Child Protection Policy

Stenhousemuir Football Club - Young People First

The following is a copy of the Stenhousemuir FC Young People First booklet, given to all coaches when they receive their vetting form.   It consists of a Code of Behaviour for adults involved in Football Coaching, and advice on handling matters of suspected or alleged abuse.

A code of good practice for Adults in Football Coaching

It is the policy of Stenhousemuir Football Club to safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting them from physical, sexual, and emotional harm.

Code of behaviour

Do     put the “Stenhousemuir FC Young People First” guidance into practice
Do     treat everyone with respect
Do     plan activities which involve more than one other person being present, or at least which are within sight or hearing of others
Do     respect a young person’s right to personal privacy
Do     have separate sleeping accommodation for coaches and young people
Do     provide access for younger people to talk to others about any concerns they may have
Do     encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like
Do     avoid situations that compromise your relationship with young people and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust (e.g. relationship between a coach and a young person over the age of consent)
Do     remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned
Do     recognise that caution is required even in sensitive moments of counselling, such as when dealing with bullying, bereavement or abuse

Code of behaviour

Do NOT     permit abusive youth peer activities (e.g. initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying)
Do NOT     have any inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others
Do NOT     jump to conclusions about others without checking facts
Do NOT     allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums or crushes
Do NOT     exaggerate or trivialise child-abuse issues
Do NOT     show favouritism to any individual
Do NOT     make suggestive remarks or gestures, even in fun
Do NOT     let suspicion, disclosure or allegation of abuse, go unrecorded or unreported
Do NOT     rely on just your good name to protect you
Do NOT     believe “it could never happen to me”

What happens if...?

If you suspect a child is being abused:

1. immediately tell your Squad Manager/Youth Initiative Director
2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your Squad Manager/Youth Initiative Director
3. ensure that the child has access to an independent adult
4. ensure that no other situation arises which could cause any further concern

If a child discloses to you abuse by someone else:

1. allow the child to speak without interruption, accepting what is said
2. alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement
3. advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on
4. same steps as 1-4 as in suspecting a child is being abused

If you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself:

1. immediately tell your Squad Manager/Youth Initiative Director
2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your Squad Manager/Youth Initiative Director
3. try to ensure no-one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise

You MUST refer; you MUST NOT investigate.