HEALTH & SAFEGUARDING POLICY

*1. Purpose*  

This safeguarding and health policy aims to ensure the safety, well-being, and health of all children participating in activities at Panthera Football Club. The club is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where children can develop their football skills and enjoy their experience without fear of harm or abuse.

*2. Scope*  

This policy applies to all staff, coaches, volunteers, parents, guardians, and children involved in Panthera Football Club activities.

*3. Commitment to Safeguarding*  

Panthera Football Club recognizes its responsibility to protect children and promote their welfare. We will ensure that:

- All children have the right to participate in football activities in a safe environment.

- All staff and volunteers are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns.

- Procedures are in place to protect children from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

*4. Safe Recruitment*  

- All staff and volunteers who work with children will undergo a thorough recruitment process, including background checks and references.

- Appropriate training will be provided to ensure that all personnel are aware of safeguarding procedures.

*5. Code of Conduct*  

All staff, coaches, and volunteers are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct:

- Treat all children with respect and dignity.

- Ensure that all interactions with children are appropriate and professional.

- Never engage in physical punishment or any form of abusive behavior.

- Maintain appropriate boundaries in relationships with children.

- Report any concerns regarding a child's welfare to designated safeguarding officers immediately.

*6. Health Policy*

*6.1 Commitment to Health and Well-being*  

Panthera Football Club is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all members. This includes physical, mental, and emotional health.

*6.2 Medical Information*  

- Parents/guardians are required to provide accurate medical information about their child during the registration process, including allergies, chronic conditions, and any other relevant health considerations.

- This information will be kept confidential and will be used to ensure the safety and well-being of each player during club activities.

*6.3 Emergency Procedures*  

- In the event of an injury or medical emergency, staff and coaches are trained to respond appropriately. Emergency contact numbers will be readily available for each child.

- A first aid kit will be available at all training sessions and matches, and designated staff will be trained in first aid procedures.

*6.4 Illness and Injuries*  

- Parents/guardians are required to inform the club if their child is unwell and not able to attend training or matches.

- Children who are sick or have experienced symptoms of contagious illnesses (e.g., fever, vomiting, etc.) should not attend club activities until they are fully recovered.

*6.5 Hydration and Nutrition*  

- Players are encouraged to remain hydrated before, during, and after activities. Water breaks will be incorporated into training sessions.

- Parents are encouraged to provide healthy snacks and meals for their children to promote proper nutrition and overall well-being.

*6.6 Mental Health and Well-being*  

- The club will promote a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported.

- Coaches and staff will be trained to recognize signs of mental health issues and will be encouraged to create opportunities for open discussions about mental well-being with players.

*7. Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs)*  

- The club will appoint designated safeguarding officers responsible for safeguarding policies and procedures. They will be the primary points of contact for any safeguarding and health-related concerns.

- The DSOs will ensure that all concerns are dealt with promptly, fairly, and in a manner that respects the privacy of the child and their family.

*8. Reporting Procedures*  

- Any staff, coach, volunteer, or parent who has concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child must report these concerns to a designated safeguarding officer immediately.

- Concerns may be reported verbally or in writing, and the confidentiality of the reporting individual will be respected as far as possible.

*9. Responding to Disclosures*  

- If a child discloses information about abuse or harm, the recipient must remain calm and supportive.

- The recipient should listen carefully, reassure the child, and avoid making promises they cannot keep.

- The information should be documented and reported to a designated safeguarding officer as soon as possible.

*10. Training and Awareness*  

- All staff, coaches, and volunteers will receive training on safeguarding and health policies and practices, ensuring they are aware of their responsibilities in safeguarding children and promoting their health.

- Regular updates and refreshers will be provided to keep everyone informed.

*11. Reviewing and Monitoring*  

- This safeguarding and health policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

- Any changes to policies or procedures will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and parents.

*12. Confidentiality*  

- The privacy of children and families will be respected throughout all safeguarding and health procedures, and information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

*13. Contacts*  

For any safeguarding or health concerns, please contact the designated safeguarding officers:

The key principles of the PFC Safeguarding Children Policy are that: 

1. The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
2. All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, race, sexual orientation, faith or belief.
3. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately, working in partnership with other organisations, children and 
 young people and their parents/carers is essential.
4. 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.
5. Panthera football club recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our company.
6. Panthera football club  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.
7. It is noted and accepted that the Football Association’s Safeguarding Children Regulations (see the FA Handbook) applied to everyone in football whether in a paid or 
 voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper on Club Tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

PFC endorse and adopt The FA’s responsible recruitment guidelines for recruiting volunteers/coaching staff and we will:


1. Specify what the role is and what tasks it involves
2. Request Identification documents
3. As a minimum, meet and chat with applicant(s) and where possible interview
4. Before appointing the interviewee, ask for and follow up at least 2 references
5. Where eligible, require an FA accepted Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with barring list check in line with current FA policy and regulations
6. Ensure that any coaching staff have an in-date safeguarding certificate

Conclusion*  

Panthera Football Club is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and healthy environment for all children. We recognise that safeguarding and health are fundamental to our mission and that a collaborative approach is essential for ensuring the welfare of our young athletes. Thank you for your cooperation in upholding these important principles.