THE FA HAVE IMPLEMENTED NEW GUIDELINES FOR SAFEGUARDING 16 AND 17 YEAR OLD PLAYERS THAT PLAY IN ADULT TEAMS.

Kent FA are beginning the process to support clubs in understanding and ensuring that they are acknowledging their responsibility for safeguarding 16 and 17 year olds players. 

If your club has an adult team that has Under 18’s that are registered at any time during the season, you are responsible for ensuring that the appropriate safeguards are in place and this will require all coaches/managers/medics that are working with Under 18’s in adult football to complete an FA DBS Check and have completed the FA Safeguarding For All course.

As a County FA we also want to make sure that all those aged 16 and 17 that play in adult football are clear about what to do if they have a concern. The FA have provided some guidance for players of that age and we will be asking clubs to send this on to them.

If you have any questions around these changes, DBS checks or safeguarding in general, you can contact: jack.jacobs@kentfa.com or safeguarding@kentfa.com 

Next Steps

• Kent FA have already began data analysis to identify those teams that have 16 and 17 years olds currently registered. This is allowing us to identify the coaches and clubs that are affected by these changes and offer the support that is required.
  
  
• The CFA Designated Safeguarding Team will be in touch with those that need to take action and share the relevant information with them on how to obtain a FA DBS Check.
  
  
• Clubs and Leagues can share the FA Guidance to 16 & 17 year old players (which can be found below)

Below are some links and documents to support you in implementing the safeguarding requirements in adult football:

FA Safeguarding Children Policy

Safeguarding | The Boot Room

FA DBS Checks – Information and FAQs

FA Information and Guidance for 16 and 17 year olds

FA Know Your Rights for 16 and 17 year olds

Safeguarding Adults in Disability Football