Policies
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
1. Name
The club shall be called Sevenoaks Football Academy (the “Club”)
2. Objectives
The objects of the Club shall be to provide facilities, promote the game of Association Football, to arrange matches and social activities for its members, and community participation in the same.
3. Status of Rules
These Rules (the “Club Rules”) form a binding agreement between each member of the Club.
4. Rules and Regulations
(a) The members of the Club shall so exercise their rights, powers and duties and shall, where appropriate, use their best endeavours to ensure that others conduct themselves so that the business and affairs of the Club are carried out in accordance with the Rules and Regulation of The Football Association Limited (“The FA”), County Football Association to which the Club is affiliated (“Parent County Association”) and Competitions in which the Club participates, for the time being in force.
(b) No alteration to the Club Rules shall be effective without written approval by the Parent County Association. The FA and the Parent County Association reserve the right to approve any proposed changes to the Club Rules.
(c) The Club will also abide by The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti Discrimination Policy as shall be in place from time to time.
5. Club Membership
(a) The members of the Club from time to time shall be those persons listed in the register of members (the “Membership Register”) which shall be maintained by the Club Secretary.
(b) Any person who wishes to be a member must apply on the Membership Application Form and deliver it to the Club. Election to membership shall be at the discretion of the Club Committee and granted in accordance with the anti-discrimination and equality policies which are in place from time to time. An appeal against refusal may be made to the Club Committee in accordance with the Complaints Procedure in place from time to time. Membership shall become effective upon an applicant’s name being entered in the Membership Register.
(c) In the event of a member’s resignation or expulsion, his or her name shall be removed from the Membership Register.
(d) The FA and Parent County Association shall be given access to the Membership Register on demand.
6. Annual Membership Fee and Match Subscriptions
(a) An annual fee payable by each member shall be determined from time to time by the Club Committee and set at a level that will not pose a significant obstacle to community participation. Any fee shall be payable on a successful application for membership and annually by each member. Fees shall not be repayable.
(b) The Club Committee shall have the authority to levy further subscriptions from the members as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the objects of the Club.
7. Resignation and Expulsion
(a) A member shall cease to be a member of the Club if, and from the date on which, he/she gives notice to the Club Committee of his / her resignation. A member whose annual membership fee or further
subscription is more than two (2) months in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned.(b) The Club Committee shall have the power to expel a member when, in its opinion, it would not be in the interests of the club for them to remain a member. An appeal against such a decision may be made to the Club Committee in accordance with the Complaints Procedure in force from time to time.
(c) A member who resigns or is expelled shall not be entitled to claim any, or any share of, any, of the income and assets of the Club (the “Club Property”).
8. Club Committee
(a) The Club Committee shall consist of the following Club Officers: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Minutes Secretary and up to five (5) other members, all elected at an Annual General
Meeting (“AGM”).(b) Each Club Officer and Club Committee Member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the next AGM unless otherwise resolved at an Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”). One person may hold no more than two (2) positions of Club Officer at any time. The Club Committee shall be responsible for the management of all the affairs of the Club. Decisions of the Club Committee shall be made by a simple majority of those attending the Club Committee meeting. The Chairperson of the Club Committee meeting shall have a casting vote in the event of a tie.
(c) Decisions of the Club Committee shall be entered into the Minute Book of the Club to be maintained by the Club Secretary.
(d) Any member of the Club Committee may call a meeting of the Club Committee by giving not less than seven days’ notice to all members of the Club Committee. The Club Committee shall hold not less than four (4) meetings per year.
(e) An outgoing member of the Club Committee may be re-elected. Any vacancy on the Club Committee which arises between AGMs shall be filled by a member proposed by one (1) and seconded by another one (1) of the remaining Club Committee members and approved by simple majority of the remaining Club Committee members.
(f) Save as provided for in the Rules and Regulations of The FA, the Parent County Association and any applicable Competition, the Club Committee shall have the power to decide all questions and disputes arising in respect of any issue concerning the Club Rules.
(g) The position of a Club Officer shall be vacated if such a person is subject to a decision of The FA that such person be suspended from holding office or from taking part in any football activity relating to the administration or management of a football club.
9. Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings
(a) An AGM shall be held in each year to:
(i) receive a report of the activities of the Club over the previous year;
(ii) receive a report of the Club’s finances over the previous year;
(iii) elect members of the Club Committee; and
(iv) consider any other business.(b) Nominations for election of members as Club Officers or as members of the Club Committee shall be made in writing by the proposer and seconder, both of whom must be existing members of the Club, to the Club Secretary not less than 21 days before the AGM. Notice of any resolution to be proposed at the AGM shall be given in writing to the Club Secretary not less than 21 days before the Meeting.
(c) An EGM may be called at any time by the Club Committee and shall be called within 21 days of the receipt by the Club Secretary of a requisition in writing, signed by not less than five members, stating the purposes for which the Meeting is required, and the resolutions proposed. Business at an EGM may be any business that may be transacted at an AGM.
(d) The Secretary shall send to each member at their last known address written notice of the date of a General Meeting (whether an AGM or an EGM) together with the resolutions to be proposed at least 14 days before the meeting.
(e) The quorum for a General Meeting shall be three (3)
(f) The Chairperson, or in their absence a member selected by the Club Committee, shall take the chair Each member present shall have one vote and resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority. In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the Meeting shall have a casting vote.
(g) The Club Secretary, or in their absence a member of the Club Committee, shall enter the Minutes of General Meetings into the Minute Book of the Club.
10. Club Teams
At its first meeting following each AGM , the Club Committee shall appoint a Club member to be responsible for each of the Club’s football teams. The appointed members shall be responsible for managing the affairs of the team. The appointed members shall present to the Club Committee at its last meeting prior to an AGM a written report of the activities of the team.
11. Club Finances
(a) A bank account shall be opened and maintained in the name of the Club (the “Club Account”). Designated account signatories shall be the Club Chairperson, the Club Secretary and the Club Treasurer. No sum shall be drawn from the Club Account except by cheque signed by two of the three designated signatories. All monies payable to the Club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited in the Club Account.
(b) The Club Property shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Club. The distribution of profits or proceedings arising from the sale of Club Property to members is prohibited.
(c) The Club Committee shall have the power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any member of the Club (although a Club shall not remunerate a member for playing) and to any other person or persons for services rendered to the Club.
(d) The Club may provide sporting and related social facilities, sporting equipment, coaching, courses, insurance cover, medical treatment, away match expenses, post-match refreshments and other ordinary benefits of Community Amateur Sports Clubs as provided for in the Finance Act 2002.
(e) The Club may also in connection with the sports purposes of the Club:
(i) sell and supply food, drink and related sports clothing and equipment;
(ii) employ members (although not for playing) and remunerate them for providing goods and services, on fair terms set by the Club Committee without the person concerned being present;
(iii) pay for reasonable hospitality for visiting teams and guests; and
(iv) indemnify the Club Committee and members acting properly in the course of the running of the Club against any liability incurred in the proper running of the Club (but only to the extent of its assets).(f) The Club shall keep accounting records for recording the fact and nature of all payments and receipts
so as to disclose, with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position, including the assets and
liabilities of the Club. The Club must retain its accounting records for a minimum of six (6) years.(g) The Club shall prepare an annual “Financial Statement” in such format as shall be available from The FA from time to time. The Financial Statement shall be verified by an independent, appropriately qualified accountant and shall be approved by members at a General Meeting. A copy of any Financial Statement shall, on demand, be forwarded to The FA.
(h) The Club Property, other than the Club Account, shall be vested in not less than two (2) and not more than four (4) custodians, one of whom shall be the Treasurer (the “Custodians”), who shall deal with the Club Property as directed by decisions of the Club Committee, and entry in the Minute Book shall be conclusive evidence of such a decision.
(i) The Custodians shall be appointed by the Club in a General Meeting and shall hold office until death or resignation unless removed by a resolution passed at a General Meeting.
(j) On their removal or resignation, a Custodian shall execute a Conveyance in such form as is published by The FA from time to time to a newly elected Custodian or the existing Custodians as directed by the Club Committee. The Club shall, on request, make a copy of any Conveyance available to The FA. On the death of a Custodian, any Club Property vested in them shall vest automatically in the surviving Custodians. If there is only one surviving Custodian, an EGM shall be convened as soon as possible to appoint another Custodian.
(k) The Custodians shall be entitled to an indemnity out of the Club Property
12. Dissolution
(a) A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by the majority of at least three-quarters of the members present.
(b) The dissolution shall take effect from the date of the resolution and the members of the Club Committee shall be responsible for the winding up of the assets and liabilities of the Club.
(c) Any surplus assets remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Club shall be transferred to another Club, a Competition, the Parent County Association or The FA for use by them related to community sports.
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
In the event that any Youth Member, Parent/Carer, Club or FA Official or Coach feels that he or she has suffered discrimination, experienced or witnessed something of concern or that the Club’s Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct has been broken they should report the matter to The Club.
Frontline Resolution
For issues that are straightforward and easily resolved, requiring little or no investigation, a private word to The Team Coach or other Club Official might remedy the issue or concern that has arisen. This is not to undervalue minor concerns, rather in some instances a remedy can be decided upon quickly and to the satisfaction of all (an apology, explanation or other action). For example, it may be some aspect of Club Policy has not been fully understood by a parent, or incorrectly applied by a Coach, or The Club policy itself is unclear or contradictory. A private word with the ‘frontline’ person (e.g. Coach) might be the obvious and simplest approach to take. The Club would expect the issue to be resolved within one week and The Coach or Club Official is required to report to The Chairman and Head Coach the concern and resolution offered so that this can be agreed and recorded in The Club minutes.More Serious Concerns
There is always the potential for more serious concerns to arise that require a more significant intervention. In these instances, a more formal process is required so that the club can both record and address the issue or concern. Where a serious concern arises, this should be reported to any member of the Coaching Staff or Club Official who is required to pass this concern onto both The Head Coach and The Chairman of The Club. Once reported, The Chairman and Head Coach are collectively responsible for the investigation of the major concern and for applying the following guiding principles:The Complainant should be asked to make their complaint in writing to either The Head Coach or Chairman detailing their complaint, and how they can be contacted so The Club can keep them informed of progress or their complaint;
That The Club will remain in contact with the Complainant and deal with the complaint constructively;
The Complainant will receive timely confirmation by phone or email that The Club has received and is dealing with their complaint and that this should not be more than 5 days from receiving the complaint;
That The Club will investigate the complaint and respond to the complaint within 20 days of receipt (either with a proposed resolution, or details of further actions to be taken);
That The Club will investigate the complaint by looking at what might have gone wrong and/or what needs to be done to rectify the cause of the complaint. The Club will also assess whether someone has suffered any injustice, and what remedy would be fair and proportionate in the circumstances;
The Club will consider whether to consult or inform The FA in relation to any breach of FA rules or guidelines;
Where the complaint indicates a law may have been broken, The Club will inform the relevant statutory authority;
Complaints that have a general significance across the Club might necessitate wider consultation, (e.g. selection process for matches) which might have implications for the interests of Parents, Youth Members and Coaches but from different perspectives, and therefore involve wider consultation and perhaps even discussion by The Club Committee;
Sensitive complaints may need to be dealt with confidentially (e.g. that involve a Safeguarding context) and include guidance from specific Officers of The Club, e.g. Safeguarding or Respect Officer or from The FA;
That learning from something that has gone, or is going wrong, and putting right mistakes, is paramount. Seeking to hide mistakes is counter to the wider interests of The Club, Its Youth Members and Volunteers and therefore any investigation should be open, fair and respectful to all concerned.
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
Statement of Intent
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all club members or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the Club Welfare Officer (CWO) or any committee member. This club is committed to playing its part to teach players to treat each other with respect.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:
Emotional being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically) sending hurtful text messages, tormenting, (e.g. hiding football boots/shin guards, threatening gestures)
Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
Discrimination racial taunts, graffiti, gestures, homophobic comments, jokes about disabled people, sexist comments,
Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
Cyberbullying
This is when a person uses technology i.e. mobile phones or the internet (social networking sites, chat rooms, instant messenger, tweets), to deliberately upset someone. Bullies often feel anonymous and ‘distanced’ from the incident when it takes place online and ‘bystanders’ can easily become bullies themselves by forwarding the information on. There is a growing trend for bullying to occur online or via texts – bullies no longer rely on being physically near to the young person.
Trolling
This is the name given to posting deliberately offensive comments on people’s social media pages aimed at causing upset and distress. This type of behaviour could result in legal action.
Our Commitment
This club commits to ensure our website websites and/ or social networking pages are being used appropriately and any online bullying will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately in line with procedures detailed in this policy.
Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Individuals who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.
Sevenoaks Football Academy has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.
Anti-bullying Objectives
All club members, coaches, officials and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is.
All club members, officials and coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
All players and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
As a club we take bullying seriously. Players and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.
Bullying will not be tolerated.
Signs of bullying
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:
says he or she is being bullied
is unwilling to go to club sessions
becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
feels ill before training sessionscomes home with clothes torn or training equipment damaged
has possessions which have ‘gone missing
asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully)
has unexplained cuts or bruises
is frightened to say what’s wrong
gives improbable excuses for any of the above.
In more extreme cases, if a child:
starts stammering
cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
is bullying other children or siblings
stops eating
attempts or threatens suicide or runs away.
These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.
Bullying as a result of any form of discrimination
Bullying because of discrimination occurs when bullying is motivated by a prejudice against certain people or groups of people. This may be because of their gender, age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability or ability.
Generally, these forms of bullying look like other sorts of bullying, but in particular it can include:
Verbal abuse – derogatory remarks about girls or women, suggesting girls and women are inferior to boys and men, or that black, Asian and ethnic minority people are not as capable as white people; spreading rumours that someone is gay, suggesting that something or someone is inferior and so they are “gay” – for example, “you’re such a gay boy!” or “those trainers are so gay!” Ridiculing someone because of a disability or mental health related issue, or because they have a physical, mental or emotional developmental delay. Referring to someone by the colour of their skin, rather than their name; using nicknames that have racial connotations; isolating someone because they come from another country or social background etc.
Physical abuse – including hitting, punching, kicking, sexual assault, and threatening behaviour.
Cyberbullying – using online spaces to spread rumours about someone or exclude them. It can also include text messaging, including video and picture messaging.
Procedures
Report bullying incidents to the Club Welfare Officer or a member of the Club’s committee
In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be referred to the County FA Welfare Officer for advice and possibly to The FA Case Management Team
Parents should be informed and will be asked to come into a meeting to discuss the problem
If necessary and appropriate, the police will be consulted
The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated, and the bullying stopped quickly
An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour
If mediation fails and the bullying is seen to continue the club will initiate disciplinary action under the club constitution.
Recommended Club Action
If the club decides it is appropriate for them to deal with the situation, they should follow the procedure outlined below:
Reconciliation by getting the parties together. It may be that a genuine apology solves the problem.
If this fails/not appropriate a small panel (made up from the Chairperson, Club Welfare Officer, Secretary, committee members) should meet with the parent and child alleging bullying to get details of the allegation. Minutes should be taken for clarity, which should be agreed by all as a true account.
The same 3 persons should meet with the alleged bully and parent/s and put the incident raised to them to answer and give their view of the allegation. Minutes should again be taken and agreed.
If bullying has in their view taken place the individual should be warned and put on notice of further action i.e. temporary or permanent suspension if the bullying continues. Consideration should be given as to whether a reconciliation meeting between parties is appropriate at this time.
In some cases, the parent of the bully or bullied player can be asked to attend training sessions, if they are able to do so, and if appropriate. The club committee should monitor the situation for a given period to ensure the bullying is not being repeated.
All coaches involved with both individuals should be made aware of the concerns and outcome of the process i.e. the warning.
In the case of adults reported to be bullying anyone within the club under 18;
The County Welfare Officer should always be informed and will advise on action to be taken where appropriate; this may include action by The FA Safeguarding Team.
It is anticipated that in most cases where the allegation is made regarding a team manager, official or coach, The FA’s Safeguarding Children Education Programme may be recommended.
More serious cases may be referred to the Police and/or Children’s Social Care.
Prevention
Sevenoaks Football Academy has written Codes of Conduct which includes what is acceptable and proper behaviour for all members of which the anti-bullying policy is one part.
All club members and parents sign the Codes of Conduct upon joining the club.
The Club Welfare Officer will raise awareness about bullying and why it matters, and if issues of bullying arise in the club, will consider meeting with members to discuss the issue openly and constructively.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer, or the matter is clearly serious then you can contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lucy Kidd
Kent County FA
Tel: 01622 791850
Email: safeguarding@kentfa.com -
(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
1. Sevenoaks Football Academy 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 anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s (The FA) Safeguarding Children – Policy and Procedures and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document.
2. The key principles of The FA Safeguarding Children Policy are that:
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, race, sexual orientation, faith or belief
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/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.
Sevenoaks Football Academy recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
3. Sevenoaks Football Academy 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 Children Regulations (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.
4. We endorse and adopt The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for recruiting volunteers and we will:
specify what the role is and what tasks it involves
request identification documents
as a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible interview people before appointing them
ask for and follow up with 2 references before appointing someone
where eligible require an FA accepted Enhanced Criminal Record Check (CRC) with Barring List Check in line with current FA policy and regulations.
All current Cranbrook Juniors Football Club members working in eligible roles, with children and young people – such as managers and coaches are required to hold an in-date FA accepted Enhanced CRC with Barring List check as part of responsible recruitment practice1.
If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of Cranbrook Juniors Football Club guidance will be sought from The Football Association. It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via the CRC Process and that all suitability decisions will be made in accordance with legislation and 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.
5. Cranbrook Juniors Football Club supports The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a adult in a position of trust with football can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 169 1863, by writing to The FA Case Manager at The Football Association, Wembley Stadium, PO Box 1966, London SW1P 9EQ, by emailing Safeguarding@TheFA.com or alternatively by going direct to the Police, Children’s Social Care or the NSPCC.
Cranbrook Juniors Football Club encourages everyone to know about The FA’s Whistle Blowing Policy and to utilise it if necessary.
6. Cranbrook Juniors Football Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of the Safeguarding Children and Welfare Officers Workshop. The post holder will be involved with Welfare Officer training provided by The FA and/or County FA. The Club Welfare Officer is the first point of contact for all club members regarding concerns about the welfare of any child or young person. The Club Welfare Officer will liaise directly with the County FA (CFA) Welfare Officer and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing awareness of Respect, poor practice and abuse amongst club members.
7. 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 or parents/carers should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the Club Welfare Officer in cases of serious bullying the CFA Welfare Officer may be contacted.
8. Respect codes of conduct for Players, Parents/ Spectators, Officials and Coaches have been implemented by Cranbrook Juniors Football Club. In order to validate these Respect codes of conduct the club has clear actions it will take regarding repeated or serious misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by the County FA in more serious circumstances.
9. Reporting your concerns about the welfare of a child or young person. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility if you are worried about a child, it is important that you report your concerns – no action is not an option.
i. If you are worried about a child then you need to report your concerns to the Club Welfare Officer.ii. If the issue is one of poor practice the Club Welfare Officer will either:
deal with the matter themselves or
seek advice from the CFA Welfare Officer
iii. If the concern is more serious – possible child abuse, where possible, contact the CFA Welfare Officer first, then immediately contact the Police or Children’s Social Care.iv. If the child needs immediate medical treatment take them to a hospital or call an ambulance and tell them this is a child protection concern. Let your Club Welfare Officer know what action you have taken, they in turn will inform the CFA Welfare Officer.v. If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer, or the matter is clearly serious then you can either:
contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly
contact The FA Safeguarding Team on 0800 169 1863 or Safeguarding@TheFA.com
contact the Police or Children’s Social Care
call the NSPCC 24 hour Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000 or text 88858 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
NB – The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures are available via – www.TheFA.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding – click on ‘Raising Awareness – Best Practice Downloads’, the Policy and Procedures document is within the resources area. The policy outlines in detail what to do if you are concerned about the welfare of a child and includes flow diagrams which describe this process. How to make a referral is also covered in the Safeguarding Children workshop. Participants are given the opportunity to discuss how this feels and how best they can prepare themselves to deal with such a situation. For more information on this workshop contact your County Welfare Officer.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Club Welfare Officer: Ant TomlinsonTel: 07951 446034Email: welfare@cranbrookjuniorsfc.co.uk
If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer, or the matter is clearly serious then you can contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lucy Kidd
Kent County FA
Tel: 01622 791850
Email: safeguarding@kentfa.com
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
In cases where more than one team is organised at any level the following selection rules will apply :-
It is in the interest of developing players to their appropriate level that they should have the opportunity to progress. However, the club will operate a “squad” system, where all players are registered to Sevenoaks Football Academy individual teams, to create a squad of players.
Where there is more than one team, the manager of each team will manage a squad of players and will select and directly manage the players he or she has in their squad. The playing team will be selected from this squad.
Players contacted have the option to accept or refuse the invitation to play for that squad without fear of recrimination either at the time or in the future. Players are encouraged by the club committee to accept selection.
Once this squad selection is made, throughout the season, the team manager will notify the players who have been selected to play in the upcoming fixture. Should team managers incur player ‘call offs’ after they have selected their team, they may approach other players who are registered to their squad to play.
Team managers can select who they want to play for their team without direction from anyone else, subject to the player being registered by the League, registered to their squad, available for selection and willing to play. Any disputes over player or squad selection will be brought to the attention of the team.
Football is often known as the beautiful game but there are times when it is anything but. Players abusing the referee, parents screaming at their children, coaches ranting from the sidelines, there are times when football needs something a little extra to raise standards of behaviour within the grassroots game.
That’s why at Sevenoaks Football Academy we believe Respect plays such an integral part within the club.
The FA’s Respect programme provides tools for clubs from grassroots to elite football — to help ensure a safe, positive environment in which to play the game.
Recruitment and Retention policy
The following policy is within the aims and objectives of the club to:
Encourage and promote the development of football within the community
Provide the opportunity for players of both sexes and all ages to play competitive football
To support and provide the best playing amenities and equipment available.
Recruitment
It is club policy to, wherever possible; give priority to players living within the town of Sevenoaks or the immediate catchment area. Any team unable to provide a playing squad under the above criteria will be allowed to look further afield for players. If insufficient players are available to run a team, the club will not rule out the possibility of combining with another local team in a similar position.
It is not club policy to approach other clubs with the idea of signing players. If players from outside clubs’ approach Sevenoaks Football Academy they will be accepted in line with the above criteria with priority always being given to locally based players.
Retention
It is the policy of the club to encourage local players to join the club in line with the above criteria. Once a member of the club, players are encouraged to play a full part in the life of the club by attending training and social events.
If a player indicates a wish to leave the club, it will be the duty of the relevant team manager/coach to establish any reasons for unrest and to report these to the club’s committee.
The club will actively back any player and/or official wishing to take coaching, first aid or any other football-related qualifications, which are likely to benefit both the individual and the club.It is hoped that by supporting personal and team development, players will foster a loyalty to the club.
Attracting Players
The club will actively attempt to attract players under the above criteria by:
Liaising on a regular basis with local schools. This will be done by personal contact with staff, posters, information sheets about the club, direct contact with pupils (with the school’s permission) and appeals through school newsletters. The club will endeavour to foster good relationships with local schools.
Regular articles in the Media and local promotional outlets. This will include appeals for players whenever possible.
Posters placed in the town at strategic points such as the library, outside the Council Hall etc.
Word of mouth and personal contact with existing players who may be aware of other players who wish to join the club
Through an appeal at the club’s annual general meeting.
Taking part in town organisations’ days, fetes and other promotional events.
Members of the club will be responsible for promoting the good name of the club wherever and whenever possible.
Exit Policy
The aim of the club is to encourage players to move through the youth teams into adult football. The club’s further stated aim is to provide competitive football for both sexes and all age groups from mini soccer upwards.
If, however, a player indicates a wish to leave the club, it will be the duty of the relevant team manager/coach to establish any reasons for unrest and to report these to the club’s committee. The same applies to coaches and those helping to run and organise teams.
Parents, players and coaches/managers are encouraged to play a full part in the playing and social side of the club. The club will not, however, stand in the way of any player who wishes to leave. The club will cooperate in any transfer requests from individual players or other clubs who have the agreement of a player to join them. The club will report to the county FA any incidents of illegal approaches to players and or managers/coaches.
Player Recruitment and Retention Policy
The club respects and supports players’ wishes to make the most of their talents and will foster and develop these talents wherever possible within the structure of the club. At the same time the club recognises the rights of a player to leave the club if he/she wishes to do so.
Players are encouraged to become part of academy sides, and county teams and whenever possible the management committee and/or managers and coaches will recommend suitable players for representative honours.
In the event of players wishing to join Cranbrook Juniors FC in an age group for which there is no team, the club will suggest alternative local clubs for the player to join. The details of such players will be kept by the club and the players will be contacted if the club starts up a team at the appropriate age level.
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
Whistle blowing can be used as an early warning system or when it’s recognised that appropriate actions have not been taken. This could mean you are not happy with the outcome of a complaint within the club.
Any adult or young person with concerns about a child, colleague or member of Sevenoaks Football Academy staff can also use whistle blowing. If standards ever fall short with poor practice or unacceptable behaviour, there’s a framework in place to make sure we can deal with it. By reporting a concern, you can help us make sure that the youth game stays safe and strong. It is about revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within the club or within any structure associated with it.
Sevenoaks Football Academy will ensure that any member of staff who makes a disclosure in such circumstances will not be penalised or suffer any adverse treatment for doing so. Anonymous complaints will be investigated and acted upon as the person receiving the complaint sees fit, having regard to the seriousness of the issue raised, the credibility of the complaint, the prospects of being able to investigate the matter, and fairness to any individual mentioned in the complaint.
Raising a concern can be done via the Club Welfare Officer (CWO), to the league or County FA or by calling 0800 169 1863 and asking for The FA’s safeguarding team, or via email on: safeguarding@TheFA.com.
Alternatively, you can go direct the Police or Children’s Social Care and report your concerns there, or to the Child Protection in Sport Unit via cpsu@nspcc.org.uk or the NSPCC Helpline via 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
The club’s priority and responsibility is to safeguard children and young people involved in football. Alongside the very beneficial aspects of modern communication technologies, we recognise that there are also increased risks to children and young people. These risks must be appropriately managed.
Everyone involved in football must recognise that the responsibility to safeguard exists both on and off the field of play.
It’s essential that club officials (committee members, coaches/managers, assistants, first aiders and team administrators), referees, parents and players make informed decisions about how they use the internet, mobile phone and email communications.
Club officials and those in a position of responsibility at Sevenoaks Football Academy must ensure they communicate responsibly.
Communicating with players
All communications from Sevenoaks Football Academy club officials with players should be via the parents/guardians specified as the contact when the player is registered with the club on the membership system for that season.
CLUB OFFICIALS MUST NOT CONTACT PLAYERS DIRECTLY THROUGH ANY FORM OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION (i.e. emails, text, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, snapchat, WhatsApp etc).
If a player contacts a club official directly, any replies from the club official must include the parent/guardian and advise that future communications are done through the parent/guardian.
Use of social media
The club’s website and social media administrator maintains and monitors a Facebook and Instagram account as a way of getting club messaging across to the widest audience possible. This is used for marketing and raising awareness of relevant events, news and achievements.
Club officials may request to publish social media posts through the club’s Facebook and Instagram profile via the club’s social media administrator. The administrator will ensure all content complies with this policy.
If any other social media profiles/groups are created by club officials for team specific communications (e.g. WhatsApp or Facebook groups), this must be with the parent/guardian only and not include any players. Communications must be solely about football matters e.g. fixtures, cancellations and team selection. At no time should there be any personal communications, ‘banter’ or comments. It is the responsibility of the club official who set up the group to maintain this policy and raise any concerns to the CWO.
The FA have published the below as best practice in relation to social networking:
Do
ensure all the privacy settings are locked so that that the page(s) are used explicitly for club or league matters and are not used as a place to meet, share personal details or have private conversations
nominate a club official to monitor the social networking page regularly and remove access for anyone behaving inappropriately
make sure everyone within your club/team knows who is responsible for monitoring the content of the social networking areas and how to contact them
provide all users with The FAs best practice guidance on using social networking sites
gain written parent/guardian permission before access is given to U18s
inform the CWO if you have received inappropriate communications online, keeping a record of any inappropriate, threatening or offensive material as this may be needed as evidence.
Don’t
Unless a child/young person is a direct relation, the club officials should not:
accept as a friend, players or referees U18 on social networking sites they are members of or share their own personal social networking sites with children or young people involved in youth football
make contact with children or young people known through football outside of the football context on social networking sites
use internet or web-based communications to send personal messages of a non-football nature to a child or young person
engage in any personal communications, ‘banter’ or comments.
Use of images
Any images posted on social media or the club’s website must not include named individuals and the club official taking the photo must ensure that consent has been provided by the parent/guardian to use safe images on digital media (this consent is given upon registration in the membership system).
PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO NOT POST IMAGES OF PLAYERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE PARENTS OF THOSE PLAYERS. Refer to the club’s Photography policy for full details.
Communicating with referees under 16
As with players, most referees are still minors and must be safeguarded and treated with respect. Some of these referees are as young as 14 years old and are carrying out the activity for the purposes of Duke of Edinburgh awards (DofE) etc.
FOR REFEREES UP TO THE AGE OF 16 (AGED 14 & 15), COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE THROUGH THE PARENT/GUARDIAN AND CLUB OFFICIALS MUST NOT CONTACT REFEREES DIRECTLY THROUGH ANY FORM OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION.
The club maintains a secure referee list to be used by club officials only and includes the parent/guardian contact details.
Communicating with referees under 18
For referees that are aged 16 and 17, It’s important that we recognise they are not ‘adults’ and as such we have a responsibility to safeguard them as we do any other young person involved in football.
FOR REFEREES UNDER 18 (AGED 16 & 17), COMMUNICATIONS CAN BE DIRECT BUT MUST INCLUDE A COPY TO THE PARENT/GUARDIAN.
Mobile phone and email contact details for referees under the age of 18 should not be hosted on website pages that can be accessed by the general public and must be held securely and displayed within private areas for the purpose of the activities they are undertaking with the written permission of their parent/guardian.
The guidance below is based on FA recommendations for best practice in relation to communication with 16-17 year olds who hold a position of trust and/or responsibility within football:
Parent/guardian consent should be given prior to email, social networking and mobile phone communications with young people holding a position of trust.
Both parties to only communicate for the purpose of organising referees at matches.
Email communications between the club officials and referee should copy in the referee’s parent/guardian.
Assistants
On occasion, managers may have U14’s to U18’s assisting at training sessions or matches for the purposes of DofE etc. Again, these assistants are still minors and the same rules of communication as for players and referees.
Safeguarding Children & Young People
Children and young people must be advised by their coaches, parents/guardians and CWO to always tell an adult they trust about communications that make them feel uncomfortable or where they’ve been asked not to tell their parent/guardian about the communication.
IF ANY INAPPROPRIATE COMMUNICATION OR CONTENT IS SHARED BETWEEN AN ADULT AND A PLAYER/REFEREE THIS SHOULD BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE CWO WHO, WHERE NECESSARY, WILL SEEK ADVICE FROM THE COUNTY FA WELFARE OFFICER AND/OR STATUTORY AGENCIES AS APPROPRIATE.
Please refer to the club’s full Safeguarding Child Policy.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer, or the matter is clearly serious then you can contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lucy Kidd
Kent County FA
Tel: 01622 791850
Email: safeguarding@kentfa.com -
(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that our club is equally accessible to all.
Sevenoaks Football Academy is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate in it.
Sevenoaks Football Academy in all its activities will not discriminate or in any way, treat anyone less favourably on grounds of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. The club will ensure it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in and enjoy its activities.
Sevenoaks Football Academy will not tolerate harassment, bullying, abuse or victimisation of an individual, which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable is regarded as discrimination.
This includes sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal. The club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.
Sevenoaks Football Academy is committed to taking positive action where inequalities exist and to the development of a programme of ongoing training and awareness raising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination and promote equality in football.
Sevenoaks Football Academy is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members to abide and adhere to these policies and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
Sevenoaks Football Academy commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims when brought to its attention, of discrimination on the above grounds and where such is found to be the case, a requirement that the practice stop and sanctions are imposes as appropriate.
OUR COMMITMENT is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.
Club Complaints Procedure
In the event that any member feels that he or she has suffered discrimination in any way or that the Club Policies, Rules or Code of Conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below.
1. They should report the matter to the Club Secretary or another member of the Committee.
The report should include:
Details of what, when, and where the occurrence took place
Any witness statement and names
Names of any others who have been treated in a similar way
Details of any former complaints made about the incident, date, when and to whom made
A preference for a solution to the incident
2. The Club’s Committee will sit for any hearings that are requested.
3. The Club’s Committee will have the power to:
Warn as to future conduct
Suspend from membership
Remove from membership any person found to have broken the Club’s Policies or Codes of Conduct.
If the complaint is with regard to the Club’s Committee the member has the right to report the discrimination direct to the relevant County Football Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer, or the matter is clearly serious then you can contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly:
Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Lucy Kidd
Kent County FA
Tel: 01622 791850
Email: safeguarding@kentfa.com -
(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
The FA has become increasingly concerned about the risk posed to children in football through the misuse of photographic or other images of children.
This concern relates to:
the taking of photographs for improper uses
the adaptation of innocently taken photographs (for example during the development process or by mobile phone)
the distribution and misuse of photographs and images particularly via the internet.
The FA has identified 3 key concerns:
the possible identification of children via photographs,
inappropriate use, adaptation or copying of images for use on pornographic websites,
the taking of inappropriate photographs/images.
Accordingly, The FA has issued best practice guidelines. Sevenoaks Football Academy, in line with its overall Safeguarding Policy, has interpreted those guidelines below and incorporated them into its Safeguarding Policy and therefore undertakes to abide by these and any subsequent guidelines. This statement and the following guidelines, therefore, represent the policy of Sevenoaks Football Academy in this respect.
Guidelines for Parents and Spectators
1. Be aware of the Club’s policy regarding photography.
2. Register with the event organiser if you wish to take photographs of your own children e.g.-
at training register with the team manager;
at matches, with the referee (or team managers);
at tournaments, with the event organiser;
at club awards nights/registration days, with the Club Secretary or Child Welfare Officer.
3. Ensure your child is appropriately dressed when being photographed (e.g. in full football kit)
4. Remember that you have the right to prevent your child being photographed.
5. Remember that other parents have the right to prevent their children being included in photographs.
6. ALWAYS report any intrusive or inappropriate photography or behaviour to a Club Official.
Guidelines for Clubs or Persons Commissioning Photographers:
Provide a clear brief to the photographer about appropriate conduct, behaviour and content of photos/images.
Ensure that the photographer wears an ID.
Obtain the consent of players and parents in writing.
Always ensure that photographers’ access to young players is supervised.
Do not approve one-to-one photograph sessions.
Do not approve photo sessions outside the event.
Guidelines for Publishing, Broadcasting or Distributing Photographs/Images:
Do not name a photographed child.
Do not use a photograph of a named child.
Obtain the consent of players and parents in writing.
Use photos that focus on football not players and that promote good practice, for example:
players should be appropriately dressed (football kit as a minimum) and equipped (i.e. with shin pads etc);
mixed group photographs are preferable to individual photos;
include girls and boys, mixed ethnic groups, able and disabled.
Guidelines for anyone taking photos or recording images of young players:
Do not take photographs of young players who are not appropriately dressed.
Focus on the activity not the players.
Take group photographs where possible rather than individual photographs.
Children under the protection of a court order must never be photographed/recorded.
ALWAYS report any intrusive or inappropriate photography or behaviour to a club official.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer, or the matter is clearly serious then you can contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lucy Kidd
Kent County FA
Tel: 01622 791850
Email: safeguarding@kentfa.com -
(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
In conjunction with the FA, steaming (placing players of a similar ability together in teams) starts at the U11 age group at Sevenoaks Football Academy.
Some of the problems from not streaming young, developing players are as follows:
Stronger players aren’t challenged by playing against players of a similar (or better) ability level and end up being the “superstar” week after week, playing at a level that’s too easy for them.
Weaker players rely on their more able team mates to do everything whilst they get less of the ball and so don’t develop. They may enjoy playing in a winning team, but ask yourself how much the player who stands at the back whilst their “superstar” teammate scores 5 goals a game is actually developing as a player?
Frustration, loss of confidence, players blaming others who consistently struggle to contribute at the level you’re playing at.
Leagues being unable to place your teams in the appropriate divisions as they can’t have you all in the same division and some divisions will be harder than others. Better to have stronger teams in stronger divisions and weaker teams in weaker divisions.
Your best players potentially leaving to join a club that has streamed so they can play at a higher level, with and against better players.
Understanding the Benefits
In many cases, the children will not be happy about the idea that they’re moving teams, especially if their stronger teammates are leaving to join a stronger team or they are one of the children moving from the “best” team to a weaker team.
They probably won’t understand why they can’t just carry on as things are and concepts like “player development” aren’t going to mean much to many junior players.
The most common mistake a coach makes is directly asking the player if they “fancy” playing up or down (depending on ability). Invariably the player will just want to stay playing with their mates and then making a transition to a different team becomes increasingly difficult.
Some other key points to consider are:
The right level of challenge – playing with and against players of a similar ability level to you allows the player to improve in a way that they won’t if they’re either way out of their depth or waltzing through every game scoring 10 goals a match.
Equal game time – this may well have been the case previously, if your philosophy was such that you rotated fairly, but the reality is that a lot of the “weaker” players may well have found themselves subbed off more than the stronger ones. Much easier for a coach, especially once football becomes competitive, to stick to equal game time if the players are all of a reasonably similar level and the team is playing at the right level.
Confidence – playing with and against similar ability players means the child who struggled to get in the game when they were one of the weaker players in their previous team will find themselves contributing far more. Suddenly becoming the top scorer, player of the match, best defender on the pitch etc. can do wonderful things for their confidence.
Making new friends – actually, for their long-term social development, being used to making new friends rather than staying in their “safe” group of friends can be a great skill to acquire. When the children move to secondary school, having a wider group of friends through having played football with lots of different people is a huge advantage in terms of fitting in.
Including Parents
The key point for coaches is to initially communicate solely with parents and explain that their son or daughter is too good, or struggling, in the existing team and needs to play at the correct level for their ability to develop.
If parents are onside and delivering all the positive messages about why their child is moving teams, the children are much more likely to be okay with it.
Explaining to the parents that this is going to be happening, getting their views on how best to approach it, and being clear that you want their help in terms of helping the children to view it positively, is seriously worth doing. If they’re just “told” and feel no thought is being given to how their children might feel about this or told what the positives will be, then you may find some of them getting quite upset by the idea.
Our experience at Sevenoaks Football Academy has taught us that after a few weeks of being disappointed that they’re not playing with the same team, the player enjoys themselves more playing at a level more suited to their current ability level.
Getting a Balance
Ultimately you cannot, and would not want to, force a junior player to play in a specific team that they don’t want to. The situation needs to be managed with care and sensitivity, bringing the parents on board first before talking to the child. In some cases, it may be impossible to stream a child for sibling or parental reasons, so coaches should always be calm, sensitive and understanding whilst putting the club position across to parents.
A Final Point…
Sevenoaks Football Academy would like coaches and parents to remember, when considering the make-up of the streamed teams, the “best” individuals don’t always make the best team, and of course those who shone at age 10 aren’t always the same ones who shine at age 13, so the whole thing needs constant review and flexibility to be effective.
At Sevenoaks Football Academy we strive to provide a safe, exhilarating sporting environment for young people to grow and flourish. However, no matter how much we try, we can’t keep everyone happy, all the time. We therefore work on the principle that what’s best for the majority of the team has to be what we go with.
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.
This club is supporting The FA’s Respect programme to ensure football can be enjoyed in a safe, positive environment.
Remember children’s football is a time for them to develop their technical, physical, tactical and social skills. Winning isn’t everything.
Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators and parents/carers at all times.
I will:
Remember that children play for FUN
Applaud effort and good play as well as success
Always respect the match officials’ decisions
Remain outside the field of play and within the Designated Spectators’ Area (where provided)
Let the coach do their job and not confuse the players by telling them what to do
Encourage the players to respect the opposition, referee and match officials
Avoid criticising a player for making a mistake – mistakes are part of learning
Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting, or abusive language or behaviour.
You must be present during matches and training sessions, and not let your child walk to and from matches and training sessions alone. If you cannot attend a session/match and another adult has agreed to look after your child, you must inform the coaches in charge of the session of the named individual who they will be going home with.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA, league or The FA.
Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official
Required to meet with the club, league or CFA Welfare Officer
Required to meet with the club committee
Obliged to undertake an FA education course
Obliged to leave the match venue by the club
Requested by the club not to attend future games
Suspended or have my club membership removed
Required to leave the club along with any dependents.
In addition:
The FA/County FA could impose a fine and/or suspension on the club.
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
Cranbrook Juniors FC recognises that it is engaged in providing sporting activities and that accidents and injuries are, in that environment, possible. Nevertheless, the Club aims to protect the health and safety of its members and helpers as far as is reasonable, to exercise its legal duty of care, to operate within an appropriate Child Protection Policy and any relevant legislation.
The Manager/Coach is the responsible person for their ‘Age Group Team’ and this person has a duty to ensure that they hold an in-date:
FA Accepted Enhanced CRC check;
FA Emergency First Aid in Football qualification (IFAiF); and
FA Safeguarding Children qualification.
The following guidelines should be carried out by all Managers and Coaches:
1. Equipment
Checks should be undertaken to ensure that:
All players wear shin guards
That the football is safe (i.e. not damaged)
All equipment is undamaged and is used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Player’s boots and the ‘blades’ or ‘studs’ on them are checked regularly for safety.
All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, earrings, bands, etc.) are strictly forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not acceptable.
2. Playing and Training Venue
Checks should be undertaken to ensure that:
The pitch, sports hall, all weather surface or field for any hazards i.e. any obstacle, item or implement which may cause harm or discomfort to any player, official or spectator.
That goal posts are secure and safe
That corner flags and ‘Respect’ barriers are used correctly in matches.
Changing facilities are secure and safe
3. Visual Risk Assessment
By completing the checks in 1&2 (above) a Manager or Coach is performing a dynamic risk assessment on all Club activities and venues used. On completion of the assessment, the Manager or Coach should ensure that all ‘control’ measures to reduce both the severity and probability of harm from any hazard occurring are put in place and checked.
4. First Aid
Make sure a qualified first aider is at all training and match venues with a suitable first aid kit. A fully charged mobile phone should be available.
5. Contact Details
Ensure you have either a complete and up to date ‘Emergency Contacts’ schedule or a copy of all players Cranbrook Juniors Football Club Membership form.
6. Goal Post Safety
Follow FA Goal post safety guidelines (as per the document on the FA website).
7. End of Game Procedures
All equipment should be packed away safely and securely. All rubbish should be removed from areas used. Coaches should not leave the location until all Players have departed. Premises should be locked securely.
8. Incident Reporting
In the event of a person receiving an injury, an ‘Accident Report Form’ is required to be completed. Once this has been completed it is to be given to the Club Welfare Officer (CWO).
9. Parental Responsibility
Children remain the responsibility of their parents/legal guardians at all times when participating in football training, matches and any other Cranbrook Juniors Football Club activities and also when arriving and departing from them.
Cranbrook Juniors Football Club does provide all reasonable safeguards in terms of appropriately vetting its coaches and volunteers, having a Club Child Welfare Officer and acting in accordance with Policy and Advice issued by Kent County Football Association and The Football Association in the conduct of its activities and affairs.
As a Club, our volunteers do have a duty of care for the children in our membership, but this does not extend to the level of that of teachers or registered childminders and as such parents/legal guardians are advised against dropping their younger age group children off and leaving the site during football training, matches and other Cranbrook Juniors Football Club activities.
Should parents/legal guardians make any arrangements with other adults concerning their child including their supervision and transportation to/from Cranbrook Juniors Football Club activities then this is at their own responsibility in their own legal capacity and not the responsibility of Cranbrook Juniors Football Club.
In the event that anyone suspects any incident of abuse or unreasonable behaviour towards a Cranbrook Juniors FC player or by a Cranbrook Juniors FC official, you must inform the Club Welfare Officer (CWO) as soon as possible.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If at any time you are not able to contact your Club Welfare Officer, or the matter is clearly serious then you can contact your CFA Welfare Officer directly:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lucy Kidd
Kent County FA
Tel: 01622 791850
Email: safeguarding@kentfa.com
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.
As a player, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.
When playing football, I will:
Play fairly – I won’t cheat, complain or waste time.
Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee or my coach/manager.
Play by the rules, as directed by the referee.
Shake hands with the other team and referee at the end of the game.
Listen and respond to what my coach/team manager tells me.
Talk to someone I trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club.
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken by my club, County FA or The FA.
I may:
Be required to apologise to my team-mates, the other team, referee or team manager
Receive a formal warning from the coach or the club committee
Be dropped or substituted
Be suspended from training
Be required to leave the club.
In addition:
My club, County FA or The FA may make my parent or carer aware of any infringements of the Code of Conduct
The FA/County FA could impose a fine and suspension against my club.
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(Reviwed and updated 2nd May 2025)
We all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behaviour in the game.
As a coach, team manager or club official, you have a big part to play. That’s why The FA is asking every player to follow a Respect Code of Conduct.
On and off the field, I will:
Always show respect to everyone involved in the game
Stick to the rules and celebrate the spirit of the game
Encourage fair play and high standards of behaviour
Always respect the Referee and encourage players to do the same
Never enter the field of play with the referee’s permission
Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive behaviour
Be aware of the potential impact of bad language on others
Be gracious in victory and defeat
Respect the facilities home and away
When working with players, I will:
Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each players above everything
Never tolerate any form bullying
Ensure all activities are suited for the players’ ability and age
Work with others (e.g. officials, doctors, welfare officers, physiotherapist) for each player’s best interests
I understand that if I do not follow the Code, I may be:
Required to meet with the club or league Welfare Officer or your CFA Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Suspended by the club from attending matches
Suspended or fined by the County FA
Required to leave, lose my position and/or have my licence withdrawn