SAFEGUARDING

We are committed to ensuring that all children who participate in football in Newport do so in a fun, safe and positive environment. The Newport Junior Football league 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,

Each football club must carry out FAW Safeguarding Policy, Practices & Procedures,
Work in partnership with agencies such as the Child Protection in Sports Unit to ensure our we meet the necessary safeguarding 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.

SAFEGUARDING ID BADGES

Safeguarding remains at the very heart of our priorities as a league, not only for the benefit of everyone involved in football in Newport, but also throughout the wider area. We have previously highlighted the need of identification (ID) badges for all individuals who come into contact with the children.

Thanks to an immense amount of dedication and effort behind the scenes, we are delighted to announce that the ID badge initiative is now being rolled out. Processing the significant number of coaches and volunteers that support our clubs has been a challenging undertaking, so we kindly ask for your continued patience as we work through each club and year group.

Our initial focus will be with the Under 6 and Under 7 teams playing on the 3G pitches. We will begin distributing the new ID badges at the Pill 3G and Velodrome venues after the half term break.

What Do We Expect of You?

Once you have been issued with your ID badge, it must be worn at all games and football activities where you have contact with children.
The wearing of these badges will enable players, parents, and league officials to easily identify coaches, helpers, and all other volunteers associated with our clubs.
When the scheme is fully implemented, anyone found not wearing their ID badge will be asked to step away from contact with the children, without exception.

The scheme is being funded by the NJFL and is free of charge. If, however, you misplace your badge there will be a charge of £5.00 for a replacement badge.

If you have any questions on the above please do not hesitate to contact us on the usual email address.