3. Safeguarding

Every coach that works with a group of children must be DBS checked, no matter how short you are for help. This must done through the club - if they have a check with another organisation it is not valid for Caversham AFC. To get a check done contact dbs@cavershamafc.co.uk and cc secretary@cavershamafc.co.uk.

You can check the status of your DBS (as well as other qualifications) on the FA website under the Learning tab.

Please also check the club safeguarding and welfare pages.

At least one coach working with a group of children should be First aid qualified with the FA First Aid qualification. For example, if you are at Goals you should ensure that at least one person has the qualification. Alternative courses are not applicable, the FA course is designed for young people playing football.

Adult to Child ratio

Safeguarding best practice dictates adults (over-18s) must always be present when football-related activity takes place for children. But the numbers of adults present depends on three main factors:

• The age of the children involved;
• The degree of risk the activity, location and or venue present;
• Whether there are additional supervision or support needs of some or all the participants e.g. disability or age.

The lower the age of the participants, the higher the ratio of staff must be. If the activity is mixed gender, male and female staff should be available.

Whatever the age of the children and type of activity, a minimum of two FA-DBS-checked coaches/adults must always be present. This ensures at least basic cover in the event of an incident.

Football teams involving players aged 12+ often have a squad of up to 16 players.
Therefore there must be a ratio of at least one FA-DBS-checked coach per squad
and another FA-DBS-checked coach/adult present at all times. See NSPCC's recommendation of 1:10 below.

Other football formats, namely 5v5, 7v7 and 9v9 involving players aged 6-11 require a higher ratio of staff to squad. Where the children are aged eight or younger in any football activity you will require more staff and a minimum of two FA-DBS-checked coaches/adults must always be present.

Player equipment at training and matches

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.

All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.

Please see the FA Laws and Rules for more details.

The EBFA require at least one coach/adult to be registered with them as a Qualified First Aider (QFA) and to be nominated for games.

Please complete and forward the accident and incident form if required.

At least one coach working with a group of children should have completed the FA Safeguarding course.

Please take the FA Safeguarding recertification course if you need to renew your qualification.

Parents and cares should consider taking the Safeguarding Awareness for Parents/Carers course to support your child to have a positive experience. The course should take 25-30 minutes.

Each team should have a first aid kit with them when they are playing or training. Details of how to order this can be found here. You should also look to complete the following courses:

Introduction to First Aid in Football

The FA Concussion Guidelines
Please see the FA Heading Guidance
- NO HEADING IN TRAINING IN THE FOUNDATION PHASE (U6-U11)
- GRADUATED APPROACH TO HEADING FOR CHILDREN IN THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE (U12-U16)
Download the FA Concussion guidelines.

The FA Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Fees for the courses can be reclaimed back from the club.

The player profile on Pitcheo allows parents to add any medical condition their child may have. Please get them to complete this section and ensure you know if any players have conditions. You will also need to ensure that if a player needs their medication (e.g. asthma inhaler) at training and games, they have this before they are allowed to participate.

There are Respect code of conducts that you should share and follow:
Please ensure that all spectators watch the match from behind the respect lines and observe the code of conduct :

- Coaches and Club Officials
- Young Players
- Spectators, Parents/Carers
- Adult Players

Whistle-blowing

If you are worried about a child, it’s vital you report your concerns. Doing nothing is not an option. It’s also important you stay calm, and if any child is present, reassure them they are not to blame. But don’t make promises of confidentiality or outcome.

There are five ways to report a concern:

• To your club or league Designated Safeguarding Officer – welfare@cavershamafc.co.uk
• To your County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer - Safeguarding@Berks-BucksFA.com
• By emailing The FA Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@TheFA.com;
• If urgent and you cannot contact your club, league or County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline for expert advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk;
• If it is an emergency because a child or children are at immediate risk, then call the Police or Children’s Social Care in your area.