BYAFA Welfare Policy
Responding to Media Enquiries
Child abuse is an area of interest to the media. The BAFA as the sports Governing Body it is appropriate for them to deal with media enquiries. It is important to have a procedure in place to manage any media enquiries if when incidents occur. If an approach is made by a journalist adopt the following guidance:
- Ask for the journalist's name, the company they represent, and any contact details.
- Enquire if the journalist has any deadlines, and inform them the matter will be dealt with by the sports Governing Body who may contact them with a response.
- Inform the Club Welfare Officer or a senior Club Official, who should then refer the matter to the BAFA Child Protection Officer.
- If the approach is made directly to the Club Welfare Officer they should refer the matter direct to the BAFA Child Protection Officer.
- The BAFA Child Protection Officer should refer the matter to BAFA who will decide if any response it to be made.
- The same procedure should be used for any subsequent enquiries.
- Inform the BAFA Child Protection Officer fully of any local press coverage.
Negative media coverage can have harmful effects on any sport. Never speak 'off the record' to journalists, this could result in damaging publicity, but do not try to make the situation seem less serious than it is.
Expert Advice
Support to deal with aftermath
Responding to Media Enquiries
Procedural Flowchart: Responding to Disclosure, Suspicions and Allegations
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