Reporting Procedures

Reporting a concern is everyone’s responsibility.

Anyone who has a concern about; 

• the welfare of a child, or
• the behaviour of an adult towards a child or young person in football must report this at the earliest opportunity to ensure the appropriate course of action can be taken.

Anyone who has a child protection or poor practice concern should report to their Club/Organisation Designated Children’s Safeguarding Officer (DCSO). If the concern is about the DCSO the matter should be reported to senior management within the club. Guidance is available from the Irish FA Safeguarding Department via kevin.doyle@irishfa.com.

Although most of the issues you will deal with will be issues of poor practice rather than abuse, it is still essential to respond appropriately and promptly. It is a culture of poor practice that is not child centred, and where concerns are not dealt with, that opens the door to possible abuse occurring. Refer to the Irish FA Safeguarding Children and Young People in Football Policy for further information making sure all concerns are recorded.

Useful contacts 

Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts 

Each trust will have a Gateway team to deal with reports of abuse and provide local contacts for ongoing professional liaison for advice on concerns.

Regional Emergency Social Work service is available at evenings and weekends with 24-hour cover over public holidays at 028 9504 9999.

PSNI Central Referral Unit                                    Tel: 02890 259299

PSNI General Enquiry                                            Tel: 101

In the event of an emergency                                Tel: 999

Child Protection in Sport Unit - Tel: 028 90 351135

Paul.stephenson@nspcc.org.uk  OR  www.thecpsu.org.uk

NSPCC -  Tel: 0808 800 5000

www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline - 0800 1111

www.childline.org.uk