The following guidelines are suggested to Managers/Coaches in an attempt to reduce situations, which could lead to the abuse of children as well as attempting to protect those who are working with children and young people.

Always try to work with children and young people in the open and public view.
With very young children, encourage parents to take responsibility for their children in the changing rooms.
It is possible that a Manager/Coach might have to help young children with changing attire. Such tasks should only be carried out after discussion and consent of the player and parents.
Ensure Managers/Coaches work in pairs when children have to be supervised in the changing rooms.
Develop a climate which discourages the criticising of those who are seen as having less ability.
Be aware of the definition of bullying, recognize if a player is being bullied and follow the appropriate guidelines to address.
Avoid being alone in a car with a child/young person, if unavoidable ensure they sit in the back.
It is advisable that Managers/Coaches have familiarity with who will be collecting a child/young person following a match or training session.
Ensure child does not go to the toilet by themselves
Do what’s best for the child while taking a commonsense approach.

Child Protection Advice for Players

As a player you are entitled to:

Be safe and feel safe
Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect
Experience competition and the desire to win as a positive and healthy outcome of striving for best performance
Be happy, have fun and enjoy soccer
Comment and make suggestions in an appropriate and constructive manner
Be listened to and have your voice heard
Make complaints and have them dealt with
Get help against those who bully
Privacy and confidentiality