Statement of policy
The G.A.S. Football club is committed to the protection of children against harm of all types and take very seriously its role as guardians. In particular, THE G.A.S. aim to fulfil the UN Convention on children’s rights;

· Respect
· Information about themselves
· Be protected from harm
· Have a say in their life
· A good start
· Be and feel secure

The G.A.S. Football club, its officials, coaches and members share a joint and several responsibilities in providing and environment where children can be happy and free from harm or abuse. This aim is implemented through striving to deliver “best practice” and identifying and eliminating poor practice or abuse.

The G.A.S. Football club insist that action is taken by individuals for all instances of poor practice or child abuse. Inaction is negligence, and in itself is a form of abuse.

The ability to be aware of and identify poor practice and abuse begins with its understanding. To that end THE G.A.S. encourage all those who are in contact with children at the club to spend time reading about, and researching the subject. Some good staring points of reference are:

The NSPCC
The Football Association

Taking action
The definitions of Poor practice and abuse are specified later in this policy document

· Poor Practice – Report all matters to either the The G.A.S. Child Protection Officer or the THE G.A.S. Chairman. If you feel that matters are not dealt with satisfactorily, then please report the matter to the National Child protection help line 0800 800 5000.

· Child abuse – Report directly and immediately to the National Child protection help line 0800 800 5000. In addition, please notify the The G.A.S. Child Protection Officer or the The G.A.S. Chairman

Designated officer
THE The G.A.S. Football Club has an appointed Child protection officer whose responsibilities include:

· The main point of contact for members, agencies and police regarding child protection issues
· Provide information, advice and guidance to members and officials of the THE G.A.S.Football Club regarding Child Protection matters
· It is not the role of the child protection officer to decide whether or not a child has been abused.

Definitions of poor practice and child abuse
Whilst there is not simple definition between poor practice and abuse, most caring individuals will be able to distinguish between the two based on the prevailing situation and circumstances.

Poor practice –
Inconsiderate language in the presence of children
Inappropriate clothing for the weather
Unnecessary criticism of a child
A child playing for team which does not suit his ability

Child abuse-
There are five main forms of abuse:

Physical abuse includes situations where adults:

· physically hurt or injure children or young people (e.g. by hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting or burning)
· give children or young people alcohol, cigarettes, inappropriate drugs or poison
· attempt to suffocate or drown children or young people use excessive and inappropriate training methods
· In the football environment, physical abuse might also occur when the nature and intensity of training exceeds the capacity of the child’s - or young person’s - immature and growing body, (e.g. overtraining) and also when coaches encourage children/young people to take performance enhancing drugs or alcohol.

Neglect includes situations in which:

· A child’s - or young person’s - basic physical needs (e.g. for food, warm clothing) are not met
· Children or young people are consistently left alone and unsupervised
· In the football environment, neglect might also occur if a teacher, coach or manager fails to ensure children or young people are safe, or exposes them to undue extremes of weather or risk of injury, e.g. through unsafe equipment.

Sexual abuse includes situations in which adults/peers use children or young people to meet their own sexual needs through any form of sexual act or attempt to

· showing them pornographic books, photographs or videos or taking photographs for pornographic purposes
· In the football environment, sexual abuse might also occur when inappropriate physical contact takes place e.g. through inappropriate supporting, treatment or touching of children or young people.

Emotional abuse includes situations in which:

· there is a persistent lack of love, affection or attention shown to a child or young person
· children or young people are overprotected preventing them from socializing
· Children or young people are frequently shouted at or taunted
· In the football environment, emotional abuse might also include situations where parents or coaches subject children or young people to constant criticism, bullying or unrealistic pressure to perform to high expectations or to attain standards they are clearly not able to reach.

Bullying is not always easy to define, can take many forms and is usually repeated over a period of time. The three main types are:

· physical (e.g. hitting, kicking, theft),
· verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling)
· emotional (e.g. isolating an individual from activities).

They all will include:

· deliberate hostility and aggression towards a victim
· a victim who is weaker and less powerful than the bully or bullies
· an outcome which is always painful and distressing for the victim

Bullying behaviour may also include:

· other forms of violence
· sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing
· tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation
· racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
· unwanted physical contact or abusive or offensive comments of a sexual nature
· Emotional and verbal bullying is more common in football than physical violence; it can also be difficult to cope with or prove.