SAFEGUARDING
MANDATORY DBS CHECKS - SEASON 2024/25
In line with FA Safeguarding requirements, all Managers, Assistants and Coaches within the Club Portal must have a completed and in-date Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, in readiness for the 2024/25 season.
In addition, they will be required to take the FA's free Player Welfare course.
This is to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of Under 18 players within the Hampshire Premier League. Failure to comply will impact a club's ability to apply/ renew its annual membership.
Within their applications, Clubs should note individual DBS certification should have both the 'Employer' and 'Position Applied For' as related to the (Hampshire Premier League) football club concerned. Existing DBS certificates (i.e. relating to professional employment or other interest) will not be accepted.
DBS checks can be initiated via club Welfare Officers. Guidance notes via Hampshire FA can be found HERE.
We encourage Clubs to address this important matter in a timely fashion, with an increase in demand on courses expected nearer the start of 2024/25 season.
For further information, please contact our Safeguarding Officer, Tim de Trafford - timdetraff@gmail.com
HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE - SAFEGUARDING AND COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
In compliance with FA Safeguarding requirements, the Hampshire Premier League has compiled a set of procedures to ensure the highest standards are achieved and maintained at all times, by Hampshire Premier League member clubs.
The FA requirements apply to any open age team who have 16/17 year old players, or are likely to sign 16/17 year old players.
WHAT MUST HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS DO?
1. Adopt and implement the FA Clubs Safeguarding Children Policy Template
2. Identify coaches/teams who have or are likely to have 16/17 year old players – make sure they are listed on the FA WGS and have an in-date FA accepted DBS check.
3. Decide who is best to act as a DBS verifier for the club.
Link up with a youth club CWO who can act as a verifier OR register the Open-Age club with FAchecks@thefa.com and nominate a club official as a verifier.
HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS WILL NEED TO IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
1. Appoint a Club Welfare Officer (Adult Teams) – this person will need the following:
· In date FA DBS check.
· Complete Safeguarding Children online course.
· Complete Welfare Officer online course.
· Complete Safeguarding for Committee member’s course.
The name and contact details of the nominated person should be forwarded to HPFL Welfare Officer, Tim de Trafford – timdetraff@gmail.com
2. Encourage all coaches and club officials to complete the free online Safeguarding for All courses.
On successful attainment of the qualifications, copies of certification should be forwarded to (Acting) HPFL Welfare Officer, Tim de Trafford – timdetraff@gmail.com
WHO NEEDS A DBS?
· In the event that any Hampshire Premier League team is likely to play 16 and 17 year old players, during the course of a season, all coaches/assistant coaches, managers/assistant managers, first aiders and physiotherapists, will require an up to date DBS check showing on the FA Whole Game System.
This will be a requirement even if there is only one 16/17 year old player in the squad
· Players who participate in an Open-Age team, DO NOT need a DBS as they have no regulated role in football.
· Any coach that has an FA DBS showing as accepted on the FA WGS from a role in youth football will not need a second DBS check.
DBS APPLICATION PROCEDURE
· The club can register with FA checks by emailing FAChecks@thefa.com and nominate a club official as DBS verifier. The FA checks team will send information and guidance regarding the process.
· For single team clubs where only 1 manager/coach will require a DBS check, Hampshire FA can be contacted for guidance – safeguarding@hampshirefa.com.
OUR ROLE AT THE HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE
1. Promote safeguarding with all HPFL registered clubs.
2. Promote the FA’s safeguarding information
3. Ensure safeguarding is a standard item at HPFL committee meetings/ AGM.
4. Monitor data reports showing teams that register players aged 17/18 years old.
5. Support clubs to identify local DBS verifiers.
6. Provide a specific point of contact for safeguarding communications from the county FA in addition to Chairs/Secretaries.
USEFUL RESOURCES
‘Know Your Rights’ leaflet for 16/17 year old players
Filming & Photography - FA Guidance Notes
HOW TO REPORT CONCERNS
It is not your job to decide whether or not a child or young person is being abused, but it is your responsibility to share your concerns.
Should a situation arise where an individual suspects a child or young person is being abused, the police or emergency services should be contacted forthwith, to ensure the immediate safety of the child.
Recommended procedure:
· Contact your Club Welfare Officer
· Contact the DSO/DDSO at Hampshire FA - safeguarding@hampshirefa.com
· FA Safeguarding team – safeguarding.children@thefa.com
· NSPCC Helpline - 0808 800 5000
HAMPSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE PROCEDURE
· Club secretaries to forward to Tim de Trafford – timdetraff@gmail.com, the names of all personnel (managers, coaches, physios, support staff), who have or are likely to have contact with the HPFL team.
· The named persons will need to undertake a DBS check on the FA WGS forthwith.
· Clubs will be required to keep the HPFL up to date with any changes in personnel and are advised to include in their selection process of new appointments, confirmation that the candidate has an approved DBS check recorded on the FA WGS, if not they must undertake and receive approval before they commence their new role.
· The Hampshire Premier League will work in conjunction with the HFA safeguarding officers, who will cross reference the named personnel with the FA WGS, in order to monitor the progress and completion of the DBS applications.
· Hampshire Premier League clubs who fail to comply with this process will have sanctions imposed by the Hampshire Premier League in line with FA directives.
