Safeguarding in Ohio

Introduction

Coerver Coaching is the leading brand name in independent football education globally, delivering skill-based football coaching around the world. Coerver Ohio (We) are the Licensee of Coerver Coaching for Ohio.

As a leading football education brand, We are determined to meet our obligations to support the welfare of children and young people and to protect them from harm.

In order to achieve this, We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures, including the Coerver Coaching Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures, which also includes the Coerver Coaching Staff Code of Conduct and Coerver Coaching Incident Reporting Form.

Notes

The policy and procedures outlined in the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures document apply to anyone working on behalf of Coerver Coaching (outside of Asia Pacific), including its Licensees, directors, paid staff and volunteers.

However, it is important to note that the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures document has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England and Wales.

Whilst the general principles should apply to other Coerver Coaching Licensed Territories, the Licensees are required to operate in line with the legislation, policy and guidance in their respective Territories.

Fundamental Principles

In terms of the fundamental principles underpinning the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures document, We believe that:

Children and young people should never experience any kind of abuse.
Everyone involved in the delivery of Coerver Coaching has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them.

Recognition of the Importance of Safeguarding

We recognize that:

The welfare of children is paramount.
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
Working in partnership with children and young people, their parents/carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

Keeping Children and Young People Safe

We will do this by:

valuing, listening to and respecting them.
appointing a welfare officer for Ohio who will liaise with the Lead Safeguarding Officer appointed by Sportsmethod USA Inc.
using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know; involving children, young people, parents, families and caretakers appropriately.
creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that there is a policy and procedure to help deal with any bullying that does arise.
sharing information about child protection and safeguarding best practice with children, their families, staff and volunteers.
recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures.
implementing a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
using procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately.
ensuring that there are complaints and whistleblowing procedures in place.
ensuring that there is a safe physical environment for children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
recording and storing information professionally and securely.

Parent’s guide to safeguarding

Keeping Your Child Safe

When your child is taking part in Coerver Coaching sessions We want you to be confident they can have fun and learn new skills in a safe environment. This is achieved by;

A Welfare Officer.
Safeguarding policies and procedures.
A procedure for reporting and dealing with safeguarding concerns, including poor practice.
A Coaches Code of Conduct.
Safe recruitment processes.
Qualified staff, who have safeguarding training.

Your Child

We will work with parents to create an environment where your child knows:

Not to worry about performance issues.
Not to fear making mistakes.
What is acceptable coaching practice.
What is not acceptable.
What is abuse.
The role of the Welfare Officer.
The name of the Welfare Officer.
That they should speak to the Welfare Officer immediately if they have any concerns.

It is important that your child knows that if they feel uncomfortable about being asked to do something, they always have the right to say NO!

How can you help?

As a parent you are extremely influential in your child’s enjoyment and development in football.

By being a positive role model, you can help your child to;

Maximize their enjoyment of the sport.
Maintain their levels of motivation.
Reach their full potential.
Develop life skills.

This should also include positive and supportive behavior towards coaches, officials, other young players and their parents, or anyone else involved in the sport.

Behaviors to avoid!

As a parent it is also important to recognize behaviors that could have a negative influence on your child’s enjoyment and development

In this respect, it is important NOT to;

Expect too much of your child.
Push your child too hard, too soon.
Let your child think they’ve let you down.
Abuse or harass your child or anyone else involved in the sport.

Likewise, if you witness any behavior which you think could be detrimental to a child you should report this to the Welfare Officer immediately.

Children and Young People’s Guide to Staying Safe

Have Fun and Stay Safe!

When taking part in Coerver Coaching sessions We want you to have fun, learn new skills and be the best footballer you can be.

At the same time, We want to make sure you feel safe.

If you are worried about something, or someone has hurt or upset you, it is important to tell a responsible adult as soon as possible.

Details of who you should tell are provided at the end of this section.

Your Coaches

When attending Coerver Coaching sessions you will meet lots of new people and We want you to be happy and to feel safe. Coerver Coaches should be excellent role models for children and young people and provide coaching sessions which are well planned and delivered to support your development as an individual and a team player.

It is therefore important that you know the difference between what is right and what is wrong.

Your coach should:

Treat you fairly.
Set a good example.
Tell you what is right and what is wrong.
Give you positive feedback.
Help you to improve.

Your coach should NOT:

Make you feel uncomfortable or unhappy.
Use abusive or bullying behavior.
Contact you via social media.

Always remember

If you feel uncomfortable being asked to do something, you can always say NO!

Keeping Safe!

In order to keep safe, you may need to talk to a responsible adult about things that are worrying or upsetting you, such as being;

Punched, pushed, hit or kicked.
Sent threatening messages on your mobile phone, either by text or through social media.
Picked on or called names or having things taken from you.
Left out of coaching sessions or activities.
Touched in a way you do not like.
Asked to touch someone else in a way which makes you feel uncomfortable.
Asked to do something you don’t want to do.
Asked to keep something a secret.

Who should you tell?

If you are worried about something or someone has hurt or upset you, there are lots of people you can talk to, such as:

Your parent/guardian.
A teacher.
Your coach.
The Coerver Coaching Welfare Officer in your Country or the Lead Safeguarding Officer.

Lead Safeguarding Officer Contact

Sam Fiore: samfiore@coerver.com