We have 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 Child Protection Regulation (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. We endorse and adopt The FA’s Responsible Recruitment guidelines for recruiting volunteers and we:

• Have developed a role profiles.
• Request identification documents.
• As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing. Request and follow up with two references before appointing.

All current South Woodham Ferrers United Football Club members who are regularly caring for, supervising, training or being in sole charge of children and young people will be required to complete a DBS-CRC Enhanced Disclosure via The FA. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of FA Charter Standard 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 FA Enhanced DBS-CRC and that all decisions will be made 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.