STOTFOLD JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB

1. Purpose of the Policy

Stotfold Junior Football Club (SJFC) values the support of parents and guardians who volunteer their time to help deliver a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive football experience for all our young players.

This policy sets out:

• The roles parental helpers may undertake.

• The qualifications and checks required for each role.

• The club’s expectations for conduct and safeguarding.

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2. Principles

• Child Safety First – Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.

• Appropriate Training – Helpers must hold qualifications appropriate to their role.

• Clear Role Boundaries – Each helper must understand their duties and limits.

• Compliance with FA Standards – All helpers must adhere to The FA’s Safeguarding and Respect policies.

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3. Roles and Qualification Requirements

A. Team Manager/Lead Coach

Definition:

Responsible for planning and leading training sessions, Planning and managing the team on match days, and overseeing player development.

Required Qualifications:

• FA Introduction to Coaching Football (or higher coaching licence).

• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate (renewed every 3 years).

• Valid FA First Aid in Football (EFAiF) certificate.

• Enhanced DBS check through The FA.
   

B. Assistant Coach

Definition:

Supports the Team Manager/Lead Coach during training and matches, assists in delivering activities, and supervises players.

Required Qualifications:

• FA Introduction to Coaching Football (or higher coaching licence).

• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.

• Valid FA First Aid in Football (EFAiF) certificate.

• Enhanced DBS check through The FA.

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C. Matchday Helper (DBS is required)

Definition:

Assists with set-up and take-down of equipment, matchday delegate (for leagues where this applies) plus Supports the coaching team with team warm ups and any pre-match team activities, conducts the role of assistant referee (linesman), conducts the role of referee (in the event that an official one is not assigned).

Required Qualifications:

• FA Safeguarding for All (free online module).

• Enhanced DBS check through the FA.

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D. Matchday Helper (no DBS required)

Definition:

Assists with set-up and take-down of equipment, matchday delegate (for leagues where this applies). Without a current FA DBS check there should be no unsupervised  contact with the team or with any individual players or with the team (except with the child that they are parent/guardian of).

Required Qualifications:

• FA Safeguarding for All (free online module).

E. Team Administrator

Definition:

Handles administrative duties such as team communication (Spond app), player registration, and fixture organisation. Without a current FA DBS check there should be no unsupervised  contact with the team or with any individual players or with the team (except with the child that they are parent/guardian of).

Required Qualifications:

• FA Safeguarding for All (online module).

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F. Welfare Officer

Definition:

Ensures the club meets all safeguarding responsibilities, is the first point of contact for concerns, and liaises with County FA safeguarding teams.

Required Qualifications:

• FA Welfare Officer Course.

• FA Safeguarding Children Certificate.

• Enhanced DBS check through The FA.

 

4. General Requirements for All Helpers

• Sign and adhere to the SJFC Code of Conduct.

• Attend safeguarding briefings and updates as directed by the club.

• Never assume a coaching or supervisory role without the appropriate qualification.

• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer.

5. Pathway for Progression

SJFC will support parental helpers to gain further qualifications through The FA and County FA courses, encouraging progression from matchday helper to assistant coach, and beyond.

 

6. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually by the SJFC Committee in consultation with the Club Welfare Officer to ensure it remains compliant with The FA regulations and best practice.