Welfare and Safeguarding at blackheath rhinos
At Blackheath Rhinos, the welfare, safety and wellbeing of every child and young person is a priority.
We are committed to providing a safe, positive and inclusive environment where children can enjoy football, develop with confidence and be treated with respect.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Coaches, volunteers, parents, carers, players and supporters all have a part to play in helping us maintain a safe football environment. The FA requires clubs with under-18 teams to have a Welfare Officer, and FA guidance expects clubs to make safeguarding information and reporting routes clear on their website.
our commitment
Blackheath Rhinos is committed to:
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safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
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providing football in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment
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listening to children and taking concerns seriously
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responding appropriately to welfare and safeguarding concerns
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working in line with FA safeguarding expectations and grassroots football standards
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promoting respect, good behaviour and a positive culture across the club
The FA’s safeguarding materials say clubs should have a Club Welfare Officer, procedures for reporting concerns, complaints and disciplinary procedures, codes of conduct, and supporting policies such as anti-bullying and equality arrangements.
Club Welfare Contact
Club Welfare Officer:
Jeffrey Barnes
Email: welfare@blackheathrhinos.co.uk
Phone: 07544973698
The Club Welfare Officer is the first point of contact for concerns about the welfare of any child or young person at the club and will liaise with the County FA where needed.
What Should Be Reported
Please report any concern relating to:
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bullying
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intimidation
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abusive or aggressive behaviour
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discrimination
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inappropriate adult behaviour
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poor practice
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unsafe online behaviour
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neglect
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emotional, physical or sexual harm
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anything that makes a child feel unsafe or causes concern
The FA says that if you are worried about a child, it is vital that you report it, and that doing nothing is not an option. You do not need to be certain before raising a concern.
How to Report a Concern
If you are worried about a child, please follow these steps:
1. Contact the Club Welfare Officer
Raise the concern with our Club Welfare Officer as soon as possible.
2. If needed, contact the County FA safeguarding team
If the issue is serious, or if you need outside advice, contact the relevant County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer.
3. Use The FA safeguarding reporting guidance
You can also follow The FA’s reporting concerns process.
4. Contact the NSPCC if needed
If you need independent advice or support, the NSPCC can help.
5. Contact Police or Children’s Services where appropriate
If the concern is serious or a child may be at risk of harm, contact the Police or Children’s Services immediately.
The FA says there are five reporting routes: club or league safeguarding officer, County FA safeguarding officer, The FA safeguarding team, NSPCC, and Police or Children’s Social Care where appropriate.
Immediate Danger
If a child is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm, call 999 immediately.
That is the FA position and should be clearly stated on a club welfare page.
Online Safety
Blackheath Rhinos does not accept online behaviour that is abusive, threatening, intrusive, discriminatory or harmful to a child or young person. Any online behaviour that creates a safeguarding concern may be treated as seriously as behaviour taking place face to face. The FA’s safeguarding guidance treats poor practice, abuse and unsafe behaviour as reportable concerns, and its website guidance says clubs should signpost clear reporting routes and safeguarding information online.
Related Policies
Please also read our related club policies:
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Terms and Conditions
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Privacy Policy
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Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct
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Player Code of Conduct
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Complaints Procedure
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Photography and Social Media Policy
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Anti-Bullying Policy
Useful Links
Final Note
If something does not feel right, report it.
It is always better to raise a concern than ignore it. Safeguarding takes priority over football matters, and Blackheath Rhinos will always treat welfare concerns seriously.