The following guidelines are suggested to Managers/Coaches in an attempt to reduce situations, which could lead to the abuse of children as well as attempting to protect those who are working with children and young people.

• Always try to work with children and young people in the open and public view.
• With very young children, encourage parents to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms.
• It is possible that a Manager/Coach might have to help young children with changing attire. Such tasks should only be carried out after discussion and consent of the player and parents.
• Ensure Managers/Coaches work in pairs when children have to be supervised in the changing rooms.
• Develop a climate which discourages the criticising of those who are seen as having less ability.
• Be aware of the definition of bullying, recognize if a player is being bullied and follow the appropriate guidelines to address.
• Avoid being alone in a car with a child/young person, if unavoidable ensure they sit in the back.
• It is advisable that Managers/Coaches have familiarity with who will be collecting a child/young person following a match or training session.
• Ensure child does not go to the toilet by themselves
• Do what’s best for the child while taking a commonsense approach.

Child Protection Advice for Players

As a player you are entitled to:

• Be safe and feel safe
• Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect
• Experience competition and the desire to win as a positive and healthy outcome of striving for best performance
• Be happy, have fun and enjoy soccer
• Comment and make suggestions in an appropriate and constructive manner
• Be listened to and have your voice heard
• Make complaints and have them dealt with
• Get help against those who bully
• Privacy and confidentiality