As the governing body of the game for the County of Norfolk, Norfolk County FA is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the game at every level. We are committed to providing football for everyone irrespective of their identity. 

We want everyone involved in football to be treated fairly and with respect, and that people from all backgrounds can participate in Norfolk County FA's activities and make use of our services, free from discrimination.

Norfolk County FA regards all forms of discriminatory behaviour as unacceptable and is committed to tackling all forms of discrimination within the game. For more information on how you can report discrimination, please click here.

The following documents can be found at the bottom of this text:

• Norfolk County FA's Equality Policy
• Norfolk County FA's Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy 

Norfolk County FA are proud to have achieved the Preliminary Level for the Equality Standard for Sport. The Equality Standard is a framework for assisting sports organisations to widen access and reduce inequalities in sport and physical activity from under represented individuals, groups and communities. It is based around two broad themes: developing the organisation and developing the services it provides. The four levels of achievement are foundation, preliminary, intermediate and advanced.

The areas of focus to achieve the Preliminary standard are listed below:

• Collecting data to identify the Norfolk football demographic and identify areas of under-representation
• Development of an equality action plan that addresses the areas of under-representation
• Board members and staff within the organisation understand the general principles of equality and how it relates to their sport
• Identify inclusion training needs and provide training
• Review and develop recruitment practices and policies to ensure they seek to advance equality within the organisation

The following documents are available at the bottom of the page:

• Report on the Norfolk Football Demographic
• Equality Action Plan (2020-2023)

The FA’s safeguarding framework has now been extended to support adult open-age disability football, providing policy, procedures, regulations and guidance.

While it’s important to recognise that adults may be at risk anywhere in the game, the Guidance Notes on this page focus on disability provision where there may be additional vulnerability.

They cover various aspects of safeguarding adults in open-age disability football, such as the appointment of a Club Welfare Officer (Adult Disability Teams) and the adoption of a template policy. They also signpost access to free online learning.

It’s all part of providing a robust safeguarding framework around football, which is a fundamental aspect of Norfolk FA’s role – and that of its affiliated members.
Collectively we have an ongoing duty to ensure the game is a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for the millions of children, young people and adults who regularly play, watch, coach, referee and volunteer.

The FA have outlined 4 key jobs that club’s with adult disability teams are requested to complete. These are as follows:

1. Adopt and share with members the Affiliated Football ‘Safeguarding Adults Policy’ 

• Template policy available below.

2. Appoint a Club Welfare Officer (Adult Disability Teams) and upload their name to The FA’s Whole Game System 

• Guidance on suitable individuals in documents below

• Once officer is appointed, please notify Norfolk FA who can add this officer to your club record 

3. Encourage volunteers and staff to complete the newly launched free, online FA Safeguarding Adults course 

Link to the course 

4. Identify and list coaches/managers (including assistant coaches/managers) on The FA’s Whole Game System alongside the registered team. 

Safeguarding adults is everyone’s responsibility and getting this right will ensure safe access for everyone.