Safeguarding Children Policy

1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to protect children and young people who are involved with Mid Canterbury United Football Club (MCUFC) from harm and to provide all members, staff, volunteers, coaches, and parents with clear guidelines and procedures to ensure a safe and positive environment for young people.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all MCUFC members, staff, volunteers, coaches, team managers, contractors, and any person engaged by the club in any capacity, whether paid or unpaid, who may come into contact with children or young people under the age of 18.

3. Policy Statement
MCUFC is committed to the well-being, safety, and protection of all children and young people participating in football activities. We believe that every child has the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

4. Key Principles
• The welfare and best interests of the child are paramount.
• All children, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, or background, have the right to protection from harm.
• Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
• MCUFC will take all concerns and allegations of child abuse seriously and will act on them appropriately and in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.

6. Responsibilities

Club Committee:
• Ensure this policy is implemented, reviewed annually, and communicated to all relevant parties.
• Appoint a Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to oversee child safety within the club.

Club Safeguarding Officer:
• The Club President will act as the Safeguarding Officer.
• Contact Email: president@mcfootball.co.nz
• Act as the main contact for any child protection concerns.
• Promote a child-safe culture within the club.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers complete child protection training.
• Liaise with statutory agencies if needed.
Coaches, Volunteers, and Staff:
• Complete a Police Vetting process and undertake child protection training.
• Be aware of and adhere to this policy.
• Report any concerns or disclosures to the CSO immediately.

7. Code of Conduct
All adults involved with MCUFC must:
• Treat all children and young people with respect and dignity.
• Use positive and age-appropriate language and behavior.
• Avoid any physical contact that could be misinterpreted.
• Never engage in or condone bullying, harassment, or abusive behavior.
• Never be alone with a child in an enclosed space or offer private transport unless prior consent has been given.

8. Responding to Concerns
Any concern or disclosure involving the safety or well-being of a child must be reported immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
Reporting Steps:
1. Listen to the child carefully and without judgment.
2. Reassure them they have done the right thing by telling you.
3. Record the facts as reported using the club's incident form.
4. Report immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
5. Do not investigate or confront the alleged offender.
The CSO will determine the appropriate course of action, which may involve notifying Oranga Tamariki or the New Zealand Police.

9. Recruitment and Training
• All staff and volunteers working with children must undergo NZ Police Vetting.
• The club will provide or facilitate child protection training to all relevant personnel.
• Recruitment processes will include reference checks and an assessment of suitability to work with children.

10. Safe Practices
• Avoid 1-on-1 situations where possible; always ensure visibility.
• Use open, public settings for interactions with children.
• Seek written parental/guardian consent for activities, trips, or transport.
• Ensure emergency contacts and medical information are available at all times.

10a. Transporting Children
General Guidelines:
• Wherever possible, transport arrangements should be the responsibility of parents/caregivers.
• Club staff or volunteers should avoid transporting children alone. If unavoidable, the child should sit in the back seat and the parent/caregiver should be informed in advance.
• Drivers must hold a full, current New Zealand driver’s licence and drive a registered, warranted, and insured vehicle.
• All passengers must use appropriate restraints, including booster seats for children under 7 years old (in accordance with NZTA regulations).

Consent & Communication:
• Written parental/caregiver consent must be obtained before transporting any child.
• Parents/caregivers must be informed of:
o Who is transporting their child
o The destination and purpose of the trip
o The estimated pick-up and drop-off times

Best Practice:
• Avoid transporting children in personal vehicles unless no other options are available.
• Maintain clear and open communication with the child’s caregiver throughout.
• Do not transport a child if you are feeling unwell, fatigued, or under the influence of any substance.

Risk Management:
• All drivers must be vetted and approved by the Club Safeguarding Officer.
• A record should be kept of all travel arrangements involving club-organised transport of children.

11. Communication and Social Media
• Ensure all digital communication with players under 18 is transparent and with parental knowledge.
• Avoid private messaging; use group communications or include parents where appropriate.
• Refrain from posting identifiable images of children without written parental consent.

12. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Club Committee and Club Safeguarding Officer, or as required following any safeguarding incident or legislative changes.

Last Reviewed: May 2025
Next Review Due: April 2026

Contact Information
Club Safeguarding Officer (Club President):
Email: president@mcfootball.co.nz

Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children:
Phone: 0508 326 459 (24/7)
Website: www.orangatamariki.govt.nz

New Zealand Police:
Emergency: 111
Non-Emergency: 105