Safeguarding

NC United FC coaching staff involved in managing, training, coaching and supervision all hold an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certification. All coaching staff have to comply with County and The FA requirements and hold the appropriate Safeguarding qualifications before participating, leading or supervising any football activities associated with NC United FC.

Parents and carers can provide vital support when it comes to safeguarding in football so its important that both parents and carers understand the role they can play. NC United FC encourages parents and carers to:

• Ensure that you know your child’s coach / manager and how to contact them.
• Ensure you understand the NC United FC reporting policy if you suspect or witnessed any safeguarding concerns. This information will be provided by your child’s lead coach and representative for NC United FC. We would encourage all parents and carers to follow the link below and download a copy of the information sheet.
• To understand what’s acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at NC United FC during training, club events and match days. All parents and carers must accept and adhere to the NC United FC Code of Conduct.
• Speak out about any concerns with your child, no matter how big or small.

The FA also provide a free online training course for parents and carers. NC United FC encourages parents and carers to sign up and complete this course. Estimated duration 25-30mins.

England FA’s Respect programme provides a series of tools for leagues, clubs, coaches, referees, players and parents from grassroots to elite football to ensure a safe, positive environment in which to enjoy the game. These tools include agreed Codes of Conduct, which have been proven through research to be a significant deterrent to poor behaviour. NC United FC fully complies with this programme and conducts regular reviews of its policies and procedures to ensure that Coaches, parents and players all work together to create the right environment.

Codes of Conduct are already widely used in grassroots football and are mandatory for FA Charter Standard Clubs. Respect brings them to life by supporting and strengthening the Codes of Conduct with possible consequences.

There are Respect Codes of Conduct for:

Each Code explains that actions can be taken if the Code is broken. Although the County FA or The FA will deal with cases of reported misconduct, clubs and leagues also have a role to play in dealing with poor behaviour from:

• Players, officials or spectators; This can range from education, mentoring, official warnings, suspension or even exclusion from the club or league.

Respect works by placing responsibility on individuals for their actions: break the NC United FC Code, and bear the consequences. Each Respect Code of Conduct explains that action can and will be taken if the Code is broken. NC United FC has three main responsibilities around the Codes:

1. To ensure everyone within the club (“Members”), whatever their role, has read, agreed and signed up to their relevant Code – and understands the actions, which could be taken if Codes are broken. The Codes are included in the registration process ensuring that all playing members can be made aware of their responsibilities at the point of joining NC United FC.
2. To collect and retain the Codes so that they can be referred back to if an individual’s behaviour becomes unacceptable.
3. To deal fairly and consistently with anyone who breaks the respect Code.

It is important for NC United FC to be clear about what it expects from its members and to educate people when guidance is required. Should this guidance be disregarded then NC United FC has the right to implement sanctions against offenders alongside any imposed sanctions from the County FA (subject to disciplinary review).