Safeguarding Newsletter - November
Spotlight on Safeguarding
Welcome to our November Safeguarding Newsletter. In this edition we will take a look back at our successful Play Safe campaign, a reminder for Club Accreditation requirements, and take a more in-depth look at the FA's guidance for social media as well how we communicate with our young players regarding keeping them safe while communicating online.
First of all, a big THANK YOU to all our clubs who participated in the FA's third annual Play Safe Campaign. In the build up to the weekend all clubs received their Play Safe armbands and pin badges. It was great to see so many of our players, young and old, playing matches wearing their armbands. It was lovely to see so many of you encourage your clubs to take part in our picture competition. We had lots of entries either emailed in or tagged in to us on social media. The winner of the best picture award was Ross Youth Girls u14's team (see pic below). Herefordshire FA's CEO Alan Darfi popped along to congratulate the team, their coaches and parents and presented them with a new bag of balls as a prize.
SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
Play safe - Online
The FA's approach to safeguarding – and our responsibility to keep children safe – applies to the online environment as much as to the offline world.
We know that teams, clubs, and leagues really benefit from online and digital technology. Whether communicating team results or a change of venue, promoting social events, or sharing coaching tips and skills to encourage and support new volunteers – it helps teams and clubs to run effectively and be better connected.
For clubs to benefit safely from the online environment, it is important they follow best practice in social media and technology use. Club officials, match officials and parents/carers involved in football should understand how their safeguarding responsibilities apply online.
We all benefit from the digital world – when used appropriately. We create our own digital footprint every time we post comments, photos and videos – so think before you post. If you wouldn’t say or do something face-to-face – then don’t do it online.
Please see here for further guidance and information.
The following link is an FA resource aimed at keeping teenagers safe online. It contains lots of useful information including:
- the quick do's and don'ts
- advice if worried or feeling uncomfortable
- advice from the experts
- further information which contains lots of useful links to various agencies and charities who offer guidance on advice.
It is a helpful document for anyone who works with children. Please share with coaches and parents within your club. Parents can then pass this on to their children if they wish to.
RUNNING WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
The following guidance is to support clubs and leagues to manage their safeguarding responsibilities effectively. It aims to ensure children, young people, coaches, referees and adults in a position of trust are not subjected to improper online behaviour or improper allegations.
Remember that clubs and leagues are responsible for ensuring all content hosted on their websites, social network areas and any associated message boards or blogs abides by the Rules and Regulations of The Football Association.
For further information please read the FA's guidance to running websites and social media guidelines.
The FA have once again joined forces with the Anti Bullying Alliance. This years 'Make Some Noise' campaign will be widely promoted within schools with the hope that the message will carry over into the community. Anti Bullying Week is the 13th - 17th November with 'odd socks day' taking place on Monday 13th November, if any of your teams have training scheduled for Monday's maybe this is something your could encourage? Please click the link below for more information and perhaps share with your clubs coaches, volunteers and parents
HFA RELEASES SUMMARY OF 2022-23 CUSTOMER SURVEY
Thank you to everyone from across the game who provided feedback. Some key findings:
- U18 player feedback
Yet again, young players are telling us loudly and clearly that the number one reasons why they play football is to have fun with their mates. They are also telling us that negative behaviour of opposition coaches and parents is the number one reason they don’t like football. It is essential that we listen to this feedback and focus on ensuring a positive environment for all.
- Young person section of the website
You said – we need to improve this area
We have – already made some changes and agreed a programme to ensure this section will be improved during 2023-24.
A complete summary of the findings can be found here.
The 'voice of the child' in football
We are keen to continue gathering evidence throughout the season on how our clubs communicate with their players (of all ages). Please send in any examples of how you engage with your players and encourage them to be involved with the decision making process. As a county we are keen to log examples of best practice and formulate a wider strategy around this important area.
Upcoming key dates:
1st November - This season's club accreditation window opens. Please ensure that all your club coaches are up to date with all their qualifications, courses and certificates.
13th - 17th November - Anti Bullying week.
22nd November - CWO's first CPD session of the season. Online via Teams, 7-8 pm. More info to follow via email.
24/25 season - Just a reminder that all clubs with open age teams are required from the start of next season to have a named Welfare Officer in place. We encourage you to plan ahead and be ready to go for next season.
Other news:
- Exciting plans are in the pipeline for a 'new look' Youth Council. More information and details on how your club can be involved and a have a County youth representative will be sent out in the near future.
- Reminder that Club Validation Visits will be happening throughout the season.
Thank you for your ongoing support
Contact us!
Website: Herefordshire Football Association
Pay us a visit: Herefordshire FA is based at the County Ground, Widemarsh Common, Hereford. Our office is open Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm.
Give us a call: 01432 342179
Email: Safeguarding@herefordshirefa.com
Safeguarding mobile: 07555 754314
