FA Guidance re-Names on shirts and hats

The FA appreciates that some players/clubs wish to emulate their football idols by having their own player's names on the backs of the team shirts/hats. It is important that you recognise that the placing of names on the back of U18 players shirts makes a player instantly identifiable.

As such this allows anyone to be able to identify an individual within that team. This therefore provides a potential opportunity for anyone who is intent on 'grooming' a child or young person to identify a player and make contact easier. They may use this knowledge of a players name to begin to get to strike up conversation and begin to 'groom' a youngster previously unknown to them.
It should be noted that in circumstances where clubs are well run and supported by parents/carers it is unlikely that having the name on shirts will make a great difference to the safety of their youngster, however those who do seek to groom children are very clever and the more information that they can collect about an individual the easier it is for them to establish a rapport and begin their process.
If a club decides that this is something that they wish to do, then The FA's guidance and advice is that the club should inform the parents/carers and players, of the potential risks involved. Having made them aware of these risks, each parent/carer and player can make an nformed decision as to whether they are happy or not for the club to
proceed with displaying names on shirts. The FA recommends that written consent is obtained by the club from every player and their parent or carer to ensure that they have had the opportunity to make an informed decision.

Please note there are no rules which say that names may not be out on the back of U18's shirts but we recommend that individuals make their decisions having consulted with both players and parents/carers.

Shaw Lane Community Sports Association is made up of members from the various sports that make up the Shaw Lane Complex. They are working towards making Shaw Lane an even better place to participate in sport. Further details can be seen on their Website www.barnsleycc.co.uk/shawlane.htm or see USEFUL LINKS on the left of this page. You can also book one of the many function rooms available at Shaw Lane via this link. Minutes of their meetings are also available.

GUIDING PRINCIPALS

Barugh Football Club recognises several categories of abuse, these include:

Physical
Emotional
Sexual
Racial
Neglect
The clubs Child Protection Policy is guided by the Children Act 1989, which replaces the notion of parental rights with parental responsibility, and demands that the child's welfare be paramount in all procedures concerning child abuse. Barugh Football Club is aware of the consequences for children, in terms of impaired development and under achievement, if they are abused or neglected.



Barugh Football Club also recognises:

That parents/guardians trust the club to ensure that their child's welfare is paramount.
That all children have a right to be protected from abuse, regardless of age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual identity.


The willingness to believe that child protection issues can arise anywhere.


The importance of early intervention and listening.


That complaints of suspected or actual child abuse or of children being put at risk will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.


The need to appoint a designated Child Protection Officer/s who is/are trusted and have/has the confidence of both children and adults that if they have concerns they will be listened to and taken seriously.


Any individual involved with Barugh Football Club must hold the Certificate of Child Protection Registration issued by the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA. This includes:


Barugh Football Club Management Committee

All coaching staff

First Aid Officers

Match officials

Parents and Spectators
1. Never Force a child to play football, they need to enjoy playing.
2. Praise effort and performance more than results.
3. Praise good behaviour quickly to show that adults value it.
4. Help them understand the rules and encourage your child to play by them.
5. Applaud good play - by either team.
6. Dont argue with the referee or question their decision - remember they are volunteers and they are giving up their time.
7. Stay off the pitch, dont interfere, let the referee deal with any situations on the field of play.
8. Dont coach from the sidelines or shout at a child if they make a mistake.
9. Dont use offensive, insulting or abusive language towards players or officials or spectators.
10. Enjoy watching the game whether your team win or lose.

Managers
1. Emphasise fun and enjoyment.
2. Ensure your players know the rules and encourage them to play by them.
3. Set good examples by being friendly to the opposition.
4. Praise children for controlling their tempers.
5. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from childrens sporting activity.
6. Never shout, argue or swear at your team or the opposition.
7. Dont use sarcasm or jargon.
8. Respect the officials decision.
9. Encourage your team to shake hands at the end of the game.

Players
1. Play because you enjoy football, not to please someone else.
2. Learn the rules and play by them.
3. Accept the referees decision - dont argue.
4. Dont attempt to mislead the referee by faking an injury - get on with the game.
5. Dont use offensive, insulting, abusive or racist language towards players, officials or spectators.
6. Control your mouth and your temper.
7. Dont over react when your team scores a goal.
8. Respect your opponents and shake hands at the end of the game - win or lose.

Any issues relating to Child Protection please contact Karen Parton, Teresa Barker or Tony Thornton.

Reports and Checklists are now available for all to view. Please visit USEFUL LINKS on this website and click the report you require.