Parents and carers remain responsible for checking their child is taken care of in football.

Things to do as a parent/carer:

● Complete the free, 30-minute online ‘Safeguarding Awareness for Parents/Carers’ course.
● Know who your child’s coach/manager is and how to contact them.
● Know how to contact your club’s welfare officer and where to report a concern. 
● Ask about FA DBS Checks and safeguarding qualifications of the staff at your club.
● Know what unacceptable behaviour looks like and the club’s Codes of Conduct. 
● Keep on checking in with your child(ren) – make sure they know how to report a concern.

Committee Members have an explicit responsibility to ensure safeguards are consistently in place across the clubs’ activities. Working together you can really make a difference to keep everyone safe. 

Things to do as a committee member: 

● Make sure your club is following a safer recruiting process - you can find that information here
● Support coaches, check they’re working with the right ratios and role modelling the clubs code of conduct, make sure you’re happy with the way they communicate and engage with players.
● Make sure all your club’s digital/social media communications follow safe practice; they should be for specific football purposes.

As a coach or manager, you’re in a position of trust and responsibility to many.  

Things to do as a coach or manager:

● Check and challenge your own behaviour, as well as other peoples. Shouting at children is not okay. 
● Make sure you’re working with another DBS-checked coach. 
● Only communicate online with a child’s parent or carer. Keep it football related. 
● Be fair, encouraging, inclusive. Try to understand every child’s needs, speak with their parent/carer about what would work best for their child.

On or off the pitch, players should expect to feel safe, always. 

Things to do as a player: 

● If something feels wrong or unsafe, know how and where to report a concern. 
● Keep talking to your parent/carer. Tell them if you’re worried about anything. 
● Expect to play in a safe environment, always. 
● Be positive and always support other players.

Being at the heart of the game, its important referees/match officials look after themselves and others. 

Things to do as an under-18 referee/match official whether on matchday or at training events: 

● Know who you’re officiating/training with, how you’re getting to the venue and who the club/event organiser point of contact is.
● For matches, check important details, like changing facilities and post-match support. 
● Be prepared for a challenging game. Know how and where to report a problem. 

Things to do as an adult referee/match official: 

● Know who you’re officiating/training with and who the main point of contact is.
● Be responsible before offering under-18 officials a lift; get parent/carer consent, consider will there be a third person in the vehicle, ensure they sit in the rear of the vehicle.  
● Check important details before a match, like changing facilities or post-match support. 
● Be prepared for a challenging game and know how to manage conflict. Know how and where to report a concern.

As a designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) or Club Welfare Officer (CWO), you’re the first port of call. 

Things to do as a DSO/CWO:

● Know who your members are and how to reach them. Consider how you can ensure everyone knows who you are and how to contact you.
● Share news and information about Play Safe to everyone at your club.
● Keep safeguarding as a regular item at committee meetings.
● Think about what could make a positive difference at your club/league and who could help you bring about that change.

Supporters should keep the sidelines positive and supportive. This way, the game is better for all. 

Things to do as a spectator: 

● Never shout abusive or negative things during a match. Keep it positive. Clap for everyone. 
● If there’s something that feels off or unsafe, report it to the club welfare officer, or member of staff.