NATIONAL SAFEGUARDING WEEKEND

The weekend of Saturday 20^th and Sunday 21^st November 2021 has been designated as National Safeguarding Weekend and we are embracing this weekend to ensure that our local game understands the significance of embedding Safeguarding across grassroots football.

Across the national game, the weekend will see the launch of the Play Safe campaign, endorsed by the NSPCC. Play Safe is an FA-led campaign supported by the Premier League, EFL, Barclays FA Women's Super League and the FA Women's Championship, to raise awareness of  the importance of safeguarding in football.

We will also be launching our Youth Communication Strategy - Comms4kids, which has been developed to improve and modernise our communications to U18's across Norfolk Football.

As part of the strategy launch, we will be introducing some important and exciting new initiatives across the weekend.

How can you contribute to the weekend?

• You can take some photos at your games over 20th/21st November and tag us in on Twitter (@NorfolkCountyFA) and use the hashtag #PlaySafe.
• You can actively listen as a club to your Welfare Officer, to look at what is working well within your club and what could be done better.
• You can challenge parents/carers/spectators, who should have signed a Code of Conduct, if they're not adhering to the Respect behaviours and expectations.
• Share the FA’s 3 #PlaySafe films with ALL members of your club.
• Keep an eye on NorfolkFA.com for resources, videos, and links to share with your Club.

Norfolk FA’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, Ken D’Rosario said: “This weekend is National Safeguarding Weekend, but I want you to know that every day and every week we are all working hard to make sure all children and vulnerable people participating in football across the county are able to Play Safe.

“Thank you to all club officials and coaches, parents, carers, families and children (participating and non-participating) for supporting Play Safe and our National Safeguarding Weekend.”

MORE ABOUT SAFEGUARDING IN #NORFOLKFOOTBALL

ARMBANDS FOR U18 REFEREES

It can sometimes be forgotten that we have a high proportion of children refereeing across the County. It has been of big concern to hear of the number of cases where an under 18 referee has been abused by an adult involved in football, whether it be a coach or spectator. This is completely unacceptable.

We ask all Leagues and Clubs to remind their coaches and spectators of their duty to safeguard ALL under 18’s in football – including referees – from this kind of abuse. It will not be tolerated.

To find out more about our Green U18's Armband campaign please e-mail our Referee Development Officer, Harvey Newstead

Email Harvey

SAFEGUARDING VISITS

The Norfolk FA team have now begun to conduct random spot-check Safeguarding Visits across the County.

This is to ensure that clubs are following FA Safeguarding protocols and communication within clubs is clear to ensure the safety of children. It is imperative that clubs ensure all members of the club know who the Club Welfare Officer is and how go about reporting a Safeguarding concern.

Read more here

SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

We are aware that in 2021, communication via social media/instant messaging services is more frequent. There are essential pieces of advice however that we would recommend you follow.

READ THE FA ARTICLE

FA COMPLETE DOWNLOADS DIRECTORY

The FA has a vast amount of Safeguarding related templates and documents available for you to take a look at or use to integrate within your organisation. Make the most of the excellent resources available as they are hugely helpful in terms of advice and extending your knowledge around Safeguarding.

SAFEGUARDING TEMPLATES AND DOCUMENTS

BEST PRACTICE

Finally, we are aware that there are so many clubs and organisations across Norfolk doing some fantastic work. If you have an example of best practice that you do within your club or organisation that you would like to share, we would love to hear about it!

You may have a youth forum to listen to the voices of the children within your club, or you may plan completely inclusive sessions – whatever it may be, let us know.

EMAIL US!

 
CONTACT US!

Let’s continue to ensure that Safeguarding remains at the forefront of our minds in our day-to-day operations within #NorfolkFootball.

If you need any help, advice, or wish to speak to somebody about a safeguarding concern, please contact our Safeguarding Team.

SAFEGUARDING@NORFOLKFA.COM