PCFC Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy

PLEASE NOTE: Coaches may be asked to undertake Police Vetting Procedures

1. PCFC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and it is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We strive to ensure a child’s protection with respect to best practice, policy, and procedures.
2. The key principles of PCFC’s Child Protection policy are that;
3. The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
4. All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse, regardless of age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation
5. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
6. Working in partnership with other organisations, children/young people, and their parents/caregivers is essential

We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. PCFC recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

1. PCFC has 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 child protection applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are volunteers, match officials, club helpers, coaches, club officials, and medical staff
2. We endorse and adopt best practice for child protection, and for recruiting volunteers we may;
3. Develop a role profile
4. Request identification documents
5. As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant, and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
6. Request information required to run a police vetting check

All current PCFC members with direct access to children and young people may be required to complete a recognised Police Check. If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved, or who has approached us to become part of the Club, guidance will be sought from the appropriate sources. It is noted and accepted that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people. It is accepted that PCFC 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.

1. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can freely contact a member of the PCFC Management Team or Board of Directors
2. We acknowledge bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players and parents/guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents with be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the club secretary and/ or a member of the Management Team.
3. Codes of conduct for players, parents, spectators, officials, and coaches have been implemented by PCFC. To validate these codes of conduct, the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledge the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented in more serious circumstances.