Matchday Safeguarding Plan

Club Details

Club Name: Falmouth Town AFC
Venue: Bickland Park
Matchday Welfare Contact Number: 07768331353 or 01326 375156

1. Purpose

This Matchday Safeguarding Plan outlines the procedures and responsibilities required to ensure the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all adult players, coaches, officials, volunteers, spectators, and visitors attending football matches organised by the club.

The club is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment free from abuse, discrimination, bullying, harassment, intimidation, and exploitation.

2. Safeguarding Principles

The club will:

• Promote a safe and positive football environment.
• Treat all participants with dignity and respect.
• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
• Respond promptly to welfare, safety, and protection concerns.
• Ensure safeguarding information is available on matchdays.
• Support individuals who may be vulnerable or at risk.
• Work in accordance with The FA's safeguarding policies and procedures.

3. Matchday Roles and Responsibilities

Team Managers and Coaches

Will:

• Promote respectful behaviour.
• Monitor player welfare.
• Challenge unacceptable conduct.
• Report concerns immediately to the DSO.

Players

Must:

• Respect teammates, opponents, match officials, spectators, and staff.
• Follow club codes of conduct.
• Report concerns regarding welfare or safety.

Match Officials

Will:

• Enforce standards of conduct.
• Report misconduct and safeguarding concerns through appropriate channels.

4. Risk Assessment

Prior to kick-off, the club will assess:

Venue Safety

• Condition of playing surface.
• Access and exit routes.
• Emergency vehicle access.
• Spectator areas.
• Changing facilities.
• Lighting and weather conditions.

Welfare Risks

• Intoxicated individuals.
• Aggressive or abusive behaviour.
• Discrimination or hate incidents.
• Mental health concerns.
• Vulnerable adults attending the event.

5. Vulnerable Adults

The club recognises its responsibility towards adults who may require additional support due to:

• Age-related conditions.
• Physical disabilities.
• Learning disabilities.
• Mental health difficulties.
• Dependence on others for care and support.

Where required, reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure participation and attendance can be undertaken safely.

6. Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, disclosure, allegation, or observation should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Examples include:

• Bullying or harassment.
• Discrimination or hate-related incidents.
• Physical assault.
• Threatening behaviour.
• Self-harm concerns.
• Mental health crises.
• Exploitation or abuse.

Emergency Situations

Where someone is at immediate risk of harm:

1. Contact Emergency Services (999).
2. Ensure the person's immediate safety.
3. Inform the Welfare Officer or other Board member.
4. Complete an incident report as soon as practicable.

7. Respect and Conduct

The club operates a zero-tolerance approach to:

• Racism.
• Sexism.
• Homophobia.
• Transphobia.
• Ableism.
• Abuse towards officials.
• Threatening behaviour.
• Violence or intimidation.

Any individual engaging in unacceptable behaviour may be removed from the venue and reported to the relevant authorities.

8. Medical Arrangements

The following must be available on matchday:

• Qualified first aider or appointed emergency responder.
• First aid kit.
• Emergency contact numbers.
• Defibrillator location identified.
• Access route for emergency services.

Defibrillator Location: On site at Falmouth Town AFC
Nearest Hospital: Falmouth Minor Injuries (open 0800-2000). Other nearest hospital is Treliske, Truro

9. Photography, Video and Social Media

The club expects all participants to:

• Use social media responsibly.
• Avoid abusive, discriminatory, or offensive content.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality.
• Obtain appropriate permissions where required.

Any concerns regarding online behaviour should be reported to the Welfare Officer.

10. Incident Recording

All safeguarding concerns should be documented including:

• Date and time.
• Individuals involved.
• Nature of the concern.
• Immediate actions taken.
• Witness details.
• Reporting actions completed.

Records should be stored securely and confidentially in accordance with data protection requirements.

11. Emergency Contacts

Safeguarding Officer: Sue Little – 07768331353
Club Secretary: Wayne Pascoe – 07827502025
Falmouth Town Football Club: Malcom Newland – 01326 375156
Emergency Services: 999

Approved by: Dale McIntosh
Position: Chairperson