Introduction
Our club's priority and responsibility are safeguarding children and young people involved in football. While modern communication technologies offer significant benefits, they also pose increased risks that must be managed appropriately. It is crucial for everyone involved in football—club officials, referees, parents, and players—to recognise that the responsibility to safeguard exists both on and off the field. This policy outlines guidelines for responsible communication, the use of social media, the appropriate use of images, and procedures for reporting inappropriate communication.

Communicating with Players
All communications from club officials with players should be via the parents/guardians specified as the contact when the player is registered with the club. Club officials must not contact players directly through any form of digital communication (e.g., emails, text, social media). If a player contacts a club official directly, any replies must include the parent/guardian and advise that future communications be routed through them.

Official Channels: Communication should only occur via the club’s official email or messaging systems. Personal phone numbers and social media accounts must not be used.
Transparency: Where possible, group communications should be prioritised to avoid private one-on-one messages. Parents or guardians should be included in communications with players under 16.

Use of Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with our community, but it comes with responsibilities. Our club’s social media policy aims to protect our young players while promoting positive engagement.

Content Posting: Club officials and players must refrain from posting any content that could be considered offensive, derogatory, or inappropriate. Respectful language and behaviour are mandatory.
Privacy Settings: Ensure all privacy settings are locked so that pages are used explicitly for club matters, not personal conversations.
Monitoring: A designated club official will monitor social networking pages regularly and remove access for anyone behaving inappropriately.
Group Communications: When social media profiles/groups are created for team-specific communications, they must include only parents/guardians and be used solely for football matters (e.g., fixtures and cancellations). Personal communications or comments are prohibited.

Use of Images
Using images of our players on social media and other platforms requires careful consideration to ensure their safety and privacy.

Consent: Written consent from parents or guardians is required before posting images of players under 18. This includes team photos, action shots, and any promotional materials.
Appropriateness: Images must be appropriate and respectful. Photos that could be misinterpreted or misused must be kept private.
Parental Posting: Parents are requested not to post images of players on social media without the consent of the parents of those players.

Communicating with U16 and U18 Referees
Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial when communicating with younger referees. All guidelines outlined for players also apply to referees under 18.

Referees Under 16: Communications must be through the parent/guardian, and club officials must refrain from contacting referees directly through any form of digital communication.
Referees Aged 16 and 17: Communications can be direct but must include a copy to the parent/guardian. Mobile phone and email contact details should not be publicly accessible and must be held securely.

Safeguarding Children & Young People
Our club prioritises the safety and well-being of all our young members. We are committed to adhering to safeguarding protocols as recommended by the FA.

Training: All club officials undergo regular safeguarding training to stay informed about the latest best practices and legal requirements.
Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of communications and interactions involving young players is conducted to ensure their safety.
Reporting: Children and young people are advised always to tell an adult they trust about communications that make them feel uncomfortable. Any inappropriate communication or content shared between an adult and a player/referee should be reported immediately to the Club Welfare Officer (CWO), who will seek advice from the County FA Welfare Officer and statutory agencies as appropriate.

Conclusion
Our Football Club is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and positive environment both on and off the field. By adhering to this social media policy, we ensure our young players can enjoy their football experience while protecting them from potential risks. Thank you for helping us uphold these standards and supporting the well-being of our community.