"Child protection": memo for parents

WHAT IS MEANT BY "HARM" AND "ABUSE"?

The harm may be due to deliberate mistreatment, or it may be due to a lack of awareness and proper training. Abuse can take many forms and includes all types of physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation. There are also a number of very specific situations in football where harm and abuse can occur, such as physical injuries, performance pressure, unwanted physical contact in locker rooms and showers, improper supervision at events, obscene team relations with the coach and other staff, and others.

RECOGNISING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE

It is necessary to take these signs and symptoms into account and monitor the situation when children: have unexplained physical injuries or diseases, show sudden changes in behavior or mood, avoid certain situations or people, become overly secretive, constantly engage in self-deprecation, do not communicate with others in the team, or talk about how they or their teammates are being mistreated.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS

As a parent, I will contribute to creating a safe and exciting atmosphere in which children play football, namely:

• I will cooperate with all those involved in the game and show them respect
• I will encourage fair play
• I will respect decisions of the referees
• I will not tolerate aggressive behavior and harassment against players or referees
• I will celebrate the efforts and participation of the child, and not focus on the results
• I will not physically punish any child
• I will respect the privacy of the children
• I will share any concerns I have about the safety and well-being of my child or other children with a coach or a responsible employee
• I will stay informed of any problems or concerns related to my child, and at the same time I have the right to expect that my own concerns will be treated appropriately