Child Wellbeing & Protection

2026 · Reviewed annually

Our commitment

JB Football Coaching is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children and young people can enjoy football, develop confidence and feel valued. The wellbeing of every child comes first.

All children have the right to protection from abuse, bullying, discrimination and harmful behaviour, regardless of background, ability or personal circumstances. This policy applies to everyone delivering or supporting our individual coaching, small group sessions and camps. A child means anyone under 18.

Safe coaching

We will check coaches' suitability, including required PVG membership and disclosure checks for their role, before they undertake regulated work with children. Coaches must understand their safeguarding responsibilities and have appropriate training.

Activities, staffing and supervision will be planned around the age, needs and number of players, the venue and the activity. Coaches must maintain professional boundaries, treat players with dignity and challenge bullying, discrimination, humiliation and inappropriate behaviour.

Reasonable adjustments will support individual needs. Physical contact must be necessary, appropriate and explained to the player. Coaches must respect a player's comfort and boundaries.

Individual sessions and communication

Individual sessions must take place in an open, observable environment. Arrangements for parent or carer attendance and supervision must be agreed before the session.

Booking and session communication should normally take place through parents or carers. Coaches must not use personal social media accounts for private conversations with children. Necessary communication with young players must use an agreed, transparent channel with appropriate parent or carer involvement.

Registration, arrival and collection

Parents or carers must provide accurate emergency contact details and relevant medical, allergy, additional needs and collection information.

Children must be handed over to the responsible coach and collected by an authorised adult, unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed in advance. If collection is delayed, the child will remain appropriately supervised while the parent, carer or emergency contact is contacted.

Photography and video

Separate permission will be sought for promotional photography or video and for coaching analysis. Players' wishes will also be respected. A child can take part without agreeing to promotional photography.

Images must be appropriate, stored securely and used only for the purpose explained when consent was obtained.

Reporting a concern

Parents, players and coaches can raise concerns about a child's wellbeing or an adult's behaviour. General contact: [email protected].

Named safeguarding lead: Jonathan Brown, Owner.
Safeguarding telephone: 07798 672458

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Concerns can also be reported directly to Police Scotland or the relevant local authority social work service. You do not need to wait for JB Football Coaching to respond. Do not rely on email for urgent concerns.

Responding to concerns

Listen calmly and take the concern seriously. Avoid leading questions or investigating the allegation yourself. Never promise secrecy; explain that information may need to be shared with people who can help.

Record the facts promptly, including the child's own words where possible, and report without delay through the safeguarding procedure. Share information only with those who need it to protect the child or fulfil reporting responsibilities.

Involve parents or carers where appropriate, unless this could increase risk or conflict with advice from authorities. Concerns involving a coach may require changes to duties or removal from sessions while advice and action are sought. Make relevant referrals to statutory agencies and Disclosure Scotland where required.

Review and supporting procedures

This policy is reviewed annually and following a significant incident or change in guidance.

Reference: Scottish FA Wellbeing and Protection resources.

Effective date: November 2026. Next review date: November 2027.