outcomes, we need radical change in the whole system of Children’s Services including shifting from intervention to prevention and services working together more effectively.

The LFAFC will accept the moral and legal responsibility to provide a duty of care, safeguard welfare, and a right to protection from abuse, for young people, especially vulnerable groups, irrespective of age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religions belief or sexual identity.

The LFAFC will:

• Ensure an equitable sports programme is delivered that offers equal access to all within the Leicestershire area (Appendix G);
• Respect and promote the rights, wishes and feelings of young people and vulnerable adults;
• Recruit, train and supervise its volunteers to adopt best practice to safeguard and protect young people from abuse, and themselves against false allegations;
• Require staff and volunteers to adopt and abide by the LFAFC Code of Ethics and Conduct (Appendix H, Appendix I) and the Child Protection Policy and Procedures;
• Respond to any allegations appropriately and implement the appropriate disciplinary and appeals procedures.

The guidance given by the LFAFC will be based on the following principles:

• The welfare of young people, (the Children’s Act 1989 defines a young person as under 18 years of age) and vulnerable adults is the primary concern;
• All young people, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse;
• It is the responsibility of the child protection experts to determine whether or not abuse has taken place but it is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns;
• All incidents of suspicious poor practice and allegations should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately;
• All coaches coaching children are encouraged to complete sportscoachUK Safeguarding and Protecting Children training as part of the operating standards;
• Confidentiality should be upheld in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 (Appendix X) and Human Rights Act 1998.

The LFAFC also has a duty of care to ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable that;

• All volunteers work in a safe and supportive environment. (Appendix B)
• All volunteers are appropriately matched to volunteer placements. (Appendix B)

All LFAFC volunteers will need to:

• Complete a self-declaration form (Appendix S) and registration form before they start with the club.
• Complete a CRB check if they are over 18 and having contact with young people

1.3 Terms and Abbreviations
The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout this document:

• Anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be a child or young person.
• The term ‘young people’ also refers to players with disabilities and vulnerable adults.
• The term ‘parents’ is used as a generic term to represent parents, guardians and carers.

LSCB: Local Safeguarding Children’s Board
WO: Welfare Officer
NGB: National Governing Body
scUK: sports coach UK
LFAFC: Leicester Falcons American Football Club

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2. Dealing with Concerns and Allegations about the Welfare of a Young Person

2.1 Concerns about poor practice and possible abuse within a sport setting
Recent enquiries indicate that abuse that occurs within a public setting is rarely a one-off event. It is crucial that those involved in sport are aware of this possibility and that all allegations are treated seriously and appropriate actions taken. Allegations may also relate to poor practice where an adult or peer’s behaviour is inappropriate and may be causing concern to a young person (section 3.3).

If a young person says or indicates that he or she is being abused (by an adult or another child) or information is obtained which gives concern that a young person is being abused, immediate action should always be taken. As part of your role within the LFAFC, it is your responsibility to act upon any concerns that you may have, reporting such matters should never be delayed. It is, however, important to note that it is not your responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has or is taking place.

The following information sets out the LFAFC procedures if there are concerns that child abuse could be taking place. It is important to note that you have a responsibility to report allegations or suspicions of child abuse both inside and outside (e.g. at home) your sport setting.

2.2 Actions to take if a young person tells you they are being abused (in a sport setting)
The person receiving the information should:

• React calmly so as not to frighten the child;
• Thank the child and say that he or she was right to tell someone;
• Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a child who has a speech disability or differences in language;
• Keep questions to the absolute minimum to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said;
• Reassure the child but do not make promises of confidentiality, which might not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments;
• Make a full record of what has been said, heard or seen as soon as possible (Appendix U)
• Report to LFAFC WO who will inform outside agencies of alleged abuse, as necessary (Appendix V)

Actions to Avoid - The person receiving the disclosure should not:

• Panic;
• Allow their shock or distaste to show;
• Probe for more information than is offered;
• Speculate or make assumptions;
• Make negative comments about the alleged abuser;
• Approach the alleged abuser;
• Make promises or agree to keep secrets.
• Non-action is not an option

N.B. It can be more difficult for some children to disclose abuse than for others. Children from ethnic minorities may have regularly experienced racism, which may lead them to believe ‘white people’, including those in authority roles, do not really care about their well-being. Disabled children and vulnerable adults will have to overcome additional barriers before feeling they can disclose abuse. They may rely on their abuser for regular care and not know of alternative sources of care or residence. The abuse may be the only attention or affection they have experienced. Communication difficulties may mean that it is hard for them to complain or to be understood.

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2.3 Responding to previous abuse
Allegations of abuse may be made some time after the event (e.g. by an adult who was abused as a child, or by a member of staff or volunteer who is still currently working with children). Where such an allegation is made, the LFAFC will follow the procedures as detailed in Section 2.2 and report the matter to the Children’s Services or the Police. This is because other children, either within or outside sport, may be at risk from this person. Anyone who has a previous criminal conviction for offences related to abuse is automatically excluded from working with children. This is reinforced by the details of the Protection of Children Act 1999.

2.4 Responding to suspicions or allegations of suspected abuse
Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be reported to the LFAFC WO, who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.

• The LFAFC WO will refer the allegation to Children’s Services (out-of-hours services are available) who may involve the Police, or go directly to the Police;
• The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the Children’s Services department;
• The LFAFC WO will deal with any media enquiries in conjunction with LFAFC General Manager;
• It is essential to ensure the safety of the young person (if present) – if the young person needs immediate medical treatment, call a doctor or an ambulance, inform doctors of concerns or suspicions of abuse to ensure that they are aware that it is a child protection issue;
• Make a full record of what has been said, heard or seen as soon as possible (Appendix U)
• Report to LFAFC WO who will inform outside agencies of alleged abuse, where necessary (Appendix V)

While all staff and volunteers working for the LFAFC are encouraged to receive training on issues of child protection, they are not experts, and it is not their responsibility to determine whether or not abuse has taken place. If there is any doubt about whether or not the alleged behaviour constitutes abuse, the concern must be shared with professional agencies that will be responsible for subsequent action (see Section 2.2).

2.5 Concerns about abuse in the home or other setting (outside sport)

The person receiving the information should:

• React calmly so as not to frighten the child;
• Thank the child and say that he or she was right to tell;
• Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what is said by a child who has a speech disability or differences in language;
• Keep questions to the absolute minimum to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said;
• Reassure the child but do not make promises of confidentiality, which might not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments; Make a full record of what has been said, heard or seen as soon as possible (Appendix U)

Actions to Avoid - The person receiving the disclosure should not:

• Panic;
• Allow their shock or distaste to show;
• Probe for more information than is offered;
• Speculate or make assumptions;
• Make negative comments about the alleged abuser;
• Approach the alleged abuser;
• Make promises or agree to keep secrets;
• Non-action is not an option in child protection.

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2.6 Reporting procedures

Information passed to the Children’s Services department or the Police must be as helpful as possible and it may be used in any subsequent legal action, hence the necessity for making a detailed record. The report (Appendix U) should contain the following information:

• The young person’s name, address and date of birth, ethnicity and disability (if appropriate);
• The nature of the allegation;
• The child’s account, if it can be given, of what has happened and how any bruising or other injuries occurred;
• A description of any visible bruising or other injuries;
• Any observations that have been made by you or to you;
• Any times, locations, dates or other relevant information;
• A clear distinction between what is fact, opinion or hearsay;
• Your knowledge of and relationship to the young person;
• Information and details of the abuser, where possible;
• Referrals to Children’s Services should be confirmed in writing within 24 hours;
• Keep a record of the name and designations of the Children’s Services member of staff or Police Officer to whom concerns were passed and record the time and date of call, in case any follow-up is needed. (Appendix U, Appendix V)

2.7 Contact details for local organisations
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000
NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) 0116 234 7278 cpsu@nspcc.org.uk
Leicester City Social Care 0116 252 7004
Emergency number 0116 255 1606
Web site www.lscb-llr.org.uk
Leicestershire Police 0116 222 2222
(see Appendix V for more details)

2.8 Internal disciplinary enquiries and suspension
All allegations or suspicions will be passed from the LFAFC management to statutory organisations such as Children’s Services and the Police for them to investigate whether a child protection or criminal issue has taken place. From the point a concern is raised, the accused will be notified and temporarily suspended. If child abuse or a criminal action has taken place, Children’s Services and the Police will deal with the issue until its end.

If the statutory organisation assesses the alleged child abuse to be poor practice, the matter will then be referred back to the LFAFC to continue the enquiry if necessary and appropriate.

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2.9 Support for the victim, accused and reporter
The LFAFC:

• Acknowledges the difficulty in reporting concerns and will fully support and protect anyone who, in good faith (without malicious intent), reports his or her concern about a colleague’s practice or concerns about the welfare of a young person;
• Will take appropriate steps to assist that the victim (and parents) and advise where to get appropriate professional support;

2.10 Informing parents
There is always a commitment to work in partnership with parents or carers where there are concerns about their children. Therefore, in most situations, it would be important to talk to parents or carers to help clarify any initial concerns (e.g. if a child seems withdrawn, there may be a reasonable explanation such as family upset or parental separation, divorce or bereavement). However, there are circumstances in which a young person might be placed at even greater risk if concerns are shared (e.g. where a parent or carer may be responsible for the abuse or not able to respond to the situation appropriately). In these situations or where concerns still exist, any suspicion, allegation or incident of abuse must be reported to the LFAFC WO as soon as possible and recorded. Information regarding suspicions, allegations or incidents of abuse will usually be passed to parents by statutory organisations such as the Children’s Services or the Police.

2.11 Records and confidentiality
Confidentiality should be maintained at all times.
Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people:

• The LFAFC WO
• The designated person in charge;
• The parents of the person who is alleged to have been abused;
• The person making the allegation;
• Social services and police;
• Designated officers within the governing body of sport e.g. Legal Adviser, Lead Child Protection Officer,
• The alleged abuser; - Seek Children’s Services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser.
• Parents of the abuser, (if the alleged abuser is a child)

Information should be stored in a secure cabinet at the LFAFC in line with data protection laws (e.g. that information is accurate, regularly updated, relevant, proportionate and secure), with access available only to the LFAFC management.

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3. Codes of Practice and Behaviour

3.1 Introduction
To provide young people with the best possible American Football experience and opportunity in Leicester, it is imperative that everyone operates within an acceptable ethical framework and demonstrates exemplary behaviour (Appendix H, Appendix I, Appendix J, Appendix K). This not only ensures that the LFAFC makes a positive contribution to the development of young people and safeguards their welfare, but also help to protect all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.

This section will help you to identify what good and poor practice means as well as some of the indicators of possible abuse. If you are concerned about the welfare of any young person, or have any issues around poor practice or possible abuse, please follow procedures set out in Section 2.

3.2 Good Practices
LFAFC approaches the subject of Good Practice with the coach, official, volunteer or supervising adult in mind. All personnel representing the Club should demonstrate exemplary behaviour when delivering an activity, to ensure the well-being of the children, young people or vulnerable adults participating and also to protect themselves from false allegations.

The LFAFC promotes the following good practice principles:

• Always work in an open environment, avoiding private or unobserved situations and encourage openness (e.g. no secrets);
• Maintain a safe and appropriate distance with performers (e.g. it is not appropriate to share a room with a child);
• Treat all young people and vulnerable adults equally, and with respect and dignity;
• Always put the welfare of the young people first, before winning or achieving goals;
• Make sport fun, enjoyable and promote fair play;
• Ensure that if any form of manual or physical support for young people is required, it is provided openly and according to guidelines provided by the NGB. Care is needed, as it is difficult to maintain hand positions when the child is constantly moving. Young people should always be consulted and their agreement gained. See Section 3.4 for Guidance on Physical Contact.
• Ensure all disciplinary measures/sanctions are non-violent and do not involve humiliating children and young people.
• Where applicable, hold up to date qualifications and insurance cover for American Football coaching/participation/volunteering;
• Promote and encourage training relating to their positions within LFAFC, in particular in relation to Safeguarding and Protecting Children.
• Involve parents and carers wherever possible (e.g. for the responsibility of their children in the changing rooms). If groups have to be supervised in the changing rooms, always ensure supervising adults work in pairs;
• Ensure that if mixed teams are taken away, a male and female member of staff should always accompany them N.B. However, same gender abuse can also occur;
• Ensure that at tournaments, matches or training, adults should not enter children’s rooms or invite children into their rooms;
• Do not transport young people in your car or vehicle except in an emergency (for which parental consent must be obtained);
• Be an excellent role model – this includes not smoking or drinking alcohol in the company of young people;
• Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism;
• Keep a written record of any injury that occurs, along with the details of treatment given; (Appendix R)
• Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of young people and vulnerable adults – avoid excessive training or competition and do not push them against their will;
• Secure parental consent in writing to acting in loco parentis prior to the young person taking part in any sporting activity. A participation registration form should be completed and signed agreeing to parental consent regarding issues around administration of emergency first aid and other medical treatment, transport, physical contact and photography (Appendix O, Appendix P).
• It is recommended that, a minimum of two coaches, a head coach and an assistant coach deliver all coaching activity. If this is not possible, head coaches are encouraged to employ the help of parents or helpers to ensure they do not work in isolation;
• Always ensure you have emergency contact details and are aware of any medical requirements of each child participating; (Appendix P)

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3.3 Poor Practice
Poor practice includes any behaviour that contravenes the above principles and the LFAFC Code(s) of Ethics and Conduct (Appendix H, Appendix I, Appendix J, Appendix K), which is constituted around the following:

• Rights – for example of the participant, the parent, the coach or the official;
• Responsibilities – for example the responsibility to set an example, for the welfare of the players, the sport, and their own development;
• Respect – for example to participants, opponents, officials and their decisions, coaches, the rules.

3.4 Guidance on Physical Contact
Many sports by their nature require a degree of physical contact between adults and young people. Physical contact can be used appropriately to instruct, encourage, protect or comfort. The aims of guidelines relating to physical contact are to provide adults and young people with appropriate types of and contexts for touching.

Physical contact between adults and young people should only be used when the aim is to:

• Develop sports skills or techniques;
• Treat an injury;
• Prevent an injury;
• Safety reasons;
• Meet the requirements of the particular sport.

Physical contact should:

• Not involve touching genital areas;
• Meet the need of the young person and not the need of the adult;
• Be fully explained to the young person and, with the exception of an emergency, permission should be sought via written parental consent;
• Not take place in secret or out of sight of others

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3.5 Indicators of Abuse
Abuse can happen wherever there are young people, and young people and vulnerable adults of any age can be abused. The effects of abuse can be so damaging and if untreated, they may follow a person into adulthood. For example, a person who has been abused as a child may find it difficult or impossible to maintain stable, trusting relationships may become involved with drugs or prostitution, attempt suicide or even abuse a child in the future.

Indications that a child may be being abused include the following:

• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns, particularly if situated on a part of the body not normally prone to such injuries;
• An injury for which the explanation seems inconsistent;
• The child describes what appears to be an abusive act involving him or her;
• Someone else (a child or adult) expresses concern about the welfare of another child;
• Unexplained changes in behaviour (e.g. becoming very quiet, withdrawn or displaying sudden outbursts of temper);
• Inappropriate sexual awareness;
• Engaging in sexually explicit behaviour;
• Distrust of adults, particularly those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected;
• Has difficulty in making friends;
• Is prevented from socialising with other children;
• Displays variations in eating patterns including overeating or loss of appetite;
• Loses weight for no apparent reason;
• Becomes increasingly dirty or unkempt.

3.5.1 Abuse of disabled children and young people

N.B. It is not the responsibility of those working in sport to decide that child abuse is occurring but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns (Section 2).

Some disabled children and young people are mentally or physically more vulnerable than others, which could make it easier for abusers to exploit them. They may also find it more difficult to recognise and report abuse, and to be believed. For example, if their disability means that they:

• Have limited life experiences and so have not developed the social skills needed to work out what the behaviour and attitudes of others mean. This could make them less able to understand what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour;
• Have been encouraged to comply with other people’s wishes and not to question authority figures;
• Are afraid to challenge potentially abusive situations because of fear of the consequences. It is often easier to be compliant and pleasing rather than risk angering an authority figure and getting into trouble;
• May not be able to report abuse either because there is no-one they can report it to or because they do not have the appropriate language to use;
• May not be able to recognise that abuse has taken place;
• Feel powerless because they have to depend on others for personal support;
• May not be able to physically remove themselves from abusive situations;
• Are not believed because their authority figures cannot accept that anyone would abuse a disabled child;
• May not have anybody they can trust and confide in;
• May feel guilt or shame about the abuse which prevents them from reporting it;
• May not have a sense of ownership of their own bodies because they are so used to being examined physically by others as part of their medical and physical care;
• Have low self-esteem and a poor self-image.

Children from black and minority ethnic groups (and their parents) are likely to have experienced harassment, racial discrimination and institutional racism. Although racism causes significant harm it is not, in itself, a category of abuse. All organisations working with children (including those operating where black and minority ethnic communities are numerically small) should address institutional racism, as defined in the MacPherson Inquiry Report on Stephen Lawrence as ‘the collective failure by an organisation to provide appropriate and professional service to people on account of their race, culture and or religion’.

N.B. It is important to remember that anyone may be a potential abuser. This includes men, women, young people, carers, guardians, coaches or parents.

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3.6 Bullying
LFAFC are committed to fighting Bullying in all its form and with stringently implement our Anti-bullying policy (Appendix A).

It is important to recognise that in some cases of abuse, it may not always be an adult abusing a young person. It can occur that the abuser may be a young person, for example in the case of bullying. Bullying may be seen as deliberately hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those bullied to defend themselves.

Examples of a bully include:

• A parent who pushes too hard;
• A coach who adopts a win-at-all costs philosophy;
• A player who intimidates inappropriately;
• A young person making fun of another young person;
• An official who places unfair pressure on a person.

Bullying can include:

• Physical: e.g. hitting, kicking, theft;
• Verbal: e.g. name-calling, threats, racist or homophobic taunts;
• Emotional: e.g. tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating and ignoring;
• Sexual: e.g. unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.

N.B. It is important to note that bullying via mobile phone and email is also possible and commonplace among young people

Although anyone can be a target for bullying, victims are typically shy, sensitive and perhaps anxious or insecure. Sometimes they are singled out for physical reasons – being overweight, having a disability or belonging to a different race or culture.

Although bullying with young people often takes place in schools, research shows it can and does occur anywhere where there is inadequate supervision e.g. during playtime, in the changing rooms, in sport.

The damage inflicted by bullying can frequently be underestimated. It can cause considerable distress to children, young people and vulnerable adults. There are a number of signs that may indicate that a young person or vulnerable adult is being bullied:
• Behavioural changes such as reduced concentration or becoming withdrawn, clingy, depressed, tearful, emotionally up and down, reluctance to go to school, training or sports club;
• A drop off in performance at school or standard of play;
• Physical signs such as stomach aches, headaches, difficulty in sleeping, bed-wetting, scratching and bruising, damaged clothes and bingeing for example on food, cigarettes or alcohol;
• A shortage of money or frequent loss of possessions.
N.B. It is not the responsibility of those working in sport to decide that child abuse or bullying is occurring, but it is their responsibility to act on any concerns (Section 2). All poor practice issues that arise including issues of physical contact and bullying will be dealt with through internal disciplinary procedures.

3.7 Action if Bullying is Suspected
Action to help the victim and prevent bullying:

• Take all signs of bullying very seriously
• Encourage all children, young people and vulnerable adults to speak to share their concerns. Help victims speak out and tell the person in charge by creating an open environment
• Investigate all allegations and take action to ensure the victim is safe. Speak with the victim and bully(ies) separately
• Reassure the victim that you can be trusted and will help them, although you cannot promise to tell no one else
• Keep records of what is said (what happened, by whom, when)
• Report any concerns to the person in charge at the club (or wherever the bullying is occurring)

Action towards the bully (if it is another child):

• Talk with the bully, explain the situation and try to get them to understand the consequences of their behaviour. Seek an apology to the victim
• Inform the bully’s parents
• Impose sanctions as necessary
• Encourage and support the bully(ies) to change behaviour
• Inform all organisation members of action taken
• Keep a written record of action taken

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3.8 Photography
LFAFC is committed to providing a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults. Part of this commitment is to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect young people and vulnerable adults from the inappropriate use of their images in resource and media publications, on the Internet and elsewhere.

There is evidence that some people have used sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of young and disabled sports people in vulnerable positions. The Leicester Falcons, therefore, requires that all personnel adhere to the appropriate guidelines.

Photographs can be used as a means of identifying children and young people when they are accompanied with personal information, for example, - this is X who is a member of Leicester Falcons who likes M&M and supports Manchester United.
This information can make a child vulnerable to an individual who may wish to start to "groom" that child for abuse.

Secondly, the content of the photo can be used or adapted for inappropriate use.

When assessing the potential risks in the use of images of players, the most important factor is the potential of inappropriate use of images of children.

3.8.1 Key Concerns
There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to young people and vulnerable adults through the use of photographs on web sites and other publications. By adopting the points highlighted in these guidelines, we will be putting into place the best possible practice to protect children and young people wherever and whenever photographs and recorded images are taken and stored.

The following guidelines focus on the following key areas:

• The publishing of photographic and/or recorded images of children and young people
• The use of photographic filming equipment at events
• The use of video equipment as a coaching aid

And adopt the following key principles:

• The interests and welfare of children taking part in sport are paramount
• Parents, carers and children have a right to decide whether children’s images are to be taken, and how those images may be used
• Images should convey the best principles and aspects of sport, such as fairness and fun
• Care should be taken to ensure that images are not sexual or exploitative in nature, nor open to obvious misinterpretation and misuse
• Images should only be taken by authorised persons, as agreed in the protocol for a particular event
• All images of children should be securely stored
• In the case of images used on web-sites, particular care must be taken to ensure that no identifying details facilitate contact with a child by a potential abuser

3.8.2 Publishing Images

• If the player is named, avoid using their photograph
• If a photograph is used, avoid naming the player. NEVER publish personal details (email addresses, telephone numbers, addresses etc) of a child/young person
• Only use images of players in suitable dress (Tracksuit, on court clothing i.e. T-shirt/shorts/skirt, off court clothing) to reduce the risk of inappropriate use
• Try to focus on the activity rather than a particular child and where possible use photographs that represent the broad range of children and young people taking part in sport.
• Ensure that images reflect positive aspects of children’s involvement in sport (enjoyment/competition etc)

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3.8.3 Use of Photographic Filming Equipment at Sports Events
LFAFC does not want to prevent carers or other spectators being able to take legitimate photographs or video footage of competitors. However, there is evidence that certain individuals will visit sporting events to take inappropriate photographs or video footage of children and young people. Everyone should be vigilant about this possibility. Any concerns during an event should be reported to a LFAFC committee member.

3.8.4 Registration
A Photography Authorisation Form (Appendix T) should be made to the event organiser who will issue an identification pass giving an individual the authority to take photographs or video footage of children and young people at a particular nominated event.

3.8.5 Press and Official Photographers
When commissioning a photographer or inviting the press to an event, it is important that they understand LFAFC’s expectations of them in relation to child protection.

LFAFC will:

• Inform players and carers that a photographer will be in attendance at an event
• Ensure that a system is introduced to ensure that press photographers are made aware of those people who have requested their images not to be taken
• Provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour
• Issue the photographer with identification, which must be worn at all times
• Do not allow one to one photo sessions at events
• Do not approve/ allow photo sessions outside the events or at a players home

If carers or other spectators are intending to photograph or video at an event they should also be made aware of your expectations:

• Carers and spectators should be asked to register at an event if they wish to use photographic equipment including mobile phones with photographic technology
• Players and spectators should be informed that if they have concerns they can report these to a committee member
• Concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to a committee member or official, and recorded in the same manner as any other child protection concern

3.8.6 Videoing as a coaching aid
Video can be a legitimate coaching aid for sports coaches. However, if it is to be used make sure that children and their parents/carers have given written consent, and understand that it is part of the coaching programme. Make sure that the films are then stored safely.

3.9 Whistle-blowing Policy
This procedure enables staff and volunteers to share (Appendix F), in confidence with the LFAFC General Manager, Welfare Officer or other sport-specific officer responsible for coaches, concerns they may have about a colleague’s behaviour. This may be behaviour not linked to child abuse but that pushes the boundaries beyond acceptable limits. If this is consistently ignored a culture may develop within an organisation whereby staff and young people are ‘silenced’.

The LFAFC supports and will provide protection for ‘whistle-blowers’. While it is often difficult to express concerns about colleagues, it is important that these concerns are communicated to the designated person. Staff and volunteers should be encouraged to talk to the designated person if they become aware of anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

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4. Recruitment, Selection and Training

4.1 Introduction
The LFAFC will ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with young people and vulnerable adults. Therefore, the following steps should be taken when recruiting paid staff or volunteers either full-time, part-time, or ‘one-off’ employees.

4.2 Recruitment
Recruitment checks should always be carried out with any person working with, or intending to work with young people and disabled adults. Listed below are the recruitment checks that should always be carried out: -

Advertising - If any form of advertising is used to recruit staff, it should reflect the:

• Aims of the LFAFC and where appropriate, the particular programme involved;
• Responsibilities of the role;
• Level of experience and qualifications required (e.g. experience of working with children and in what role is an advantage);
• The LFAFC ’s open and positive stance on child protection.

Pre-application information sent to interested or potential applicants should contain:

• A job description including roles and responsibilities;
• A person specification (e.g. stating qualifications or experience required);
• An application form.

4.3 Application
All applicants whether for paid or voluntary, full- or part-time positions should complete an application and self-declaration form (Appendix R) which should elicit the following information:

• Name, address and National Insurance Number (to confirm identity and right to work);
• Relevant experience, qualifications and training undertaken;
• Listing of past career or involvement in sport (to confirm experience and identify any gaps);
• Any criminal record, including convictions, cautions and formal warnings; (where judged necessary)
• Whether the applicants are known to any Children’s Services department as being an actual or potential risk to children or young people, a self-disclosure question to establish whether they have ever had action taken against them in relation to child abuse, sexual offences or violence;
• The names of at least two people (not relatives) willing to provide written references that comment on the applicant’s previous experience of, and suitability for, working with children and young people (previous employer);
• Any former involvement with the sport;
• The applicant’s consent to criminal record checks being undertaken if necessary;
• The applicant’s commitment to abide by the LFAFC and NGB Code(s) of Ethics and Conduct. (Appendix H, Appendix I, Appendix L, Appendix M, Appendix N)

The form should also state that failure to disclose information or subsequent failure to conform to the relevant Code(s) of Conduct and Ethics (Appendix H, Appendix I, Appendix L, Appendix M, Appendix N) will result in disciplinary action and possible exclusion from the organisation.

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4.4 Checks and References
A minimum of two written references should be taken up and, where possible, at least one should be associated with former work with children and young people. If an applicant has no experience of working with children, training is strongly recommended. Written references should always be followed up and confirmed by telephone. A self-declaration form (Appendix S) should also be completed by all personnel and will be kept by the LFAFC. All volunteers working within or for the LFAFC will also be required to produce a completed volunteer reference form.

4.5 Interview and Induction
All employees, and where possible volunteers, will be required to undergo an interview carried out to acceptable protocol and recommendations. All employees and volunteers should receive a formal or informal induction meeting in which:

• Their qualifications are substantiated;
• The expectations, roles and responsibilities of the job are clearly clarified;
• They sign up to the LFAFC and NGB Code of Ethics and Conduct; (Appendix H, Appendix I, Appendix L, Appendix M, Appendix N)
• They sign up to the LFAFC and NGB Equity Statement; (Appendix G)
• The LFAFC child protection procedures are explained and training needs established.

4.6 Training
Appropriate training will need to be identified and implemented to enable individuals to recognise their responsibilities with regard to their own good practice and the reporting of suspected poor practice or concerns of possible abuse.
All coaches working on behalf of the LFAFC are recommended to attend the training courses outlined below. It is also recommended that all other individuals working with children must be up to date or receive training by attendance at the following courses: -

• ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children’ – scUK workshop;
• First Aid (recognised by Health and Safety Executive e.g. ‘An Appointed Persons First Aid’, St John or St Andrew’s Ambulance First Aid qualifications);
• ‘Equity in Your Coaching’ - scUK workshop;
• ‘How to Coach Disabled People in Sport’ - scUK workshop.
• BAFCA Level 1 – British American Football Coaches Association short course

4.7 Monitoring and Appraisal
At regular intervals (or following a programme), all staff or volunteers should be given the opportunity to receive formal feedback (e.g. through meetings) to identify training needs and set new goals. Managers should be sensitive to any concerns about poor practice or abuse and act on them at an early stage. They should also offer appropriate support to those who report concerns or make complaints (Appendix F). All staff and volunteers should also be given the opportunity to provide feedback on any events and work carried out and the provision made to safeguard children and the practice of all those involved. This will be completed through the ‘pre-activity checklist’ and the ‘end of session coach feedback forms’ completed by the coaches and returned to the LFAFC management.

4.8 Complaints Procedure
All LFAFC staff whether paid, voluntary, full-time, part-time, or ‘one-off’ employees should follow the clubs code(s) of conduct and ethics (Appendix H, Appendix I, Appendix L, Appendix M, Appendix N). If there is a breach of any code of conduct or of LFAFC policy, there are processes in place to deal with this. The LFAFC Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures (Appendix D, Appendix E) and Disclosure procedures (Appendix F) will be used to deal with any formal complaints made against LFAFC staff and volunteers. Where a complaint constitutes child abuse, specific disciplinary procedures will be followed.

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5. Implementation and Monitoring

5.1 Implementation plan
If the LFAFC policy and procedures are to be effective, they need to be integrated into current practice and implemented in a planned and staged way, which will involve:

• The dissemination of the LFAFC Child Protection message so that it reaches and influences all related sporting organisations to safeguard the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults in sport;
• Operating sound recruitment procedures for paid and voluntary staff;
• Identifying and enabling the appropriate child protection training for staff;
• Remaining updated with legislation related to child protection;
• Measuring the impact of the policy and procedures on an annual basis.

5.2 Monitoring Strategy
Monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the Child Protection Policy is a crucial part of the process and the LFAFC will attempt to evaluate levels of awareness and knowledge, perceptions and attitudes, behaviour and skills as well as incidents and processes. The LFAFC management will be responsible for reviewing the policy on an annual basis, however other procedures may include monitoring:

• The number of allegations made and breakdown of the number of cases, poor practice and abuse incidents;
• The number of recommendations made for training programmes;
• Feedback from members on the implementation of the policy;
• Feedback from young people through the participant feedback form;
• The number of personnel trained in child protection awareness.

N.B. It is essential to monitor and update the implementation plan annually to keep child protection high on the sporting agenda.

5.3 Further information

If you have any comments or queries, please contact the LFAFC Management team

Leicester Falcons American Football Club
10 Malvern Rd
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7DG
0115 9749803
www.leicesterfalcons.co.uk

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6. Appendix

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