We are committed to ensuring that all children who participate in football in Wales do so in a fun, safe and positive environment. The FAW believes that every adult has a legal and moral responsibility to protect children in football from abuse.
To ensure that safeguarding is embedded into our football culture, the FAW:
- Have implemented an FAW Safeguarding Policy, Practices & Procedures which all clubs and personnel affilaited to the FAW are required to adhere to.
- Work in partnership with agencies such as the Child Protection in Sports Unit to ensure our we meet the necessary safegaurding standards
- Have implemented a safeguarding structure and safeguarding focal points at all levels of the game. It is a requirement for all clubs, Leagues and Area Associations to have a registered Safeguarding officer who has completed safeguarding training.
- Work in partnerships with agencies to ensure that information and training opportunities are available for everyone in Welsh football
- Signpost to agencies who can provide specialist guidance and support
- Developed a complaints procedure to enable clubs to deal with concerns regarding poor practice. Concerns can be escalated to Leagues, Area Associations and the FAW.
- Have implemented procedures to deal with high risk cases and liase with Police and Local Authorities to ensure measures are put in place
- Developed Codes of Conducts for players, coaches, parents and referees
- Provided best practice guidelines
- Developed a safeguarding website to ensure all stakeholders have access to safeguarding information and requirements
All Small-Sided and Junior Football Clubs are expected to:
- Have a registered Safeguarding Officer in place at all times who has completed Safeguarding Training and read over the FAW Safeguarding Policy and all safeguarding guidance.
- Meet accreditation requirements before they can be provided with clearance to operate.
- Follow the correct recruitment process, such as ensuring all volunteers are DBS checked, have the necessary training for their role, are registered on the COMET system.
- Implement Code of Conducts for their members
- Educate members on best practice guidelines
- Ensure there is a club complaints procedure in place
- Deal with low level concerns such as poor practice
- Inform the FAW of any high level concerns such as allegations of abuse
- Ensure player welfare is paramount