Lewes FC Select Safeguarding Policy

Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players, volunteers, and participants.

At Lewes FC Select, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults extends across all areas of the club, from training sessions to matchdays.

This policy outlines the principles, practices, and responsibilities that guide our safeguarding efforts.

1. Safeguarding Principles

Lewes FC Select is committed to:

• Providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all children and young people.

• Ensuring all volunteers and staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

• Acting promptly and appropriately in response to any safeguarding concerns.

• Promoting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of all players.

• Ensuring all safeguarding procedures align with

  The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policies and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2020).

2. Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities

Club Welfare and Safeguarding Officer (WSO):

• Acts as the main point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.

• Ensures all volunteers and staff complete DBS checks and safeguarding training.

• Monitors and supports compliance with safeguarding protocols.

• Liaises with The FA, local authorities, and other relevant bodies when necessary.

Coaches and Volunteers:

• Complete and maintain up-to-date safeguarding and first aid qualifications.

• Follow club policies and procedures to create a safe environment.

• Report safeguarding concerns to the WSO immediately.

Parents and Guardians:

• Ensure their child is appropriately equipped and supported for training and matches.

• Follow the FA’s respect code of conduct and promote positive behaviour.

• Communicate any concerns to the team coach or WSO.

3. Safe Recruitment and Training

Lewes FC Select implements robust recruitment procedures to ensure the suitability of all staff and volunteers. This includes:

• Completing enhanced DBS checks for all relevant individuals.

• Ensuring all coaches complete the FA Safeguarding Children Course and regular updates.

• Providing safeguarding induction and ongoing training for all volunteers.

4. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the WSO, who will:

1. Log the concern confidentially.

2. Take immediate action if a child is at risk of harm.

3. Refer the concern to the relevant authority (e.g., The FA, local safeguarding team) if required.

Players, parents, and volunteers can raise concerns by:

• Speaking directly to the WSO or a coach.

• Contacting the club via the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer email.

All concerns will be handled sensitively, ensuring confidentiality and the welfare of the child as the priority.

5. Safeguarding on the 3G Pitch

The 3G pitch at Lewes FC Select is a shared resource used by multiple teams and age groups. Safeguarding on this facility is of particular importance due to the high volume of activity.

Key Safeguarding / Health and Safety Practices:

• Access Control: Only authorised individuals (players, coaches, referees, and volunteers) are allowed on the pitch during training and matches. Spectators must remain in designated areas. It is a facility that allows public bookings, so coaches should ensure that they adhere to the safeguarding practices outlined in the coach-club contract.

• Pitch Allocation: All teams must follow the 3G pitch schedule to avoid conflicts or overcrowding, and whilst training stay in their allocated third or quarter.

• Footwear Compliance: All players must wear appropriate footwear for the 3G surface to reduce injury risks.

• Use of spare goals: spare goals may be used to provide screening if possible.

• Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Parents/guardians must accompany children to the 3G facility and collect them promptly at the end of sessions. Children must not be left unsupervised.

• Changing Rooms: Changing rooms should be monitored to ensure safeguarding guidelines are followed. Coaches must avoid one-to-one situations with players unless another adult is present.

• Medical Access: A first aid kit and a defibrillator are available at the 3G pitch. All coaches must know their location and how to use them.

Incident Reporting on the 3G Pitch:

• Any safeguarding concerns arising on the 3G pitch must be reported immediately to the WSO.

• In case of injury or emergency, coaches should follow first aid protocols and notify parents/guardians promptly.

6. Communication and Education

Lewes FC Select aims to raise safeguarding awareness through:

• Regular training sessions for coaches and volunteers.

• Providing parents and players with clear information about safeguarding policies.

• Sharing updates via Spond, the club website, and team WhatsApp groups.

7. Online and Digital Safeguarding

The club recognises the importance of safeguarding in online spaces. Coaches and volunteers are expected to:

• Use club-approved platforms (e.g., Spond, email) for all communication with parents and players.

• Avoid one-to-one communication with players via digital platforms unless copied to another adult.

• Obtain parental consent for any photos/videos of players shared on club platforms.

8. Review and Updates

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident or change in guidance.

The club is committed to continually improving its safeguarding practices to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all members.