Player Information

The Club Members' Handbook contains all our club policies as well as other useful information. Click the image to download your digital copy.

APPENDIX 8. SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

Every child or young person who plays or participates in football at this club should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the shared responsibility of every adult involved in or connected to this club. Thus, all parents and guardians, club officials, employees and coaching staff are required to endorse and adhere to this Safeguarding Children Policy.

Anyone who has a concern about the welfare of a child or the behaviour of an adult towards a child or young person under 18 years of age in football, is required to refer it to the safeguarding team.

MPYFC recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children and young people who play or participate in football by protecting them from abuse and harm. This means creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere where everyone at the club works together to tackle both bullying and discrimination, ensure safer recruitment, and tackle poor practice which leads to harm and reduces equal opportunities.

Best practice in Inclusion, Anti-bullying, Equality and the Respect agenda are all part of making safer cultures and prevention of harm and abuse. MPYFC is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all children and young people to participate in the sport to the best of their abilities for as long as they choose to do so.

MPYFC’s Safeguarding Children Policy principles 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

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and investigated swiftly

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and parents and carers is essential. MPYFC is committed to working in partnership with the Police, Children’s Social Care, Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCB) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in accordance with each of these organisations procedures. This is essential to enable these organisations to carry out their statutory duties to investigate concerns and protect all children and young people.

MPYFC appoints and keeps in place at all times a Welfare Officer in line with FA affiliation requirements. Club Welfare Officers (CWO) are trained specifically to promote safeguarding children in the context of community sports clubs. They are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct for volunteer Welfare Officers.

MPYFC CWO is Alan Jackson, who can be reached on 07773 372905 or alanjackson2412@gmail.com

The safeguarding children policy is further supported by MPYFC’s ‘Respect programme’ which aims to address verbal abuse and bullying of youngsters by parents and coaches from the sidelines or at any time during participation.

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Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club Equality Policy

The aim of this policy is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect and that Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club is equally accessible to them all.

Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club 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.

Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities.

This policy is fully supported by the Club Officers who are responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club, in all its activities will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, ability or disability. It means that Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club will ensure that 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.

Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club 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.

Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs.

Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club 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.

Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club 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 relevant equalities legislation - Race Relations Act 1976, Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as well as any amendments to these acts and any new legislation.

Metropolitan Police Youth Football Club 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 imposed as appropriate.

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MPYFC Long term or serious injury to players policy Should a player incur a serious injury during a MPYFC game, there shall be two priority club considerations:

• The immediate safety, first aid and welfare of the player

• Ongoing support and assistance to facilitate a return to full fitness and playing status with MPYFC

From time to time, players will sustain injuries that will require a substantive lay-off from playing. Where this is likely to extend beyond several weeks it will be important for the coach and manager of the team to adopt appropriate planning to achieve the two points above. In particular this should involve the following:

1. Notify the club welfare office (CWO) of the injury, providing details of you player involved, the immediate and further treatment they may have received and any other relevant information that the club may need.

2. Consider what this means for the team and the remainder of the season and how to ensure continuity for the remainder of the players can be best achieved. Notify the CWO of your plans.

3. Make a plan with the injured player (parent or carers) to monitor their recovery and keep the player in contact with the club (such as inviting them to attend games, training and any social activities).

4. Ensuring that any return to training and or playing has been sanctioned by the medical professionals involved and check this with their parents. At this point, use your professional judgement to ensure training and play is introduced gradually and progressively and pay particular attention to how the player is responding and coping.

Whilst it is the club’s aim to ensure that all injured players return to playing for their original team, MPYFC cannot guarantee that this will be the case. Please do not make promises such as “You will always have your place in this team” as we have learned from experience that this may not always work out in the best interests of the club or player.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this policy, please contact Club Welfare Officer, Alan Jackson, on: alanjackson2412@gmail.com

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Policy 04: MPYFC EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP)

Policy release June 2018

Reviewed May 2022 Circulation: All club personnel and Club website Policy Section

The safety and welfare of children and young people in our club is the number one priority. Being aware of the guidance in this policy will support the high standards of safety that we require.

BEFORE THE SEASON STARTS AND BEFORE EACH GAME:

• Make sure you have all parents’ contact numbers and players medical conditions easily accessible; keep your phone with you. Best practice is for all team officials to do likewise.

• Check the first aid kit is fully stocked and in good condition and that your first aid training will remain up-to-date throughout the season. Keep this EAP laminated copy in the first aid kit.

IN THE EVENT OF A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS INJURY:

1. If you are the First Responder Grab and go – grab the first aid kit and get on the pitch. Slow down as you approach the casualty, kneel down next to their head and check ABC – airway, breathing & circulation. Are they conscious? Proceed with first aid.

2. Summon the support of a second official if possible, if not a trustworthy parent to help you manage the situation. Their job is to: read this EAP, manage bystanders, call an ambulance if required and act as your support/witness as and when you give medical attention to a minor. Imber court have a first aider to help if required; contact the Duty Manager in the office.

3. If in doubt immediately request a 999 call. The post code for the rear entrance at Imber Court is: KT10 8EG which must be used if an ambulance is summoned.

4. The defibrillator is located in by the pitch-side entrance to the main stadium by the kiosk. There is a Spinal board if required is in the swimming pool of Imber Court facilities.

5. First responder should stay with the casualty whilst the person supporting should send someone out to the road at the rear to direct the ambulance through to the ground and to check if cars need moving to provide 3m clearance and turn around for the ambulance.

6. Once the casualty is safely in the ambulance or in professional medical care, contact the parents/carers to inform them of the situation.

7. The Duty manager at Imber Court should be notified if there is a serious injury/accident that involves medical/emergency services on site. They will either be in main office or pick up the phone outside the office door which is direct to their mobile phone.

8. Once the casualty is safe, complete the accident report form and ask witnesses to prepare statements if they saw what happened. Contact the club welfare officer Alan Jackson 07773 372905 alanjackson2412@gmail.com who will support you to fulfil club requirements.

IN THE EVENT OF A MINOR INJURY:

1. Administer first aid as required and use your professional judgement to rest or retire the player. If a rest/retirement is necessary, monitor them over the remaining period of the game. Re-stock the first aid kit as necessary.

2. After the game, if you gave first aid, check the player is still feeling OK and let their parents know what happened and what treatment you gave.

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Respect Agenda Summary

The respect agenda is in place to protect and enhance the experience of everyone involved in grass roots football. It is an important part of MPYFC’s community values.

1. Respect Marshall's must wear their High Vis vest at every game so that the referee can identify them easily and clearly.

2. Respect Marshall's shall approach the referee and introduce themselves at least 15 mins before Kick Off.

3. Respect lines must be in place at every game and parents must stand behind their own line and never behind the opposition linesman. Linesmen, if an opposition parent is standing behind you, draw this to their attention, or ask the referee or respect marshal to ask them to move behind the respect line.

4. MPYFC Code of Conduct, says: “Do not publicly criticise the referee or linesman”. Do not challenge decisions, it’s not needed, is poor practice and leads to players and parents following your lead. Referees make mistakes, they are human and many are children themselves. Would you like your child being aggressively challenged as sometimes happens?

5. If there is a need to complain about a referee, then follow the procedure in the handbook; that is to send a report to the league in an objective manner. On match day, MPYFC club officials, respect marshals and linesmen are encouraged to introduce themselves to the opposition (parents and officials) and welcome them to Imber Court if we are at home. If playing away, an introduction acts to break the ice and provide a more cordial atmosphere for the game to be played.

For further information please contact Club Welfare Officer, Alan Jackson, on alanjackson2412@gmail.com 07773 372905.

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MI 04 - Player Code of Conduct

THE FA RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT - METROPOLITAN POLICE YOUTH FC

YOUNG PLAYERS

WHEN PLAYING FOOTBALL, I WILL:

• Always play to the best of my ability and for the benefit of my team

• Play fairly – I won’t cheat, dive, complain or waste time

• Respect my team-mates, the other team, the referee and my coach/manager

• Play by the rules, as directed by the referee

• Be gracious in victory and defeat – I will 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

• Understand that a coach has to do what is best for the team and not one individual player

• 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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MI 06 - Spectators Code of Conduct

THE FA RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT - SPECTATORS

I WILL:

• Remember that children play for FUN

• Applaud effort and good play as well as success

• Respect the Referee’s decisions even when you don’t agree with them

• Appreciate good play from whatever team it comes from

• Remain behind the touchline and within the Designated Spectators’ Area

• 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

• Support positively and offer players encouragement not criticism

• Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour

I understand that if I do not follow the Code, any/all of the following actions may be taken:

I MAY BE:

• Issued with a verbal warning from a club or league official

• Required to meet with the club, league or Club Welfare Officer (CWO)

• 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.

• We all bear a collective responsibility to set a good example and help provide a positive environment in which children can learn and enjoy the game. Play your part and observe The FA’s Respect Code of Conduct for spectators at all times.

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Policy 08. MPYFC PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Policy release April 2021

Review Due: May 2022

Circulation: All club personnel, members and website Policy Section

MPYFC shares the view of the FA that taking pictures or video of their children playing football enhances the enjoyment and progression for all. Having a visual memento of our children playing and enjoying football is priceless. Quote from the FA photography policy: ‘The FA would like to assure parents, carers, coaches, spectators, players and local media that we encourage the taking of appropriate images of children in football’.

The most common cause for concern involves the posting of photographs on social media and MPYFC recognises the use of photos and film on websites, social media, posters, within the press or other publications, can pose direct and indirect risks to children if they are not managed appropriately, and therefore we have the following specific guidance for parents, carers, spectators and club officials:

1. At the point of joining the club, all parents are asked to provide consent for their child to be photographed during either training or matches. Parents can withhold that consent.

2. The Club does NOT allow images to be recorded in changing rooms, showers or toilets – this includes the use of mobile phones that record images.

3. Parents, carers and players are advised to use caution before posting photos and video on social media platforms or web sites. You should adhere to the following:

4. Please do NOT identify a child or children by name when posting a photograph or video online or in the press, or publish any other personal details or information that will assist a third party in identifying the child.

5. Coaches and Club Officials will occasionally photograph or video matches or training to post on our website or other media, e.g. Facebook, or to use as an aid to training. If at any point you have Safeguarding concerns about your child appearing in a photo (e.g. the child is subject to care proceedings), it is important to discuss this with your child’s Coach, our Head Coach or Safeguarding Officers who will ensure the club is made aware and appropriate and agreed action is taken.

6. If parents wish to take photos or video at away matches this must have been agreed between MPYFC team manager and the home team manager PRIOR to the match. The key to adhere to is respect and consideration for all of the players and officials.

7. Ensure that all children featured in a photo or video are appropriately dressed with a minimum of shirt and shorts.

8. If you are concerned about the inappropriate use of images please report this to the Club Welfare Officer, Coach or Club Official.

To report potentially unlawful materials on the internet please contact:

The Internet Watch Foundation

Email: report@iwf.org.uk

Telephone: 01223 237700

www.iwf.org.uk

or

The FA’s Case Management Team

Email: case.management@TheFA.com

Telephone: 0207 745 4787

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