FIFA Guardians Child Safeguarding Toolkit PDF

CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT 03 INTRODUCTION As the global governing body for football, FIFA is committed to supporting its members to implement best practice to keep children safe and ensure involvement in football is fun for all. While FIFA does not control the day-to-day operations of our member...

CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT 03 INTRODUCTION As the global governing body for football, FIFA is committed to supporting its members to implement best practice to keep children safe and ensure involvement in football is fun for all. While FIFA does not control the day-to-day operations of our members, or their affiliated organisations and clubs who are independently organised, this toolkit sets minimum requirements for all members on child safeguarding. Accordingly, this document will underpin our work and that of our 211 MAs and the six confederations. It provides a framework to help members consider how they can prevent any risk of harm to children in football and respond appropriately, as called for in the FIFA Forward 2.0 Regulations, article 8, paragraph 1t). The toolkit recognises that many MAs already have good policies, procedures and training in place and builds on the great work of our partners around the world. It is part of FIFA’s overall commitment to safeguard children1 and will be supplemented with further guidance, templates, knowledge-sharing and training to support MAs, together with the confederations, in developing their own policies, procedures and good practices. FIFA considers this a living document that is to be updated every twenty-four months based on feedback and practical experience from our members. Reference to article 3 of the FIFA Statutes: “FIFA is committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights” and the FIFA Code of Ethics (in particular article 23). In addition, the FIFA Forward 2.0 Development Programme obliges member associations and confederations to “take measures to protect and safeguard children and minors from potential abuses and to protect their wellbeing within football” (FIFA Forward 2.0 Regulations, article 8, paragraph 1t). 1 6 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 420 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT HOW WAS THE TOOLKIT DEVELOPED? The content of this toolkit was developed by the FIFA administration together with the FIFA Child Safeguarding Working Group. Special thanks to UNICEF, the Council of Europe, the Scottish Football Association, OFC and Concacaf for their technical support and advice. Consultation and input was also received from the FIFA Development Committee and the OFC Just Play project managers. It draws on multiple sources from MAs around the world, as well as other organisations’ safeguarding policies and guidelines that are listed in the resources. 7 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 421 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT WHO IS THIS TOOLKIT FOR? To promote accountability and responsibility for keeping children safe from harm when involved in any football activity; To self-assess and inform the development of their safeguarding policies, plans and programmes, including for human resource and training needs; To assist coordinators and technical staff with risk assessments and the development of safeguarding plans and programmes; This is a resource for all stakeholders working to safeguard children in football. Specifically, it is intended for MAs: To support practitioners, such as coaches, trainers, medical personnel, staff and volunteers, who provide services, training and programmes to children to apply good practice for effective action. 8 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 422 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE TOOLKIT Child safeguarding is the set of proactive actions MAs can take to promote the well-being of children and keep them safe from harm when involved in football. It is an umbrella term encompassing the prevention of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect of children. This toolkit is meant to be interactive and assist MAs on their safeguarding journey. If you are using the printed version, you can use the space provided for notes if helpful. If using the PDF version on a computer, take advantage of the active hyperlinks as you move through the document. If your MA is working on this issue for the first time, it may be helpful to start with an understanding of what we mean by safeguarding and child protection, as well as what we mean by abuse, its global prevalence and consequences, as well as some risk and protective factors within sport. These and other important considerations are explained in Appendix 1 “Starting on common ground”. Even if good preventive measures are in place, concerns about a child may still arise. Child protection is an essential part of safeguarding and refers to the action taken in response to a specific concern for a child or children who may be suffering or is/are at risk of suffering harm or abuse. It requires referral to specialised child protection services, law enforcement agencies and expert local organisations that are trained to provide advice on and manage cases, if concerns arise. 9 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 423 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT 04 GETTING STARTED: FIVE PRINCIPLES, FIVE STEPS This section sets out the five principles and five steps that should underpin each MA’s work to prevent any risk of harm to children in football and to appropriately respond. They are based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which is the world’s most widely ratified human rights treaty. Each of the five steps contain supplementary guidance notes and suggested templates that should be considered by MAs in developing their own safeguarding policies and practices, depending on what stage of the safeguarding journey they are in. The five steps are based on the practical application of the International Safeguards for Children in Sport. 10 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 424 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT PRINCIPLE 1 We will act in the best interests of children.2 Ensuring that children are safeguarded is part of a commitment to enhancing their enjoyment of and performance in football. 2 This means that every action relating to a child or children in football has to take into account their best interests as a primary consideration. The word “action” includes all decisions, conduct, training, services, programmes, etc. 12 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 426 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT PRINCIPLE 2 Children’s rights, as set out in the UNCRC, will be respected and promoted throughout the game of football. Amongst other factors, this means that: a. A “child” or “young person” is anyone under the age of 18 years. While recognising that programmes differ for young children and adolescents, hereinafter the toolkit refers to all individuals under 18 years as “children”, regardless of the age of majority in the country where the child lives. b. Every child has the right to take part in football in a safe and inclusive environment free from all forms of abuse, harassment and exploitation. c. We will put the child before the player, referee, supporter or other role they may have in football. d. We recognise that any form of abuse disrespects the rights of the child and will not be tolerated. e. Children have a right to participate and be heard across the game, including by having a say in shaping safeguarding policy and practice, and for their views and opinions to be taken into consideration in all decisions and actions concerning them. Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 427 13 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT PRINCIPLE 3 The principles and practices in this toolkit will be applied to all children and without discrimination on account of race, skin colour, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, disability, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, wealth, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason. 14 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 428 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT PRINCIPLE 4 Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of the country we are from or the role we hold in football. This means that when children are in our care we have a duty to safeguard them, without exception. 15 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 429 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT PRINCIPLE 5 Specific roles and responsibilities must be defined within MAs and all concerns will be reported and dealt with immediately in accordance with stated procedures, in line with national legislation, and with the best interests of the child as the primary concern. 16 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 430 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT THE FIVE STEPS Some MAs have well developed policies and procedures in place, others are just starting out on their safeguarding journey. Depending on what stage of the journey your MA is in, these five steps, taken together, are intended to help you refocus current efforts and implement minimum requirements to keep children safe in football. The steps are underpinned by recognised best practice to help you develop a long-term system of safeguarding. FIFA strongly recommends that MAs implement these steps working together with their local expert partners and relevant authorities. For those MAs that currently do not have any safeguarding measures in place, the steps should be implemented incrementally and within 24 months of the launch of this toolkit. FIFA will provide MAs with ongoing training and support, together with the respective confederations. In turn, each member should provide FIFA with progress reports on the implemented safeguarding measures on a regular basis as part of its obligation under article 8, paragraph 1t of the FIFA Forward 2.0 Regulations. 17 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 431 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT THE FIVE STEPS TOWARDS SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN FOOTBALL STEP 01 STEP 02 STEP 03 STEP 04 STEP 05 How are children involved in our game and what safeguards already exist? Set out and define your safeguarding policy Develop procedures and guidelines to implement your policy Communication and education How will you monitor, evaluate and review your policies, procedures and guidelines? 18 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 432 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT STEP 1 HOW ARE CHILDREN INVOLVED IN OUR GAME AND WHAT SAFEGUARDS ALREADY EXIST? The first step towards safeguarding children in football is to consider: A. The ways in which children are involved in football in your country. B. Undertaking an assessment to understand what is already in place to safeguard them. You may not consider certain actions in terms of ”safeguarding”, but it is likely that you are already undertaking a number of measures to safeguard children in your country. C. What agencies and organisations exist within your country to safeguard and protect children and to promote their rights? These locally based expert agencies and organisations may be able to provide guidance and support you in safeguarding and protecting children involved in football in your country. Understanding each of these areas in more detail will help you to decide which of the next steps you need to take and how to prioritise them. A. The involvement of children Ask yourself: In what ways are children involved in our game? Although not an exhaustive list, this could be playing in youth or adult football at any level, from grassroots to elite football, attending matches as a supporter, refereeing at any level, attending tournaments or youth academies, coaching other young people or adults, acting as a matchday mascot or as a ballboy or ball girl. It is important to consider all the ways children are involved in football at the various levels so that your policies, procedures and safeguarding measures can be developed to safeguard children across football and not only when they are playing. (Notes) 20 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 434 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT STEP 2 SET OUT AND DEFINE YOUR SAFEGUARDING POLICY Every MA that engages directly or indirectly with children has a duty to do all it can to protect children from harm within football and to promote their well-being. A child safeguarding policy provides MAs with a formal approach to managing this duty of care. Safeguarding children is supported by having a good, clear and accessible policy in place so that both adults and children are clear on what is expected of them and others. This step refers to the development of an “organisational policy” within MAs, meaning a policy that should be in place for all aspects of the game, all year round. As a minimum, your policy should: • Be approved by your executive committee or council and have an associated action plan. • Identify a lead officer on child safeguarding.6 • Have a dedicated safeguarding internal steering group and/or external advisory group7 to help the development, implementation and monitoring of your safeguarding measures. • Be reviewed regularly, following any changes to national legislation or safeguarding practice, or as a consequence of a particular issue or case arising. • Contain clear definitions, for example what is meant by a child, safeguarding, child protection, and abuse in line with your national legislation. An explanation of key terms can be found in Appendix 1 of this document. • Contain clear policy statements on the five safeguarding principles noted above. Step 2 ACTION: Please refer to the guidelines and templates in the following appendixes to help set out and develop your safeguarding policy: • Appendix 2: Sample child safeguarding policy and implementation guide for MAs; • Appendix 3: Guidance note for MA internal steering group and/or external advisory group; • Appendix 4: Sample role description for MA safeguarding officer. Safeguarding children in football is everyone’s responsibility, but it is essential to identify a focal point or lead officer, with the support of senior management, to help drive the process and make everyone “safeguarding literate”. 7 Note that in some MAs around the world there are different boards, task forces, committees or departments that have been established to oversee safeguarding within football, such as a welfare committee or department, child welfare committee, social committee, safeguarding board, advisory group, or similar. 6 25 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 439 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT Good practice when starting policy development and implementation 1. Developing a safeguarding policy requires the skills and expertise of a variety of football and other sports organisations working together with local expert child protection agencies, social services, health, education, law-enforcement professionals and civil society organisations. Set aside resources to establish a working group bringing all relevant stakeholders and local experts together. 2. The child safeguarding policy should be based on an organisational self-assessment and should be accompanied by an action or implementation plan. The head of the MA should endorse the policy and provide appropriate resources and support for its implementation, especially in relation to implementing safeguarding measures and training. 3. Hold all stakeholders accountable for the policy, including within all relevant job descriptions. 4. Use simple, clear language. 5. Ensure that children’s input is taken into account when developing and implementing the policy and action plan. 26 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 440 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT STEP 3 DEVELOP PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES TO IMPLEMENT YOUR POLICY 27 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 441 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT STEP 3 DEVELOP PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES TO IMPLEMENT YOUR POLICY It is essential to have or develop procedures in the following three areas, in order to implement your safeguarding policy. Note that some MAs have one combined policy document which elaborates its procedures and guidelines. For example: - Irish Football Association (Northern Ireland): Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy & Procedures: Guidance for Staff and Volunteers: https://www.irishfa.com/media/24113/ irish-fa-safeguarding-policy.pdf - New Zealand Football Policy regarding Working with Children: https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/asset/ downloadasset?id=9df0a28b-7f6c41ed-b8ab-984bafa01629 -U.S. Soccer, Safe Soccer Framework: https://www.safesoccer.com/ Developing procedures and guidelines to implement your policy A. How will you respond to concerns about a child? As a minimum, this should include clarity on: • Who within the organisation should a concern be reported to? • Who within the organisation is responsible for managing the concern? • How should the concern be reported to the responsible person? • What process will the responsible person follow, including how the concern is reported to other non-footballing agencies (e.g. statutory authorities/agencies) where appropriate? • What should be investigated by the MA and what must be reported to local authorities and expert agencies to ensure the case is managed by competent bodies? 28 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 442 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT Innovative approaches for addressing specific risk issues • In South Africa, Grassroot Soccer uses the power of football to educate, inspire, and mobilise at-risk youth to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities. As part of this programme, girls-only football leagues and tournaments are being organised to mobilise community support and mixedteam tournaments to engage boys as allies in ending violence against women and girls: http://africa.unwomen.org/en/newsand-events/stories/2015/06/girlskick-violence-with-grassroot-soccer • Addressing child trafficking and modern-day slavery through awareness raising and education: every year, thousands of young people, particularly from Africa, Asia and South America, are told they can be the next football star in Europe. They are at risk of being sold a false dream by agents and academies who may aim to exploit them for profit and economic gain. If child trafficking through football is a concern in your country, education to raise awareness and address the risks of exploitation can be found here: www.mission89.org 31 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 445 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT STEP 4 COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION Policies, procedures and guidelines will not in themselves safeguard children involved in football. Communication and education are therefore essential to ensure understanding of safeguarding measures and principles and what they mean for everyone in football. The first step is to map out all the roles in your organisation and to what extent each role involves children. This will help your organisation to determine what level of safeguarding training is needed for the role. For example, adults that are taking children on trips away will need additional training on how to ensure that safeguarding measures are in place to keep them safe while away from home. As a minimum, education should include: • Awareness-raising for everyone coming into contact with children and young people in football. This should include how to recognise and respond to concerns and standards of expected behaviour. • Education for those requiring more specialist knowledge, such as staff who will be managing child-related concerns or recruiting people to work with children. • Awareness-raising for children and their families, in particular to empower them to prevent, detect and report abuse and ensure that they know whom to speak to if they have any concerns. • A visible or easily available code of conduct or “charter” for children and parents or guardians on championing childhood. Step 4 ACTION: Please refer to FIFA’s supplementary guidelines and templates for MAs in the following appendixes: • Appendix 14: How to recognise and respond to abuse and standards of expected behaviour. Awareness-raising for children and their families: • Appendix 15: Sample code of conduct for children; • Appendix 16: Information/sample code of conduct for parents and guardians; • *Note that FIFA’s safeguarding training course and materials (forthcoming) can be used to raise awareness. 33 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 447 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT Innovative approaches to education and awareness-raising • The New Zealand Football Association has created an awareness-raising and educational video to promote its policy. It was created with the help of the New Zealand Police and supported by Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children). The video can be viewed here: https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/ newsarticle/61611 • Child Protection in Football: What Every Coach Needs to Know. This booklet has been developed for coaches working with children between the ages of six and 18 years: https://www.unicef.org/ easterncaribbean/ECAO_Child_ Protection_in_Football.pdf The child safeguarding policy, procedures, codes of conduct and all related training and awareness-raising material should be easily available at all times on the MA’s website. Good practice when starting educational programmes 1. To embed safeguarding measures across football in your country, information should be included in the general educational programme for coaches, referees, managers, etc. The FIFA basic safeguarding awareness course can be used for this purpose. 2. In the development of more detailed courses and education on safeguarding, consult national experts in relevant fields, e.g. sports psychologists, child protection experts, other sports bodies, etc. 3. Educational programmes should include information on, and definitions and examples of types of abuse, and the relevant legal framework in your country. 4. Clarify who your target group is, and prepare tailored educational materials. Safeguarding training should be arranged and tailored to specific roles and responsibilities within football. 5. Consult and include the voices of children in the development of educational programmes in your country. 6. Use new media (webinars, online tutorials) if possible but remember that face-to-face information and training on safeguarding is also really important. 7. Install an accreditation system for training to stimulate the participation of staff. 8. Initiate a “train the trainers” (ToT) programme for roll-out. 34 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 448 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT STEP 5 HOW WILL YOU MONITOR, EVALUATE AND REVIEW YOUR POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES? 35 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 449 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT STEP 5 HOW WILL YOU MONITOR, EVALUATE AND REVIEW YOUR POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES? Monitoring and evaluating your policy and how it is implemented is an essential part of keeping children safe. This should include a process for reviewing any concerns that are received, as well as measures for success if your policy, procedures and guidelines are implemented. For example: • How will you check that everyone is attending the training they are meant to attend, including when new people join? • How will you ensure the code(s) of conduct is/are being read, understood and signed? • How will you ensure that children know who to speak to if they are worried or anxious about anything? • How will you assess risk on an ongoing basis, both in relation to a particular activity and generally? • How will you know if your policy is effective? Step 5 ACTION: Please refer to FIFA’s supplementary guidelines for MAs in Appendix 17: Guidance on monitoring and evaluation. • How will you ensure that the code of conduct is being implemented in practice? 36 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 450 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT 05 WHAT THIS TOOLKIT DOES NOT DO: • Replace what MAs currently have in place in terms of policies, procedures and training on child safeguarding. • Affect the regulations in place regarding the recruitment of players into professional football. Existing provisions in the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players remain. • Address abuse of those over the age of 18. However, proactive efforts by MAs to safeguard children will form a basis to safeguard everyone across the game and will create a culture of respect and zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harassment within football. • Provide complete guidance for implementation (for example, safeguarding children at tournaments and competitions). While recognising the need for a comprehensive, system-wide approach to safeguarding from national to community-level football, from grassroots to elite levels, the toolkit offers information to help MAs focus on a set of principles and minimum requirements. Note that FIFA is currently developing an event-safeguarding programme for FIFA tournaments and events together with experts in this area and will share further guidelines on event-safeguarding in due course. • Include all current, evidence-supported practices globally. Innovative approaches and programmes to safeguard children in football are currently being adapted and implemented in many countries. The toolkit focuses on the core components that need to be in place, based on the current experience of MAs and other sports organisations around the world. FIFA considers this a living document that is to be regularly updated and reviewed every twenty-four months, based on feedback and practical experience from our members, and evolving best practices in safeguarding across all sports. 37 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 451 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT 06 LIST OF RESOURCES - Cayman Islands Government, Ministry of Community Affairs, Youth and Sports - Child Abuse Prevention Policy for National Sports Associations - Concacaf Safeguarding Awareness for Coaches - Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) Child Protection Policy, January 2017 - The Football Association, Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures - Football Association of Ireland, Child Welfare Policy - Football Federation Samoa (FFS), Child Protection Policy, January 2017 - INSPIRE: Seven strategies for ending violence against children (WHO, 2016) - New Zealand Football Association, NZF Policy regarding Working with Children - Northern Ireland Football Association, Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures: Guidance for staff and volunteers - NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) materials - Pro Safe Sport and Council of Europe “Start to Talk” materials - Safe Soccer USA, Safe Soccer Framework - The Scottish Football Association, Child Wellbeing and Protection in Scottish Football - The International Safeguards for Children in Sport (2014) - Terre des hommes, Child Safeguarding Policy - UEFA Child Safeguarding Policy, 2019 - UNICEF, Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area, Child Protection in Football: What Every Coach Needs To KnowEvery Coach 38 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 452 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT APPENDIX 01 STARTING ON COMMON GROUND When thinking about our principles and implementing the five steps towards safeguarding children in football, there are some terms that are important to understand. The following definitions have been adopted in line with the International Safeguards for Children in Sport. Child: a person under the age of 18 years. Child abuse: an act or omission that harms a child (in other words, an individual may abuse a child directly, or may be indirectly responsible for abuse because he/she fails to prevent another person from harming that child). It can be physical, emotional, sexual or by neglect. It can take place in person or online. Although typically thought of as an adult mistreating a child, children can also harm other children. This is especially in relation to bullying. Safeguarding: the action taken to ensure that all children are safe from harm when involved in football. It means proactively doing everything possible to minimise risk and prevent abuse of children. Child protection: refers to the action taken in response to a specific concern for a child or children who may be suffering or at risk of suffering harm or abuse. Child protection is an essential part of safeguarding and requires referral to specialised child protection services, law-enforcement agencies and expert local organisations8 who are trained to advice on and manage cases, if concerns arise. It is important to know that the terms “violence against children” and “child abuse” are often used interchangeably. The following have been adapted from key UN documents to further explain what is meant by ”different types of abuse”9. Legislation in your country will set out and define these. Physical abuse is deliberately physically hurting a child and includes any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. It mainly involves hitting (“smacking”, “slapping”) children with the hand or with an implement – a whip, stick, belt, shoe, 8 In some contexts, statutory public services may not exist or be operational, in which case it is important to map out and build partnerships with trusted local organisations/NGOs who are trained in this area. 9 General Comment No. 13 (2011) “The right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence”; General Comment No. 8 (2006): “The Right of the Child to Protection from Corporal Punishment and Other Cruel or Degrading Forms of Punishment”; UN Resolution A/RES/73/148 adopted by the General Assembly on 17 December 2018 on sexual harassment; Protecting children from bullying – Report of the Secretary-General (2018, A/73/265). 39 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 453 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT wooden spoon, etc. But it can also involve, for example, punching, kicking, shaking, throwing, scratching, pinching, biting or burning them or breaking their bones. Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child. It is also sometimes called psychological abuse and it can have severe and persistent adverse effects on a child’s emotional development. Emotional abuse may involve deliberately telling a child that he/she is worthless, or unloved and inadequate. It may include not giving a child opportunities to express his/her views, deliberately silencing him/her, or “making fun” of what he/she says or how he/she communicates. Emotional abuse often occurs as a pattern of deliberate, prolonged, repeated non-physical behaviour within a power-differentiated relationship. Emotional abuse may involve bullying – including online bullying through social networks, online games or mobile phones – by a child’s peers. Bullying (or cyberbullying if conducted online) is unwanted, repeated and intentional, aggressive behaviour usually among peers, and can involve a real or perceived power imbalance. It can include actions such as making threats, spreading rumours or falsehoods, attacking someone physically or verbally and deliberately excluding someone. Neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s basic needs when those responsible for their care have the means, knowledge and access to services to do so, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene, supervision or shelter, that is likely to result in the serious impairment of a child’s health or development. It also includes failure to protect a child from exposure to danger. Sexual abuse is the inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity. It occurs when adults exploit children sexually for their own gratification. It may involve physical contact, such as assault by penetration (for example, rape) or nonpenetrative acts, such as kissing, rubbing and touching children’s private body parts. Sexual abuse does not necessarily involve contact; examples include involving children in the production of sexual images, forcing children to look at sexual images or watch sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse by gaining their trust (including via social media). In the majority of cases, the perpetrator is a person the child knows and trusts with sexual abuse often perpetrated in isolated, one-on-one situations. Sexual harassment encompasses a continuum of unacceptable and unwelcome behaviour and practices of a sexual nature that may include, but are not limited to, sexual suggestions or demands, requests for sexual favours and sexual, verbal or physical conduct or gestures, that are or might reasonably be perceived as offensive or humiliating. 40 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 454 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT The following information may help you understand why safeguarding children is important. playing football may expose children to abuse, and footballers’ own accounts of historic (non-recent) sexual abuse point to vulnerabilities within the game. Global prevalence and consequences: According to the World Health Organization10, it is estimated that one billion children globally – over half of all children aged between two and 17 years – experience some form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse each year. Research documents that girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse. For example, the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse is estimated at 18% for girls, and 8% for boys. Disabled children are three to four times more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect than their non-disabled peers. Despite its high prevalence, abuse is often hidden, unseen or under-reported and is most often perpetrated by people children know and trust. Furthermore, if girls and boys do report abuse, they are often stigmatised or not believed, and no action is taken. In terms of its impact, the immediate and long-term consequences of abuse can undermine children’s education, health, and well-being, and may impact their productive capacity in later life. Strong global evidence shows that child abuse increases risks of: physical injury; HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; mental health problems; delayed cognitive development; poor school performance and dropping out of schools; early pregnancy; reproductive health problems; and communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Though no global data exists on the extent of abuse in sport, in recent years it has become increasingly evident that sport is not always a safe space for children, and that the same types of abuse sometimes found in homes, schools and communities can also occur in sport programmes. In the world of football, as in other sports, research and recent court cases have revealed that 10 What are some of the risk factors for abuse within sport? • Potential risk situations: changing rooms, showers, carpooling, overnight stays, away trips; • Tolerance for bullying, including amongst peers; • High tolerance of physical violence and injuries; • Dominance and unequal power relationships, for example between managers or coaches and their athletes; • Inappropriate adult-child relationships and abuse of positions of trust; • Discrimination and gender inequality; • Social tolerance for abusive relationships or behaviour: a key factor INSPIRE: seven strategies to end violence against children. WHO, 2016 41 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 455 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT that makes children, particularly girls, vulnerable to abuse; • Reputation and scandal avoidance: leading to incidents being silenced or unreported, sometimes leading to the continuation of the abuse; • Lack of clear policies and procedures, especially at national and local levels. What are some of the protective factors against abuse in sport? • Organisations have a culture of respect and zero-tolerance towards any form of abuse at all levels. • There are clear policies and procedures in place that are well known by all, including children, young people, and their families, with a designated contact person. • Incidents and allegations are taken seriously and followed up. • Organisations promote a better understanding of the issues through education and awareness and are committed to deterring those who may wish to use sport as a means of gaining access to children for inappropriate reasons. • Caring and committed staff and volunteers at all levels of the game. 42 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 456 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT APPENDIX 02 SAMPLE CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE FOR MAs Policy statement Our association is committed to providing football in a fun, safe and respectful environment for all children. We recognise children’s right to be free from all forms of abuse and acknowledge our duty of care to safeguard them. Purpose of the policy This policy provides a framework to ensure that children are safeguarded in the delivery of our sport. It will be accompanied by codes of conduct, guidelines and procedures to support implementation. It applies to all those under 18, without discrimination of any kind. We acknowledge that some children can be particularly vulnerable to abuse (e.g. disabled children, or those on elite pathways), and we accept the responsibility to promote their inclusion, safety and well-being across our game. Scope of the policy This policy applies to the following people (this is not an exhaustive list): coaches/instructors; medical staff; managers; administrators and coordinators; volunteers; parents/guardians; peer/youth mentors; implementing partners; consultants/contractors/subcontractors. It covers the following definitions: Child: a person under the age of 18 years. Child abuse: an act or omission that harms a child. Abuse towards a child can be carried out by an adult or by another child. It can be physical, emotional, sexual or by neglect. Abuse can take place in person or online. Safeguarding: the action taken to ensure that all children are safe from harm when involved in football. It means proactively doing everything possible to minimise risk and prevent abuse of children. Child protection: refers to the action taken in response to a specific concern for a child or children who may be suffering or are at risk of suffering harm or abuse. It is an essential part of safeguarding and requires referral to specialised child protection services, law-enforcement agencies and expert local organisations who are trained to advice on and manage cases, if concerns arise. As part of our policy we will: • Appoint a safeguarding officer. • Set up an internal steering group to guide our work and/or an external expert advisory group. • Map out, identify and establish partnerships with local child protection authorities/agencies and civil society organisations with expertise in this area that can provide help and advice. • Ensure appropriate and immediate action is taken to address allegations of abuse through referral of concerns to the relevant statutory authorities.11 11 In some contexts, the relevant statutory authorities may not exist, so it is important to map out and build partnerships with expert local organisations/NGOs who are trained and competent in this area. 43 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 457 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT • Develop an implementation/action plan to promote and install safeguarding measures across the MA. • Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals (staff and volunteers) in football through safe recruitment and screening procedures. • Ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding in football and provide all staff and volunteers with appropriate training when joining the organisation, as well as provide further training and updates on a regular basis (at least annually). • Require all members of staff and volunteers to sign and comply with the code of conduct. • Manage concerns of poor practice and breaches of the code of conduct through the relevant competent body of the MA. • Ensure children are informed of their rights and understand where to go if they have concerns or need help. • Ensure investigatory, disciplinary and appeals processes are in place to appropriately manage allegations, reports and cases where staff or volunteers have been found to have breached this policy and the code of conduct. Case management and support for victims of abuse (or alleged victims), and those accused, will be undertaken by the relevant authorities. Any internal MA investigation will be put on hold until statutory investigations are complete, so that internal processes do not compromise statutory or criminal investigations. • Ensure that confidential and accurate records of concerns, allegations, and reports and submitted evidence provided are maintained and securely stored. • Ensure that we continually evaluate how children are involved in football in our country and review our safeguarding practices on a regular basis, at least annually, to ensure that we learn and improve safeguarding, in keeping with evolving best practices and national legislation. Furthermore, we will proactively consult with children with the guidance of local agencies and partners. This policy, and its accompanying code of conduct, procedures and guidelines, will be widely promoted and made available on the [insert name of member association] website. Failure by staff and volunteers to comply with this policy will be investigated and may result in dismissal. The implementation/action plan below will be used to help us with the planning and prioritising of our work. Lead officer: the safeguarding officer of is Contact: tel.: [insert name of member association] email: Monitoring: This policy will be reviewed annually together with expert local organisations/NGOs, or more urgently in the following circumstances: • changes in national legislation, policies and services related to children’s rights, child protection and safeguarding; • as a result of any other significant change, or event or specific case arising. Approved by: Executive committee or council (Last reviewed on 2019) 44 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 458 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT APPENDIX 03 GUIDANCE NOTE FOR MA INTERNAL STEERING GROUP AND/OR EXTERNAL ADVISORY GROUP As an MA works to embed its child safeguarding policy and safeguarding measures across the organisation, it is essential to develop a governance or oversight structure in support of this policy and to appoint a designated child safeguarding officer. This will also help the MA mitigate for potential risks that may surface in the future. Furthermore, ownership by and the ongoing support from senior management are essential to ensure that the safeguarding policy and measures are taken seriously, adopted and properly implemented throughout the organisation. The MA can also establish an internal safeguarding steering group (SSG) or provide oversight through one of its standing committees (e.g. governance committee, social committee, development committee, etc.). Both options require that individuals with safeguarding lead responsibility within the MA are provided with appropriate training and ongoing support. Where a dedicated SSG is tasked with overseeing child safeguarding within the MA, the group should be crossorganisational and should include colleagues appointed from all relevant divisions and departments that interact directly with children. The SSG should meet regularly, at least on a quarterly basis and more often at the outset, to ensure accountability and to promote, properly implement and regularly review the safeguarding measures in place across the MA. It may also consider any more urgent changes that might be needed as a result of a recent case or changes to legislation or best practices. In addition, and depending on the country, it is highly recommended to identify and establish an agreement with local child protection and safeguarding agencies and non-governmental organisations with expertise in this area. Establishing an external advisory group with local expertise will help to ensure that ongoing guidance and support is consistently available to the MA and that country-specific issues or practices that might risk harm to children in football are identified and considered within the MA’s safeguarding measures. In addition, the expert advisory group will be able to advise on referrals to support services for children who may be harmed or at risk of being harmed. A key purpose of this expert advisory group will be to advise the MA on its ongoing actions and regularly review child safeguarding measures, as well as provide support to the safeguarding officer and/or SSG in their duties. It can also advise and support the MA’s ongoing safeguarding training and capacitybuilding activities. 46 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 460 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT The MA should aim to identify and establish positive working relationships and partnerships with local child protection and safeguarding agencies and NGOs as a priority since they are best placed to provide advice and support locally. FIFA will be pleased to assist with this process together with its partners and respective confederation and to signpost and provide introductions wherever possible. When establishing and appointing a network of trusted local partners as part of its expert advisory group, MAs should consider the following criteria: • a proven good understanding of children’s rights, safeguarding and child protection legislation and guidelines in your country (essential); • a track record in successfully delivering capacity-building/training on safeguarding measures and child protection (essential), and preferably in sport locally (nonessential); • a national reach and proven record in working with civil society (essential), and a track record of working with other sports organisations (non-essential); • an understanding of the culture and existing child protection government agencies and systems (essential); • reference(s) from trusted organisation(s) such as UNICEF and/or international child rights agencies (essential); 47 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 461 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT APPENDIX 04 SAMPLE ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR MA SAFEGUARDING OFFICER MAs should appoint an experienced child safeguarding officer, or at least one person within the MA to act as a safeguarding focal point until a dedicated person can be appointed.12 The title of and number of people appointed to this role will vary by country.13 The key objectives of this role should be: 1. To act as the focal point and lead for all safeguarding matters. 2. To ensure safeguarding training is implemented, to promote safe practices and minimise risks of abuse in football. 3. To map out and establish partnerships with local authorities/agencies and civil society organisations with expertise in this area. FIFA and its partners, such as UNICEF and its local Field Offices, will be able to assist with general guidance and local information about organisations. A full list of UNICEF Field Offices can be found here: https:// www.unicef.org/about/structure/index_field. html. 4. To manage referrals to statutory authorities/ agencies and local organisations if incidents or concerns of abuse arise. The officer should keep an updated list of names and contacts of local authorities/agencies and partner organisations readily available at all times. He/she will need to work closely with the SSG and/or expert advisory group (where established) in the delivery of their duties to implement the MA’s safeguarding policy. Duties and responsibilities of the safeguarding officer: • Playing a lead role in developing the association’s approach to safeguarding children in football • Identifying and establishing partnerships with local authorities/agencies and civil society organisations/NGOs with expertise in this area • Carrying out risk assessments when required and on an ongoing and regular basis, to ensure that football programmes, practices or activities (e.g. training and matchday procedures) consider safeguarding measures • Ensuring risk assessments are undertaken by other staff and volunteers (and not only by the lead officer), to ensure that practitioners are also proactive in assessing risks and in revising and adopting further safeguarding measures that may be needed • Ensuring that staff, volunteers and all stakeholders are familiar with the MA’s safeguarding policy, code of conduct and safeguarding measures If a person within the MA is appointed to act as a safeguarding focal point but is unfamiliar with this issue, he/she should work closely with the expert advisory group to support him/her in this role. Training will also be made available to support this function. 13 MAs around the world have different names and titles for such a role, including Risk Management Coordinators, Safeguarding Officers, Welfare Officers, Child Protection Officers, etc. The titles and number of appointed positions, and their level of responsibility, will vary across countries and contexts. 12 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 462 48 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT • Providing or arranging safeguarding training and education for all new staff and volunteers and ensuring that existing personnel receive ongoing training and updates on safeguarding on a regular basis • Advising management on ongoing training needs and maintaining a central filing system to keep track of the number of staff and volunteers who have completed safeguarding training. Liaising with HR (where established) as necessary • Reporting allegations of poor practice14 and breaches of the MA’s code of conduct to the relevant competent body of the MA • Managing referrals to statutory authorities/ agencies and local organisations if cases or concerns of abuse arise • Acting as the central point of contact for internal and external individuals and agencies on safeguarding matters • Representing the association at external meetings related to safeguarding • Taking a lead role in maintaining and reviewing the association’s implementation plan, together with the executive committee or council Skills and abilities required: • Policy development, training and delivery of the safeguarding programme • Child-focused approach • Advice, support and supervision skills on safeguarding • Communication skills • Ability to work professionally, confidentially and consistently in an area where emotionally distressing and sensitive issues and cases may arise Knowledge required: • Recognising behaviour that is harmful to children and understanding thresholds of poor practice and abusive behaviour • Clear and comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of statutory authorities/agencies • Managing child-protection referrals to relevant authorities/agencies • Knowledge about country legislation, government guidelines and national frameworks for child safeguarding and protection and children’s rights • Keeping own safeguarding knowledge, best practice solutions and skills up-to-date Poor practice refers to behaviour that disregards the needs of children, thus compromising their well-being and/or safety, but that does not meet the threshold of abuse. 14 49 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 463 CHILD SAFEGUARDING TOOLKIT APPENDIX 05 GUIDANCE FOR MAs ON DEALING WITH CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD AND/OR ALLEGATIONS OF CHILD ABUSE Voicing concerns, suspicions or allegations of poor practice or abuse can cause worry and stress – particularly if it relates to a colleague or volunteer who engages in the MA’s programmes. However, reporting a concern is really important in order to prevent a child from suffering harm or being at risk of harm, and to ensure that the concern is dealt with properly and consistently. In some countries, reporting is mandatory. No action is not an option. Any staff member or volunteer who, in good faith, discloses possible wrongdoing(s) or grounds for concern about a child should receive full support from the MA, even if the allegation is subsequently proved to be unfounded. It is important to create a culture within your organisation where it is clearly understood by staff and volunteers that it is acceptable to report concerns and allegations in confidence and not to suppress them for fear of criticism or repercussions for doing so. Such a culture ensures that child abuse cases or risks are not ignored and inadvertently allowed to continue. It is not the responsibility of anyone working in an association to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However, there is a responsibility to act on any concerns or allegations by reporting these to the appropriate officer or the appropriate authorities. You should discuss, adapt and agree on the below reporting procedures with your local child protection authorities, expert agencies and civil society partners, and, where established, with your appointed expert advisory group: 50 Football Agent Exam Study Materials – May 2023 edition - 464