Safeguarding for Adults and Open Age Football
SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
WE'RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU
Safeguarding of adults in football is essential to ensure that everyone plays their part in making the game safe for everyone to enjoy.
Safeguarding for U18s and U17s/16s in Open-Age Football
Under 18 Players In Open-Age Football
It must be recognised that there are several young players aged 16/17 who are participating in open-age football. Whilst we see this as part of the transition between youth and the adult game, we need to ensure that these players are safeguarded, and they have a positive experience.
We must remember that players in this age group are still legally classed as a child and therefore we request clubs consider issues such as changing room arrangements/ showering to make sure that the person feels safe during these activities.
The FA requests that clubs with under-18 players in their teams need to adopt a safeguarding policy. The FA have provided a template that clubs can adopt - please see below.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY TEMPLATE FOR CLUBS WITH 16-17 YEAR-OLD PLAYERS
Supporting 16/17 Year Old Players
We recommend you distribute the FA's guidance Know Your Rights in Football to all 16/17-year-old players. We also recommend hosting this information on your club website and consider making it part of a 'Welcome Pack’ for new players aged 16 and 17 years old.
T: 07717 810409
E: safeguarding@cheshirefa.com
T: 01606 30 2028
E: Greg.McLean@CheshireFA.com
T: 01606 30 2024
E: Steve.Smithies@CheshireFA.com
T: 01606 30 2032
E: Chris.Barrow@CheshireFA.com
IMPORTANT NEW SAFEGUARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR 23/24 AND 24/25 SEASON
For the 2023/24 season the main change is that Clubs with Open-Age Adult Teams must have a named Club Welfare Officer (Adult Teams). No formal qualifications are required at this stage. However, for the 2024/25 season, a DBS and Welfare qualification (TBC) will be required for this role.
Adult Disability Football
The FA have developed several resources to support adult disability teams in making sure that their club is promoting the best safeguarding standards. Please view the guidance in the link below.