An enjoyable and safe environment for all
Safeguarding
If you have any concerns about safeguarding or about poor coaching practice please contact:
Jonathan Barron, Lewes Junior FC Welfare Officer via email
OR Get In Touch with Sussex FA Safeguarding:
Safeguarding@SussexFA.com
01903 768578
If the Welfare Officers are not available you can contact
You can also call the 24 hour helplines…
FA NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Where a child is at risk of immediate harm contact Police 999 in an emergency or 101 if less urgent.
Lewes FC Juniors know good behaviour makes for a great game.
#ForRespect #ForAll
For more information see The Sussex FA Safeguarding & Welfare
Respect is The FA’s programme of activities to combat unacceptable behaviour in our game at every level – on the pitch, and from the side-lines. Addressing unacceptable behaviour was the number one priority emerging from the biggest opinion survey to date of grassroots football in England.
Lewes FC Juniors Safeguarding Policy
Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players, volunteers, and participants.
At Lewes FC Juniors, 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 Juniors 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 club’s Parent Guardian-Club Contract and promote positive behaviour.
Communicate any concerns to the team coach or WSO.
3. Safe Recruitment and Training
Lewes FC Juniors 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:
Log the concern confidentially.
Take immediate action if a child is at risk of harm.
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.
Using the club’s feedback and complaints form.
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 Juniors 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 Juniors 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.
Other useful guidance
:
1. Data Protection Policy
How We Handle Your Information
We are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. Our Data Protection Policy explains how we collect, use, and store personal information, in line with GDPR regulations as far as possible.
What Data We Collect:
Player details (name, age, medical information, etc.)
Parent/guardian contact information
Volunteer details (for DBS checks and safeguarding compliance)
How We Use Your Data:
To manage player registrations and team administration both on Spond and on Whole Game System.
To communicate important information to parents and guardians.
To ensure the club meets safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
Whilst we do our best to manage data sensitively, we are a volunteer-run organisation and we retain the right to be pragmatic with data in order to be able to run a football club.
Your Rights:
You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information. To make a request, please use our feedback form here.
2. No Pay, No Play Policy
Ensuring Fairness and Sustainability
To ensure our club can operate sustainably, we have a No Pay, No Play policy. This means that membership fees must be up-to-date for a player to participate in training or matches.
Why This Policy Exists:
It ensures fairness to all families who have paid on time.
It supports the club’s essential costs (pitches, referees, equipment, etc.).
What Happens If Fees Are Unpaid?
Players with unpaid fees may be unable to train or play matches.
We’re here to support families facing financial hardship. Members can contact our Membership & Registrations Secretary to discuss payment plans or access to our Financial Support Fund.
3. Interclub Communication Policy
Respectful, Clear, and Consistent Communication
Good communication is essential for smooth club operations. This policy explains how we communicate with players, parents, and volunteers.
Phone App Communication Guidelines:
Club policy is that we want you to use Spond for communications so that everyone uses it and reads club-wide communication.
Use Phone App communication for team updates and urgent changes only.
Avoid using Phone Apps for long debates or resolving differences of opinion — speak to each other or put off the conversation. Nuance is very difficult in Phone App territory and causes conflict.
Other Communication Channels:
Emails: Official club information is shared by email from the committee on occasion.
Spond: Spond is used to manage club communication, training sessions, match RSVPs, and events.
We’re committed to ensuring that our communication is respectful, timely, and effective. If you have concerns about communication, please feedback to us.
4. Vaping and Non-Smoking Policy
Promoting a Smoke-Free Environment
We are committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and smoke-free environment for all players, parents, and volunteers.
Key Points:
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on club grounds, including training and match venues.
Parents, spectators, and coaches are expected to set a positive example for young players by adhering to this policy.
Enforcement:
Anyone found breaching this policy will be reminded of the rules. Persistent non-compliance may result in further action by the committee.
5. Equality and Fairness Policy
Ensuring Inclusion for All
Our club is committed to providing an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, ability, or background. We adhere to the Equalities Act (2010) and make reasonable adjustments where we can.
Our Commitments:
Respect for diversity across all areas of the club.
Zero tolerance for discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
Promotion of equal opportunities for players, coaches, and volunteers.
If you have concerns about equality or fairness, please contact our Welfare & Safeguarding Officer via email.
6. Health and Safety Policy
Keeping Everyone Safe
The safety of our players, coaches, and volunteers is a top priority.
Key Measures:
First aid kits are with coaches, and there is a defibrillators at the Rookery 3G.
Coaches are trained in basic first aid and safeguarding procedures.
Risk assessments are conducted for all activities and facilities.
If you notice a hazard or have a health and safety concern, please report it to your team’s coach or a committee member immediately.
7. Whistleblowing Policy
Speaking Up for Integrity
We encourage everyone to report concerns about wrongdoing, misconduct, or unsafe practices within the club.
How to Report:
Speak to your team’s coach or a committee member.
If the issue involves safeguarding, contact the Welfare & Safeguarding Officer.
For confidential concerns, escalate directly to the Chair or Vice-Chair via our feedback and complaints form.
Reports will be handled sensitively, and whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation.
8. Sussex FA Codes of Conduct for Youth Footballers
Promoting Respect and Fair Play
We adopt the Sussex FA Codes of Conduct to ensure all players understand the importance of respect, teamwork, and fair play.
Player Responsibilities:
Respect referees, coaches, and teammates.
Play by the rules and accept decisions without argument.
Encourage positivity on and off the pitch.
Parents and players must review and agree to these Codes of Conduct during registration.
9. Drug and Alcohol Policy
Maintaining a Safe, Substance-Free Environment
The use of drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited during any club activities, including training sessions, matches, and events.
Key Points:
Adults attending club events must not consume alcohol on club grounds.
Players found using drugs or alcohol may face immediate suspension.
Support is available for individuals struggling with substance use issues.
For concerns related to drugs or alcohol, contact the Welfare & Safeguarding Officer here.
For any other required guidance please don’t hesitate to use our feedback form.