Carndonagh Football Club is committed to ensuring that all necessary steps will be taken to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people who participate in soccer.
This Policy document clearly demonstrates the importance placed by Carndonagh Football club on the protection and safety of children and young people who participate in soccer.
All children and young people who participate in soccer should be able to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment. While doing so they should be protected from any form of abuse be it physical, emotional, sexual, neglect or bullying.
The responsibility for protecting children lies with all adults involved in this club and in soccer in general. Carndonagh FC recognises and accepts its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, emotional or sexual harm and from neglect or bullying.
These clear policies, practices and procedures in addition to relevant training programmes will ensure that everybody in Carndonagh FC knows exactly what is expected of them in relation to protecting children and young people within soccer.
It is vital that children and young people who participate in our clubs’ activities are able to do so in a safe, enjoyable and quality environment.
What we will do
In pursuit of this goal Carndonagh FC will:
- Advise all members of Carndonagh FC – (coaches, players, parents and spectators) of their responsibilities in relation to the welfare and protection of children and young people who participate in soccer.
- Operate within the recommended Football Association of Ireland codes of conduct and best practice guidelines.
- Appoint a Child Welfare Officer in line with Football Association of Ireland requirements.
- Provide a Child protection and welfare module in Coach induction and development programmes.
Children are defined in Irish Law as being any person under 18 years of age.
Child Protection Policy aims
The aims of our club, Carndonagh FC Child Protection Policy are:
- To develop a positive and pro-active position in order to best protect all children and young people who participate in soccer, in order for them to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment.
- To provide appropriate guidance and advice to all club members (players, coaches, volunteers, spectators and parents) in all matters concerning child welfare and protection.
- To demonstrate best practice in the area of child welfare and protection.
- To promote ethics and best practice standards throughout soccer.
The key principles underpinning this Policy are that:
- The welfare of the children is the first and paramount consideration.
- All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse of any kind regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse/poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. It is essential that we work in partnership with children and young people and their parents/carers. The HSE has a statutory responsibility to safeguard and protect the welfare of children and Carndonagh FC is committed to cooperating fully with them in accordance with procedures as outlined in “Children First” National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011.
- Carndonagh FC will cooperate fully with the Football Association of Ireland National Children’s Officer, Gardai and HSE in any Child Welfare investigation. The Football Association of Ireland’s regulations in regard to child welfare and protection are defined in the rulebook as:
RULE 71. THE PROTECTION AND WELFARE OF CHILDREN
- In line with legislation and Government Guidelines (The Child Care Act 1991 and the Protection for Persons Reporting Abuse Act 1998) in relation to child protection and welfare, it is mandatory that all participants, clubs, leagues, divisional associations and other football bodies shall be bound by the FAI recommended codes of conduct and best practice guidelines
- Any act, statement, conduct or other maer which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.
- Breaches shall become a disciplinary offence. Any member issued with a ban from football activity shall have their name notified to all League Secretaries for onward dissemination to all Club Secretaries. The notification shall state the name of the individual and the fact a ban has been issued.
- Any participant who is the subject of a Statutory Inquiry in relation to any child welfare concern must stand down from all football activities pending the outcome of that inquiry and any subsequent internal disciplinary proceedings.
- Any member convicted of an offence by the Irish Courts or Courts of any other jurisdiction involving the welfare of children shall be automatically banned from membership of the Association. For the avoidance of doubt no disciplinary or other hearing shall be necessary in order to implement this automatic ban.
RULE 95. PROTECTION AND WELFARE OF CHILDREN
- All participants, clubs, leagues, divisional associations and other football bodies shall be bound by the FAI rules, codes of conduct and guidelines governing the protection and welfare of children, and breaches of such rules, codes and guidelines shall be subject to disciplinary sanction.
- The disciplinary body may impose any sanction it deems appropriate.
- Any act, statement, conduct or other matter which harms a child or children, or poses or may pose a risk of harm to a child or children, shall constitute behaviour which is improper and brings the game into disrepute.
- Any participant who is the subject of a statutory inquiry in relation to any child welfare concern must stand down from all football activities pending the outcome of that inquiry and any subsequent internal disciplinary proceedings.
Carndonagh FC through confirming this policy document has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that children and young people can participate in all soccer acvies with their safety and welfare being of paramount importance.
It is essential that this document represents a process of continual improvement in child protection and welfare in soccer.
It is the responsibility of all adults involved in soccer to actively promote safe and best practice standards whilst being ever vigilant and aware of their responsibilities to children and young people in their care.
Carndonagh FC Procedure for dealing with Child Abuse Concerns or Allegations
It is important to note that the investigation of suspected child abuse is the responsibility of the Statutory Authorities (Gardai, HSE) and should not be undertaken by Children’s Officers or any other Club/League. All allegations of child abuse must be referred to the Statutory Authorities.
When an allegation is received it should be assessed promptly and carefully. It will be necessary to decide whether a formal report should be made to the HSE and this decision should be based on reasonable grounds for concern.
In accordance with requirements of Children First all concerns with relation to suspected child abuse will be passed on to the relevant statutory authorities.
The following examples would constitute reasonable grounds for concern:
- a specific indication from a child that (s)he was abused;
- a statement from a person who witnessed abuse;
- (an illness, injury or behaviour consistent with abuse;
- a symptom which may not in itself be totally consistent with abuse, but which is supported by corroborative evidence of deliberate harm or negligence;
- consistent signs of neglect over a period of me. Ref. Children First 2011
Therefore in practice, concerns will be passed on by the Clubs designated person to the statutory authorities if we receive:
- a specific indication from a child that (s)he was abused;
- a statement from a person who witnessed abuse; or have evidence in relation to:
- an illness, injury or behaviour consistent with abuse;
- a symptom which may not in itself be totally consistent with abuse, but which is support by corroborative evidence of deliberate harm or negligence;
- consistent signs of neglect over a period of time.
Specific steps to deal with allegations of abuse
Step One
Any allegation of abuse must in the first instance be brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the Club. Should the Chairperson be unsure whether reasonable grounds for concern exist s/he can informally consult with the local HSE duty social worker. S/he will be advised whether or not the matter requires a formal report.
Coaches/volunteers may be subjected to erroneous or malicious allegations. Therefore, any allegation of abuse should be dealt with sensitively and appropriate support should be provided for staff/volunteers including counselling where necessary.
Step Two
Should Carndonagh FC become aware of an allegation of abuse of a child or children by a coach/volunteer during the execution of that coaches/volunteers duties, the Chairman will privately inform the coach/volunteer of the following:
- the fact that the allegation has been made against him/her;
- the nature of the allegation.
Step Three
The coach/volunteer should be afforded an opportunity to respond. The Chairman will note the response and pass on this information when making the formal report to the HSE. The report to the HSE should contain observations, dates, times, locations and contexts in which the incident occurred, or suspicion was aroused, together with any other relevant information.
In cases of emergency, where a child appears to be at immediate and serious risk and the Chairperson is unable to contact a duty social worker, the Gardai shall be contacted. Under no circumstances should a child be left in a dangerous situation pending intervention by the Statutory Authorities.
Step Four
Our Chairperson, if reporting suspected or actual child abuse to the Statutory Authorities will first inform the family of their intention to make such a report, unless doing so would endanger the child or undermine any statutory investigation. It should be noted that should a formal notification be made, we are not accusing anyone of child abuse, rather we are passing on concerns for investigation by the appropriate statutory authorities in keeping with the principle that “the welfare of the child is the first and paramount consideration”.
Step Five
All subsequent actions following an allegation of abuse against a coach/volunteer will be taken in consultation with the HSE and An Garda Síochána. An immediate meeting will be sought with these two agencies for this purpose.
The Football Association of Ireland National Children’s Officer is also available to provide support and advice.
Step Six
Under Football Association of Ireland rules, any coach/volunteer/manager who is the subject of a statutory investigation into alleged child abuse, is required to stand down from all soccer activities until the investigation is completed.
Therefore, the FAI National Children’s Officer must be informed immediately of any formal notification to the Statutory Authorities. When a person is asked to stand down it should be made clear that it is only a precautionary measure in keeping with standard procedures/guidelines and will not prejudice any later disciplinary proceedings. The coach/volunteer concerned should be advised that the procedures being undertaken are in accordance with statutory requirements. He or she should be treated with respect and fairness and be assured that all information will be dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner.
Step Seven
The Club will carefully consider the outcome of the statutory investigation and will then assess if there are any outstanding disciplinary issues in relation to their internal rules or infringements of the Football Association of Ireland best practice guidelines. It must be remembered that the fact that the alleged abuser has not been prosecuted or been found guilty does not mean that they are appropriate to work with young people in the future.
Internal Club disciplinary proceedings can only be initiated after the Statutory Authorities have completed theirs.
Club Disciplinary, Complaints and Appeals Procedure
This covers all matters other than suspected child abuse which has to be referred to the Statutory Authorities.
While many concerns can be dealt with in an informal manner to the satisfaction of all concerned, it is advisable that detailed records are maintained in respect of all complaints and that all parties are advised of the formal complaints and appeals procedure. All reasonable efforts to resolve matters should be exhausted at local level before accessing the appeals procedure.
Step One
Any person who has a complaint or concern should bring it to the attention of the secretary under the relevant rules of the body concerned. The complaint or concern should be in writing and should outline all relevant details and other pares involved in line with procedure.
Step Two
The complaint or concern should then be brought to the attention of the appropriate person in line with club rules who will convene the disciplinary committee/panel (best practice would advise that this committee/panel would consist of three members) unless the complaint or concern relates to a child abuse matter or criminal offence that meets criteria for formal reporting to the statutory authorities. Where there are potential contentious issues, due consideration should be given to ensure the independence of the disciplinary committee/panel and therefore, it is advisable that members of the disciplinary committee/panel should not be Offices/Directors of the body concerned as lack of independence is often cited as a ground for appeal. (The Chairperson of the Club should not sit on the Disciplinary Committee).
Step Three
The disciplinary committee/panel should furnish any participant with details of the complaint being made against them and afford them the opportunity of providing a response either verbally or in writing. In the event of a complaint against a child, the parents/guardians should be informed and advised of the process.
Step Four
The disciplinary committee/panel should then hear the case of all parties involved and decide if a rule or regulation has been infringed.
Step Five
The disciplinary committee/panel should then inform in writing those involved of their decision and any sanctions if any that are to be imposed. This notification should be in writing, setting out the reasons for the sanction. (Written notification should be forwarded to parents if the proceedings involve a participant under eighteen years of age)
Step Six
Any party unhappy with the findings of the disciplinary committee/panel can appeal the decision in writing to their respective superior body as per rules. Clubs, leagues, divisional associaons and other football bodies should review their rules to ensure they contain a provision that facilitates an appeals procedure in this respect.
Step Seven
The appeal body should then rehear the case and all evidence, should be considered. The appeals body should have the power to uphold or reject the appeal or to vary, alter or set aside any sanction imposed by the disciplinary committee/panel. Written confidential records in relation to disciplinary proceedings should be safely and confidentially kept on file (procedures should clearly define the possession of such records in the event of election of new officers).
Anonymous Complaints
Anonymous complaints can be difficult to deal with, however they cannot be ignored. All complaints relating to inappropriate behaviour/poor practice should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the Club. In all cases the safety and welfare of the child/children is paramount. All complaints should be checked out and handled in a confidential manner. It is important to record all such complaints and actions taken. Specific advice on dealing with anonymous complaints can be got from your local HSE duty social worker or alternatively the Football Association of Ireland National Children’s Officer.
Rumours
Rumours should not be allowed hang in the air. Any rumour/s relating to inappropriate behaviour/s circulating in the club should be brought to the atiention to the Chairperson and checked out promptly. All ensuing information should be handled confidentially and with sensitivity.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is about managing information in a respectful, professional and purposeful manner. It is important that the rights of both the child and the person about whom the complaint has been made are protected. Therefore, appropriate confidentiality will be maintained in respect of all issues and people involved in concerns about the welfare of a child or bad practice within the club. The following points will be borne in mind:
- A guarantee of confidentiality or undertakings regarding secrecy cannot be given, as the welfare of the child will supersede all other considerations .
- All information should be treated in a careful and sensitive manner and should only be discussed with those who need to know
- Information will be conveyed to the parents/guardians of a child about whom there are concerns in a sensitive way. Giving information to others on a “need to know” basis for the protection of a child is not a breach of confidentiality.