Welfare and Safeguarding

This year’s Play Safe weekend focuses on the safeguarding role EVERYONE has to play – coach, player, parent/carer, spectator or volunteer – to keep children and young people safe, no matter what the football setting. EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTIME is encouraged to WATCH, LISTEN, TALK and ACT if they have any safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

We all have a part to play in keeping children safe whilst they play the game they love. If you see any poor or abusive behaviour or your hear abusive or bad language, you MUST report it. In the first instance, make sure your Club Welfare Officer is aware and they will either contact the League Welfare Officer or the County FA Welfare Officer.

League Welfare Officer

Jackie Pritchard – msjlwelfare@gmail.com

Staffs FA Welfare Officer

Jan Scott – Jan.Scott@staffordshirefa.com

FA Safeguarding Guidance

Photographing & Filming Children

Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedure

How to Report Safeguarding Concerns

Respect

We are a Respect League, so we support and promote the FA Respect Programme at ALL of our matches.

All our teams are required to have a Respect barrier at their pitch.   

Each team should have a nominated Respect Marshall at each of their games. They will be easily identifiable as they will be wearing the Respect Marshall bib.

Respect the armband

Many of our referees are under 18 years of age so they may be wearing a yellow armband to denote that.  They may also be newly qualified and only officiated at a handful of matches. 

Please give them the respect they deserve.  They can only give what they see and they are human.  They should not be abused or made to feel intimidated when making a decision.  They need your support and encouragement, not your criticism.