BYAFA Welfare Policy

 Foreword
Statement
Responsibilities
Principles
Recruitment
Code of Conduct for the Protection of Young People
Recognising Poor Practice and Abuse
Use of Photographs and Recording Images of Young People
Responding to Disclosure, Suspicions and Allegations
Expert Advice
Appendix, Policies and Forms

Responding to Concerns and Allegations within BYAFA

Every Adult involved in American Football is responsible for the welfare of the young people in their care and for making others aware of their responsibilities. Abuse of young people can and does happen outside the family setting and it is known that abuse has taken place within sport. It is important that those involved in American Football are aware of this possibility, and that all allegations are taken seriously and appropriate action taken.

Hearing allegations of abuse against colleagues can be distressing. Emotional feelings of anger and guilt are felt because the young person has placed their trust in adults who have abused that trust, and guilt on the part of other colleagues who may feel they could have done more to stop it happening.

Any incident or information that raises concerns about the behaviour of a member of the BYAFA towards a young person must be reported immediately in accordance with the procedures set out in this Policy. BYAFA will fully support and protect anyone, who in good faith reports his or her concern about a colleague's behaviour or the possibility that a young person is being abused.

Always consult the BYAFA Welfare Officer or BAFA Child Protection Officer and/or gain advice from the Social Services, Police or the NSPCC if any degree of uncertainty is felt about whether the concern or allegation constitutes abuse or poor practice.

The following procedure should be followed:

  • If the young person needs medical attention call an ambulance. Inform the medical staff the concern relates to Child Protection.
  • As soon as possible make a full record of what has been said, heard and seen.
  • Report the incident to:
  • The Club Welfare Officer.
  • The Club Welfare Officer must report the incident immediately to he BYAFA Welfare Officer, or The BAFA Child Protection Officer
  • If the basic facts support a suspicion or allegation of abuse the incident should be referred to Social Services or Police who will advise on contacting parents.
  • If the Club Welfare Officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the report must be made directly to the BYAFA Welfare Officer or BAFA Child Protection Officer.
  • Steps should be taken to ensure the person about whom there is a suspicion or allegation has no further contact with young people through their role in American Football. This may require advice from the Social Services or Police on when it would be appropriate to approach the person.
  • Responding to Disclosure, Suspicions and Allegations
  • Actions to Avoid
  • Records and Information
  • Responding to Concerns and Allegations within BYAFA
  • Whistle Blowing
  • Disciplinary Procedures
  • Managing False or Malicious Allegations
  • Allegations of Previous Abuse
  • Concerns of possible abuse occurring outside of BYAFA.
  • Sharing Concerns with Parents
  • Confidentiality