Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

AFC Morda United is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and adults involved in the club. We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or background.

This policy applies to all members of the club, including junior and senior players, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents/carers, and visitors.

2. Aims of the Policy

The aims of this safeguarding policy are to:

  • Protect children and adults at risk from harm, abuse, or exploitation.
  • Ensure all safeguarding concerns are responded to promptly and appropriately.
  • Promote best practice and a culture of openness, accountability, and respect.
  • Ensure everyone involved in the club understands their safeguarding responsibilities.

3. Definitions

  • Child / Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.
  • Adult at Risk: An adult who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, illness, disability, or other circumstances.
  • Safeguarding: Protecting individuals’ health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from abuse, harm, and neglect.

4. Scope

This policy covers:

  • Junior teams (all age groups under 18)
  • Senior teams
  • Training sessions, matches, tours, social events, and online/remote activities

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Club Committee

  • Ensure safeguarding is a standing item on club agendas.
  • Support the implementation and regular review of this policy.

Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)

  • Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  • Record, report, and manage safeguarding issues appropriately.
  • Liaise with relevant external agencies where necessary.

Club Safeguarding Officer:
Name: Nathan Bartram
Contact Details: 07833 804572

Coaches, Managers, and Volunteers

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Follow the club’s codes of conduct at all times.
  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately.

Players and Parents/Carers

  • Treat others with respect.
  • Raise any concerns about welfare or behaviour.

6. Recruitment and Training

  • All coaches and volunteers working with junior teams must undergo appropriate background checks where required by law or governing bodies.
  • Safeguarding training will be provided and updated regularly.
  • References will be obtained for relevant roles.

7. Codes of Conduct

All members must:

  • Promote fair play and respect.
  • Avoid inappropriate language, behaviour, or physical contact.
  • Never be alone with a child in a private or unobservable setting where possible.
  • Use social media and electronic communication responsibly.

8. Recognising Abuse

Abuse may include (but is not limited to):

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Bullying or harassment (including online)

All concerns should be taken seriously, even if there is uncertainty.

9. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

  1. Listen carefully and reassure the individual.
  2. Do not promise confidentiality.
  3. Record the concern accurately as soon as possible.
  4. Report immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer.

If a person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services straight away.

10. Photography and Media

  • Consent must be obtained for photographing or filming junior players.
  • Images must be used respectfully and stored securely.
  • No inappropriate or unauthorised images are permitted.

11. Anti-Bullying

AFC Morda United has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, or discrimination. All incidents will be dealt with promptly and fairly.

12. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Safeguarding information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and handled in line with data protection legislation.

13. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance, or club circumstances change.

14. Declaration

This safeguarding policy was adopted by AFC Morda United on:

Date: 29 January 2026

Signed (Chairperson): Mathew Edwards