Child Protection Policy
St Peter’s Iver Football Club (“SPFC”) 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 Grassroots Football Safeguarding Children policy and procedures and endorse and adopt the policy statement contained in that document.
The key principles of The FA’s Grassroots Football Safeguarding Children policy are that:
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The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration.
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All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or civil partnership, racial origin, faith, ability or disability, pregnancy and maternity.
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All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
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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. SPFC recognises that this is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
SPFC 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 member.
We acknowledge and endorse The FA’s identification of bullying as a category of abuse. We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can participate in football in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. 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 and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows 2025 revision that bullying is happening is expected to tell the CWO or a member of the committee or, in cases of serious bullying, contact the DSO
Codes of conduct for players, parents or spectators, officials and coaches have been implemented by SPFC. 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.
SPFC has appointed a CWO in line with The FA’s role profile and required completion of both the Welfare Officer course and Safeguarding for Committee Members course. The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents or guardians regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person. They will liaise directly with the County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) and will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns. They will also play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.
Whistle-blowing in a safeguarding context means revealing and raising concerns over misconduct or malpractice within an organisation, or within an independent structure associated with it. SPFC supports The FA’s whistle blowing policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can ‘whistle blow’ by contacting 0800 169 1863 and asking for The FA’s safeguarding team, or via email to: safeguarding@TheFA.com. Alternatively, concerns can be reported:
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Direct to the local Police or Children’s Social Care services; or
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The Child Protection in Sport Unit at cpsu@nspcc.org.uk; or
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The NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.
We encourage everyone to know about this information and utilise it if necessary.
We endorse and adopt The FA’s Grassroots Football Safeguarding Children guidelines for recruiting volunteers and will:
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Develop a code of conduct.
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Request identification documents.
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As a minimum meet and chat with the applicant(s) and where possible conduct interviews before appointing.
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Request and follow up with two references before appointing.
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Require an FA CRB Unit Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with FA guidelines.
Any volunteers that could be alone with children and young people are required to complete a CRB Enhanced Disclosure via The FA CRB Unit. This includes all team managers and any others identified by managers or the Club Welfare Officer (CWO).
If there are concerns regarding the appropriateness of an individual who is already involved, or who has approached us to become part of SPFC, guidance will be sought from The Football Association. It is noted and accepted that The FA will consider the relevance and significance of the information obtained via The FA CRB Unit Enhanced CRB 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.
Further advice on child protection matters can be obtained from:
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The County Football Association’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (Brad Williams, 01235 544894, email, website).
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The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) (0808 8005000, NSPCC email, FA/NSPCC website)
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The FA child protection team (0800 169 1863 or via email).
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The Football Association website.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
St Peter’s Iver Football Club (“the Club”) is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the club at every level. Football belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone, equally. Our commitment is to confront and eliminate discrimination whether by reason of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability.
Equality of opportunity at the Club means that in all our activities we will not discriminate, or in any way treat anyone less favourably, on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, colour, religion or disability. This includes:
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The advertisement for volunteers.
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The selection of candidates for volunteers.
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Courses.
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External coaching and education activities and awards.
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Football development activities.
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Selection for teams.
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Appointments to honorary positions.
The club will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and will work to ensure that such behaviour is met with appropriate action in whatever context it occurs. The Club is committed to the development of the programme of ongoing training and awarenessraising events and activities in order to promote the eradication of discrimination within its own organisation and in the wider context, within football as a whole.
All members are expected to abide by the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. Specifically, discrimination is prohibited in:
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Treating any individual on grounds of gender, colour, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability less favourably than others.
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Expecting an individual, solely on the grounds stated above, to comply with requirement(s) for any reason whatsoever related to their membership, which are different to the requirements for others.
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Imposing on an individual, requirements which are, in effect, more onerous on that individual than they are on others. For example, this would include applying a condition (which is not warranted by the requirements of the position) which makes it more difficult for members of a particular race or sex to comply than others not of that race or sex.
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Victimisation of an individual.
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Harassment of an individual (which for the purposes of this policy and the actions and sanction applicable thereto is regarded as discrimination).
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Any other act or omission of an act, which has as its effect the disadvantaging of a member against another, or others, purely on the above grounds. Thus, in all the club’s recruitment, selection, promotion and training processes, as well as disciplinary and other matters (in other words all instances where those in control of members are required to make judgements between them) it is essential that merit, experience, skills and temperament are considered as objectively as possible.
The Club is committed to a policy of equal treatment of all members and requires all members, of whatever level or authority, to abide and adhere to this general principle and to the requirements of the Codes of Practice issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Any member found guilty of discrimination will be instructed to desist forthwith. Since discrimination in its many forms is against the Club’s policy, any members offending will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure.
The Club commits itself to the immediate investigation of any claims of discrimination on the above grounds, and where such is found to be the case, to ensure that the practice cease forthwith, to the restitution of damage or loss (if necessary) and to undertake the investigation of any member accused of discrimination.
The Club commits itself to the disabled person whenever possible and will treat such members, in aspects of their recruitment and membership, in exactly the same manner as other members. The difficulties of their disablement permitting, assistance will be given wherever possible to ensure that disabled members are helped in gaining access. Appropriate training will be made to such members who request it.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Statement of Intent
St Peter’s Iver Football Club (“the Club”) is committed to providing a safe, healthy, family-friendly and successful sport environment. All players of the Club have a responsibility to ensure that they take reasonable care to protect their own health and safety and that of others whilst in this environment by not being affected by alcohol or other drugs to the extent that it impacts on their own or another person’s recreational enjoyment or safety.
Definitions
For the purpose of this Policy, the Club defines the following:
Alcohol: Any beverage, containing an alcoholic content that temporarily impairs a person’s physical or mental capacity.
Drugs: A chemical substance, whether it is legal or illegal, which may have the ability to impair a person’s physical or mental capacity. These can include non-prescribed drugs, for example, but not limited to, speed, heroin, amphetamines, LSD, crack, cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana.
Member: Anyone associated with the Club, in any capacity, including players, officials, volunteers, paid staff and spectators.
Committee: Club officials comprising Club Secretary, Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Child Welfare Officer (CWO)
Procedures
The effects of intoxication and the regular use of or dependence on alcohol or other drugs are associated with impaired judgement and skills, reduced concentration, erratic behaviour, aggression and violence, absenteeism, and increased accidents. These behaviours and activities may seriously affect player safety and ethical standards within the Club.
Anyone who has concerns about members due to possible alcohol or other drug use should consult with the CWO or Committee member.
All members of the Club are prohibited from consuming, possessing, selling, distributing or manufacturing drugs when on the premises of the Club, at any club function, or when representing the Club at any other activity (e.g. match or tournament).
Members are prohibited from arriving at a match, or returning to a match from any break, whilst under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
The right of members (aged 18 or over) to consume alcohol socially is acknowledged. It is, however, inappropriate to do so excessively at (or whilst representing) the Club, as it places others at risk of harm, and has the potential of bringing the Club and its ‘family-friendly’ environment into disrepute
The Club reserves the right to act if a member is:
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Affected by alcohol or other drugs, to the extent that they endanger their own safety or the safety of any other person during a match or social club function.
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Found in the possession of drugs or unauthorised drug-use equipment on Club premises.
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Known to be acknowledging significant use or involvement in production of illegal drugs or alcohol via friendship groups, social media, playing groups or family.
Members under the age of 18 must not be consuming alcohol under any circumstances. Alcohol will not be sold on Club premises nor given to them by anyone representing the Club.
Should any issues that go against the policies outlined above be brought to the attention any of the Club’s Committee or coaching staff, the Club may take the following actions, enacted by any member of the Committee or coaching staff after appropriate and confidential discussion:
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Contact the police or relevant authority.
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Immediately approach the member to discuss the issue and its implications.
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Suspend the member from matches or club functions where appropriate until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of the Committee and coaching staff.
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Remove the member from club functions if they pose a risk to themselves or others.
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Immediately contact emergency services if there is suspicion of a drug overdose at any club function.
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Refer members to appropriate organisations to address the misuse of illicit substances.
The Club reserves the right to search its premises for illicit drugs and confiscate the substance(s) in question.
At no point must Club members put themselves at risk whilst adhering to this policy.
Club Functions
It is recognised that certain functions organised by the Club (e.g. annual Presentation Day) may involve the consumption of alcohol. It is expected that club members consuming alcohol at these times do so responsibly.
The consumption of alcohol by members under the age of 18, and the use of illegal drugs at these functions are prohibited by the Club. Should it come to the attention of Committee members that underage alcohol consumption, or illegal drug use is taking place at club functions, action will be taken as previously described.
Should members be significantly intoxicated due to alcohol use at club functions, the Club reserves the right to refuse the service of alcohol in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.
Driving Whilst Under the Influence
In accordance with the law in England, the alcohol limit for drivers is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, or 107 mg per 100 millilitres of urine. The Club will accept no liability for any damage to a vehicle, injury to any person, or damage or injury to any third party, incurred while the driver of a vehicle is impaired through the consumption of alcohol. All liabilities will rest with the driver concerned.
Finance Policy
St Peter's Iver Football Club is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run Community Amateur Sports Club which exists in order to provide football activities and opportunities as set out in its Constitution. It asks its members for donations in order to cover its ongoing costs (e.g. pitch hire). Suggested donations for members are set on an annual basis by the Committee and are judged on the previous year's outgoings and predicted future spending. Suggested donations are kept as low as possible. Accordingly, the financial policy of St Peter's Iver Football Club is to:
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Appoint a Treasurer to exercise such control over financial matters.
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Use volunteer unpaid helpers.
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Set reasonable controls and procedures in force to ensure the proper accounting and control over income and expenditure (recognising the voluntary and unpaid nature of the officers).
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Maintain balances or reserves only at a level suitable for the financial circumstances of the Club.
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Maximise income from sources such as: subsidy, grant, sponsorship or donation.
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Undertake fund-raising events as necessary.
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Minimise unnecessary expenditure without compromising safety.
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Pay expenditure due from the club promptly.
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Use and control its assets and resources wisely and seek to prolong their useful lives.
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Ensure bank accounts in the name of the organisation are opened or closed only with the approval of the Committee.
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Ensure two authorised signatories, who shall be unrelated to one another, are required to approve any payment, direct debit or standing order.