FA Respect - We Only Do Positive
A short FA Respect film showing why positive support matters for young players and grassroots football environments.
If someone is in immediate danger
If a child or young person is at immediate risk, contact the Police or Children's Social Care in your area immediately.
NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000
NSPCC email
help@nspcc.org.uk
The FA Safeguarding Team
safeguarding@TheFA.com
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Respect: We Only Do Positive
The FA's Respect campaign highlights the importance of positive behaviour towards young footballers. Parents, coaches and spectators all play a part in creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for players.
Grassroots football works best when players, parents, carers, coaches, volunteers and spectators understand the standards expected of them. Gillford Park FC supports positive touchlines, fair play, respect for officials and speaking up when something does not feel right.
Youth players
Play fairly and speak up.
Respect team-mates, opponents, coaches and match officials. If you are worried about yourself or another player, tell a trusted adult.
Parents and spectators
Encourage from the touchline.
Support players positively, let coaches coach, respect referees and challenge poor behaviour without escalating it.
Coaches and volunteers
Set the standard.
Put welfare first, model The FA's Respect approach, maintain clear boundaries and report concerns through the correct route.
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Safeguarding Film Room
Safeguarding Film Room
Short FA and safeguarding videos for players, parents, coaches and volunteers.
FA Respect Elders & Betters
The older FA Respect film on touchline pressure and adult behaviour is available through the club film room.
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How to report a safeguarding concern
- Speak to the club welfare officer or a committee member.
- Contact the County FA Designated Safeguarding Officer.
- Email The FA Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@TheFA.com.
- If urgent and you cannot contact the club, league or County FA, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.
- If a child or children are at immediate risk, contact the Police or Children's Social Care immediately.
Doing nothing is not an option. If you are worried, raise the concern.
County FA safeguarding contact
Steve Greenway
Designated Safeguarding Officer, Cumberland FA.
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Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing in a safeguarding context means raising concerns about misconduct, poor practice or malpractice within an organisation or associated structure. Concerns should be raised if appropriate actions have not been taken or if someone may be behaving inappropriately.
- Local Police or Children's Social Care
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- NSPCC email: help@nspcc.org.uk
- NSPCC CPSU: cpsu@nspcc.org.uk
- The FA Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@TheFA.com
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The role of the Club Welfare Officer
The Club Welfare Officer helps the club understand and carry out its responsibilities when running activities for children and young people.
- Ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are understood by others.
- Working with Youth League and County Welfare Officers.
- Promoting The FA's Respect programme and best practice.
- Helping members understand their duty of care towards children and young people.
- Supporting communication between club officials, parents, spectators, coaches and managers.
- Encouraging completion of relevant safeguarding education.
- Monitoring repeated incidents of poor behaviour and raising concerns with the committee or County FA where needed.
General concerns can be raised with the club committee using the club contact details.
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Policy Locker
Policy Locker
Download the key safeguarding, conduct and welfare documents used by the club.
Play Your Part - Young Players
Guidance for young players on respect, behaviour and enjoying football safely.
Download PDFPlay Your Part - Parents
Guidance for parents and carers on supporting young players positively from the touchline.
Download PDFFA Social Media Guidance
Guidance on safe and appropriate social media use around grassroots football.
Download PDFSafeguarding Policy
The club's safeguarding policy and welfare approach.
Download PDF