BYAFA Welfare Policy
Foreword
Participation in sport of any kind should be a rewarding experience for everyone. At any level it should be enjoyable and give a sense of achievement, especially for young people. Sport can have a very powerful and positive influence on young people. Participation can provide young people with the opportunity to experience valuable social skills that they will carry forward into adult life. It can teach them discipline, leadership and teamwork. Young people should also be able to participate in sport safe in the knowledge that they can do so free from harm, abuse and discrimination
Unfortunately, it is acknowledged that, despite the benefits that participating in sport can offer, it can also provide easy access to young people, and to those who wish to abuse them. The BYAFA fully recognises that protecting the welfare and safety of young people participating in American Football is the responsibility of all. The Policy offers guidelines and advice to everyone involved within American Football: volunteers, administrators, coaches, officials, parents and players. The adoption of good practice will help keep young people safe from possible abusers, as well as protecting adults in responsible positions from potential false allegations of abuse.
This Welfare Policy describes the principals and procedures to be implemented, and compliance to the Codes of Conduct contained is mandatory for all BYAFA members. The basic principal is the same for all, however UK legislative differences have been built into the BYAFA policy and procedures. Clubs may adopt their own policies, but must ensure it complies with the standards set within the BYAFA policy and/or the relevant National Guidance.
The Policy supercedes the BYAFA Child Protection Policy adopted in 2002.
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