OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, WE WILL BE HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE KEY AREAS AROUND SAFEGUARDING AND BEST PRACTICES, WHICH WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THE FA’S GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

As we step into the new season you can feel a real buzz from everyone about getting back to league fixtures after such a long period away from the game. Everyone is eager to get started and playing but we must remember our safe practices and don’t let anything slip when it comes to protecting the children within our football environments.

This week we would are going to look at Digital Communications with Children (Under 18s).

Children in football (anyone under 18) today are well-versed in online communications. But many adults are not. These guidance notes are intended to provide some best practice suggestions for adults when communicating with under-18-year-olds, whatever their football role – player, referee, coach or other.

Below, you will find some guidance for U18s so you can ensure you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and others. Whatever your role in football, we hope you’ll find them useful.

Wherever possible, communications should always happen through the parent/carer and not directly with the child under the age of 16, whatever their role in football is. We understand that when children turn 16, they become more independent and start to take control of their own lives and arrangements. This is fine if the right steps have been followed and communications are conducted in the correct way and completely football related. 

Also below is some guidance on Restarting Competitive Grassroots Football for Referees, as this incorporates elements of safe communications too. Please take some time to read the guidance documents, as they will help you to continue creating a safe environment for yourself and others. 

DOWNLOADS

Staying Safe in the Digital world

Digital communication with children

Covid 19 guidance for referees