What can parents expect?

All affiliated clubs must have a Safeguarding Children Policy and a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) who has been DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained. The Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and CWO must have completed the FA's free 'Safeguarding for Committee Members' course. All coaches must be DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained and named against the team they are involved with on the FA system.

What can parents and carers do?

Everyone involved in football has a part to play to ensure children can play in a safe and enjoyable environment. As a parent or carer, the FA encourages you to:

• 1Ensure you know who your child's coach/manager is, how they will communicate with you, and how you can contact them — ask if they are FA DBS checked and safeguarding trained.
• 2Put the NSPCC Helpline and Club Welfare Officer (CWO) name and contact details in your phone — ensure you and your child understand the CWO's role.
• 3Be clear about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at your child's club — sign up and adhere to their codes of conduct.
• 4Ask your child what they enjoy about playing — and remember this when supporting them!
• 5Agree with your child how you will support/check in to see how they are doing.
• 6Ensure your child understands their rights.
• 7Ensure you and your child know how to report a concern.
• 8Encourage your child to speak to you about anything that worries them, no matter how big or small.

Online Safety (FA Guidance Note 8.5)

The FA provides additional guidance covering tips for parents and carers on your child's online activities, including what you should expect when your child's club is in touch with you online. All online communication between coaches and players should be transparent and include parents/carers.