Carlisle Centurions FC (hereafter referred to as CCFC) acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s child protection and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.

The key principles of The FA child protection policy are that:

• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
• All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.

We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.

CCFC recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

CCFC has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s child protection regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

We endorse and adopt The FA’s child protection and best practice guidelines for recruiting Club Officers, Coaches and volunteers and will:

• Develop a role profile
• Request identification documents
• As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
• Request and follow up with two references before appointing
• Require a Cumberland FA DBS Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.

All CCFC officers/coaches/members/volunteers with direct access to children and young people within the club environment for whatever reason will be required to complete a DBS Enhanced Disclosure via The Cumberland FA DBS Unit. It will be the responsibility of the club’s lead person at the event/time to ensure that this is complied with.

Whenever/wherever feasibly possible, two DBS certified personnel should be on hand at any training session or match. This is to safeguard the children & players and also the integrity of the club.

All new coaches will be mentored by a DBS certified officer/coach at training sessions and/or matches until the relevant DBS procedure has been completed satisfactorily.

If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of CCFC, guidance will be sought from The Cumberland FA. It is noted and accepted that The Cumberland FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via The Cumberland FA DBS Unit Enhanced DBS Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.

CCFC supports The FA’s whistle blowing policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The Cumberland FA Child Protection Officer on 01900 511800, by writing to The Cumberland FA CPO at: The Cumberland FA Ltd, Units 3 & 4, Tithe House, Station Road, Cockermouth, Cumberland CA13 9QW Telephone: 01900 511800 or by going direct to the police, social services or the NSPCC. CCFC encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.

CCFC has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) Neil Blackburn M: 07515 954309 in line with The FA’s role profile \and required completion of the safeguarding children and welfare office workshops. The post holder will be involved with designated person’s training provided by The FA. The CWO will be first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. Neil will liaise directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. Neil will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.

Neil Blackburn is CCFC’s “designated CWO” with whom your concerns must be reported.

Further contacts available to you, should you so wish:

Carlisle Glass Longhorn league – Welfare Officer – Stephanie Bateson    email:cglyfleaguewelfareofficer@gmail.

Cumberland FA Safeguarding Officer –Steve Greenway – T: 01900 511800 Ext 204

M:  07704156780                                                                      

Additional advice on child protection matters can be obtained from:

Further Safeguarding information can be found at:

http//www.thefa.com//football-rules-goverance/safeguarding

All coaches/volunteers have been made aware of the above and realise that if they suspect any wrong doings towards any of the children connected to the club, that they must bring it to the attention of Carlisle Centurions Welfare Officer, Neil, immediately.

Where coaches/volunteers see signs which cause them to have concerns they should seek information from the child with tact and sympathy. It is not however the responsibility of the coach/volunteer to investigate suspected abuse.

All records and witness statements relating to child protection concerns will be marked confidential and kept on the premises belonging to the CPWO.

All coaches/volunteers connected to CCFC will be subject to the Cumberland FA’s DBS Enhanced Procedure.

CHILD PROTECTION PRINCIPLES

 Principles on which CCFC procedures are based: 

1. Children have the right to protection
2. Everyone working with or in contact with children has a responsibility for their protection
3. Responsibility relating to concern for a Childs safety must be shared
4. Child protection depends on all coaches/volunteers and all agencies working together.
5. Child protection over-rides:
6. Confidentiality
7. Relationship with family
8. Agency hierarchy and objectives

CCFC’s responsibilities and those of the FA are determined by the following legislation: 

• Police Act 1997
• Sex Offenders Act 1997
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998
• Children Act amended 1990
• Protection of Children Act 1999
• Sexual Offences Act revised 2000
• Youth Evidence and crime Evidence Act 1999

CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES

The procedures apply to ALL children and to abuse by anyone responsible for their care ie parents, baby sitters, professionals (e.g. care staff, teachers, coaches/volunteers)

Procedures MUST be followed in response to child abuse or suspicion of child abuse. Do not guarantee confidentiality to the child. Take what the child says very seriously.

 Typical signs of abuse include: 

• unexplained bruising or injuries
• sexually explicit language/actions
• sudden changes in behaviour e.g. withdrawn
• something a child has said
• a change observed over a long period of time
• loss of weight for no apparent reason

Remember these signs may not constitute abuse.

If you have any concerns share them with the “designated person” – the CPWO.

CATEGORIES OF ABUSE

Physical Abuse:

Physical abuse implies physically harmful action directed against a child; it is usually defined as any inflicted injury such as bruises, burns, head injuries, fractures, and abdominal injuries or poisoning.

 Possible physical abuse in football includes: 

• inappropriate training methods
• overtraining/overplaying
• knowingly playing players who are already injured or ill

Emotional Abuse:

Emotional abuse includes a child being continually terrorised, berated or rejected.

 Possible emotional abuse in football includes: 

• frequently taunting, criticising, bullying or pressing children to attain standards that they are                 clearly not able to reach
• continuous criticism and lack of praise from the coach/parent
• pressure from the parent for their child to play football against their wishes

Sexual Abuse:

Sexual abuse is defined as the involvement of dependant developmentally immature children and adolescents in sexual activities they do not truly comprehend, to which they are unable to give informed consent, or that violate the social taboos of family roles.

 Possible sexual abuse in football includes: 

• Inappropriate physical contact e.g. supporting, touching or inappropriate medical treatment
• Showing young people pornographic books, photography or videos.

Neglect:

Neglect can be a very insidious form of maltreatment, which can go on for a long time. It implies failure of the parents to act properly in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of the child. It includes nutritional neglect, failure to provide medical care or to protect a child from physical and social danger.

 Possible neglect in football includes: 

• Failure to ensure that the child is safe or to expose them to undue extremes of weather or risk or injury. 
• Fail to meet the child’s basic physical needs for food and warm clothing.
• To constantly leave children alone or unsupervised bullying:

Emotional and verbal bullying is more common than physical violence.
Possible bullying in football: 

• Players ganging up against one individual and threatening them verbally or physically.
• A coach wanting to “win – at – all – costs” forcing players to the limit.
• Young players threatening and stealing from team mates.

HOW TO REPORT YOUR CONCERNS

Record what you saw or heard as soon after the event as possible, using the club report form.
Remember it is not your job to interrogate or try to find out as much information as possible. You are not qualified to do so; you may cause greater upset to the victim and may put a legal case at risk. Write down the facts – exactly what the person said or precisely what you saw. Do not add any opinions about what you saw or heard.
Use the notes you have written down when you are reporting your concerns verbally, try to stay calm and unemotional.

Do not share the information with anyone else. You may need support yourself and you should discuss this with the club CWO – Neil Blackburn when you report your concerns.

If you feel that your concerns are not being dealt with satisfactorily, you should follow up by contacting another CPWO (Cumberland FA).
 

Top of Form

We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the committee or, in cases of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.

Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by CCFC

In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances. All prospective members will be informed of these codes. These follow the guidelines of the FA, Cumberland FA. 

HAMISH PHILLIPS

Chair

Carlisle Centurions FC

This document was updated 04/02/2025

Carlisle Centurions FC (hereafter referred to as CCFC) acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any club football activity. We subscribe to The Football Association’s child protection and best practice policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.

The key principles of The FA child protection policy are that:

• The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration
• All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• Working in partnership with other organisations, children and young people and their parents or carers is essential.

We acknowledge that every child or young person who plays or participates in football should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse.

CCFC recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.

CCFC has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that The Football Association’s child protection regulation (see The FA Handbook) applies to everyone in football whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This includes those who are a volunteer, match official, helper on club tours, football coach, club official or medical staff.

We endorse and adopt The FA’s child protection and best practice guidelines for recruiting Club Officers, Coaches and volunteers and will:

• Develop a role profile
• Request identification documents
• As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
• Request and follow up with two references before appointing
• Require a Cumberland FA DBS Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.

All CCFC officers/coaches/members/volunteers with direct access to children and young people within the club environment for whatever reason will be required to complete a DBS Enhanced Disclosure via The Cumberland FA DBS Unit. It will be the responsibility of the club’s lead person at the event/time to ensure that this is complied with.

Whenever/wherever feasibly possible, two DBS certified personnel should be on hand at any training session or match. This is to safeguard the children & players and also the integrity of the club.

All new coaches will be mentored by a DBS certified officer/coach at training sessions and/or matches until the relevant DBS procedure has been completed satisfactorily.

If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved or who has approached us to become part of CCFC, guidance will be sought from The Cumberland FA. It is noted and accepted that The Cumberland FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via The Cumberland FA DBS Unit Enhanced DBS Disclosure and that all decisions will be made in the best interests of children and young people.

It is accepted that The FA aims to prevent people with a history of relevant and significant offending from having contact with children or young people and the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children and to minimise the risk of ‘grooming’ within football.

CCFC supports The FA’s whistle blowing policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting The Cumberland FA Child Protection Officer on 01900 511800, by writing to The Cumberland FA CPO at: The Cumberland FA Ltd, Units 3 & 4, Tithe House, Station Road, Cockermouth, Cumberland CA13 9QW Telephone: 01900 511800 or by going direct to the police, social services or the NSPCC. CCFC encourages everyone to know about it and utilise it if necessary.

CCFC has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) Neil Blackburn M: 07515 954309 in line with The FA’s role profile \and required completion of the safeguarding children and welfare office workshops. The post holder will be involved with designated person’s training provided by The FA. The CWO will be first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. Neil will liaise directly with the CFA CPO and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. Neil will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.

Neil Blackburn is CCFC’s “designated CWO” with whom your concerns must be reported.

Further contacts available to you, should you so wish:

Carlisle Glass Longhorn league – Welfare Officer – Stephanie Bateson    email:cglyfleaguewelfareofficer@gmail.

Cumberland FA Safeguarding Officer –Steve Greenway – T: 01900 511800 Ext 204

M:  07704156780                                                                      

Additional advice on child protection matters can be obtained from:

Further Safeguarding information can be found at:

http//www.thefa.com//football-rules-goverance/safeguarding

All coaches/volunteers have been made aware of the above and realise that if they suspect any wrong doings towards any of the children connected to the club, that they must bring it to the attention of Carlisle Centurions Welfare Officer, Neil, immediately.

Where coaches/volunteers see signs which cause them to have concerns they should seek information from the child with tact and sympathy. It is not however the responsibility of the coach/volunteer to investigate suspected abuse.

All records and witness statements relating to child protection concerns will be marked confidential and kept on the premises belonging to the CPWO.

All coaches/volunteers connected to CCFC will be subject to the Cumberland FA’s DBS Enhanced Procedure.

CHILD PROTECTION PRINCIPLES

 Principles on which CCFC procedures are based: 

1. Children have the right to protection
2. Everyone working with or in contact with children has a responsibility for their protection
3. Responsibility relating to concern for a Childs safety must be shared
4. Child protection depends on all coaches/volunteers and all agencies working together.
5. Child protection over-rides:
6. Confidentiality
7. Relationship with family
8. Agency hierarchy and objectives

CCFC’s responsibilities and those of the FA are determined by the following legislation: 

• Police Act 1997
• Sex Offenders Act 1997
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998
• Children Act amended 1990
• Protection of Children Act 1999
• Sexual Offences Act revised 2000
• Youth Evidence and crime Evidence Act 1999

CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES

The procedures apply to ALL children and to abuse by anyone responsible for their care ie parents, baby sitters, professionals (e.g. care staff, teachers, coaches/volunteers)

Procedures MUST be followed in response to child abuse or suspicion of child abuse. Do not guarantee confidentiality to the child. Take what the child says very seriously.

 Typical signs of abuse include: 

• unexplained bruising or injuries
• sexually explicit language/actions
• sudden changes in behaviour e.g. withdrawn
• something a child has said
• a change observed over a long period of time
• loss of weight for no apparent reason

Remember these signs may not constitute abuse.

If you have any concerns share them with the “designated person” – the CPWO.

CATEGORIES OF ABUSE

Physical Abuse:

Physical abuse implies physically harmful action directed against a child; it is usually defined as any inflicted injury such as bruises, burns, head injuries, fractures, and abdominal injuries or poisoning.

 Possible physical abuse in football includes: 

• inappropriate training methods
• overtraining/overplaying
• knowingly playing players who are already injured or ill

Emotional Abuse:

Emotional abuse includes a child being continually terrorised, berated or rejected.

 Possible emotional abuse in football includes: 

• frequently taunting, criticising, bullying or pressing children to attain standards that they are                 clearly not able to reach
• continuous criticism and lack of praise from the coach/parent
• pressure from the parent for their child to play football against their wishes

Sexual Abuse:

Sexual abuse is defined as the involvement of dependant developmentally immature children and adolescents in sexual activities they do not truly comprehend, to which they are unable to give informed consent, or that violate the social taboos of family roles.

 Possible sexual abuse in football includes: 

• Inappropriate physical contact e.g. supporting, touching or inappropriate medical treatment
• Showing young people pornographic books, photography or videos.

Neglect:

Neglect can be a very insidious form of maltreatment, which can go on for a long time. It implies failure of the parents to act properly in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of the child. It includes nutritional neglect, failure to provide medical care or to protect a child from physical and social danger.

 Possible neglect in football includes: 

• Failure to ensure that the child is safe or to expose them to undue extremes of weather or risk or injury. 
• Fail to meet the child’s basic physical needs for food and warm clothing.
• To constantly leave children alone or unsupervised bullying:

Emotional and verbal bullying is more common than physical violence.
Possible bullying in football: 

• Players ganging up against one individual and threatening them verbally or physically.
• A coach wanting to “win – at – all – costs” forcing players to the limit.
• Young players threatening and stealing from team mates.

HOW TO REPORT YOUR CONCERNS

Record what you saw or heard as soon after the event as possible, using the club report form.
Remember it is not your job to interrogate or try to find out as much information as possible. You are not qualified to do so; you may cause greater upset to the victim and may put a legal case at risk. Write down the facts – exactly what the person said or precisely what you saw. Do not add any opinions about what you saw or heard.
Use the notes you have written down when you are reporting your concerns verbally, try to stay calm and unemotional.

Do not share the information with anyone else. You may need support yourself and you should discuss this with the club CWO – Neil Blackburn when you report your concerns.

If you feel that your concerns are not being dealt with satisfactorily, you should follow up by contacting another CPWO (Cumberland FA).
 

Top of Form

We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s of bullying as a category of abuse. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players, parents or guardians should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO, a member of the committee or, in cases of serious bullying contact the CFA CPO.

Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by CCFC

In order to validate these codes of conduct the club has clear sanctions to deal with any misconduct at club level and acknowledges the possibility of potential sanctions which may be implemented by leagues or the CFA in more serious circumstances. All prospective members will be informed of these codes. These follow the guidelines of the FA, Cumberland FA. 

HAMISH PHILLIPS

Chair

Carlisle Centurions FC

This document was updated 04/02/2025