"CHILD PROTECTION": memo for coaches

ABUSE IN FOOTBALL

There are specific types of harm to children that can happen in football:

• Injuries: excessive pursuit of results can lead to children being forced to do things that are beyond reason or not suitable for their age and abilities.
• Performance pressure: demanding high results from children can cause them psychological and physical harm.
• During away matches or training camps, there may be convenient opportunities for those who want to cause sexual harm to children. There should always be a sufficient number of adults to ensure proper child care.
• A close relationship between a child and a coach or other members of the technical staff is very important and can bring a lot of benefits, but it can also be a reason for possible harm to children.
• Team culture is the key to a child's learning. This culture is created by the players, but under the strong influence of the coach. If the coach shows that he values victories more than taking part, players can start blaming and excluding children from their circle who, in their opinion, drag the team down.

Supervision and lone working:

• In general, you should avoid working alone. Coaches should always work in an open manner so that others can see them, and preferably with groups of children rather than on a one-to-one basis.
• If medical or other services involving physical contact are provided, children should have the right to have another child or adult of their choice present. There is also no need to help children take care of themselves if they are able to do it on their own.
• Locker rooms and showers should be supervised, but in a way that guarantees the protection of children's privacy.
• During overnight stays at away matches and training camps, children should not sleep alone with adults in the same room
• It is necessary to establish clear procedures and actions in situations where a child is lost or missing, or when one of the parents or guardian cannot pick up the child upon return from field events.
• If children travel to events on their own, it is necessary to obtain written permission from one of the parents or another authorized person.

Code of conduct for adults

• I will always respect the rights, dignity and value of everyone who participates in the game. I follow the rules and maintain the spirit of the game, fair play and high standards of behavior. I will always support the children's efforts and appreciate them more than just winning.
• I guarantee that all activities correspond to the abilities and age of the children. I will share any concerns about the safety and well-being of children.
• I will never tolerate aggressive, abusive or violent behavior or statements. I will never resort to physical violence or punishment. I commit not to groom or exploit the child for my personal or financial gain.
• I will not engage in any sexual relationship with the players, including not making obscene comments and inappropriately touching a child.
• I will not involve children in private conversations on social networks. I will not post comments or share images that could endanger their well-being or harm them, and post photos and other information about children or their families on social media without the permission of the children themselves and their parents.
• I commit to following the child protection policy and putting children’s well-being, safety and joy above everything else.