1. Our Commitment
The Futsal Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. Every player has the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment, free from abuse, harm, or discrimination.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All players
- Coaches and staff
- Volunteers
- Parents and guardians
- Visitors and partners
3. Principles
We believe:
- The welfare of the child is paramount
- All children have equal rights to protection
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
- Concerns must be acted upon promptly and appropriately
4. Code of Conduct (Staff & Coaches)
All staff and coaches must:
- Act as positive role models
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Never engage in physical, emotional, or verbal abuse
- Avoid private one-to-one situations where possible
- Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
- Never communicate with players privately via personal social media
5. Physical Contact
Physical contact is permitted only when necessary, appropriate, and in line with coaching best practice (e.g. correcting technique), and must always be:
- Open
- Proportionate
- In the best interest of the child
6. Photography & Media
- Images/videos will only be used positively and respectfully
- Parental consent is required
- No child will be identified by full name without permission
7. Reporting Concerns
Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the Academy Safeguarding Lead. All concerns will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.
If a child is in immediate danger, emergency services will be contacted.
8. Anti-Bullying
Bullying, discrimination, or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes physical, verbal, emotional, and online behaviour.
9. Review
This policy is reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident.