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“The youth are our future, and we want them to flourish. They are the future leaders on and off the field. If we protect them, they will protect the next generation, and then onwards.ˮ
“We uphold the utmost highest value in protecting and creating an environment that is safe for all children in the Cambodian Premier League. It is a basic human right. To proactively approach the fundamental policies and systems so that the children can have a safe upbringing, development, and growth as football players. ˮ
“Football is a place for children to have space free from abuse and discrimination, and it should always be that way. Our Child Safeguarding policies and initiation exist to protectˮ
OVERVIEW
Child safeguarding in football refers to the set of policies, practices, and procedures designed to protect children and young people from abuse, exploitation, and neglect within the context of football. It ensures that children are safe while participating in football activities and that their well-being is prioritized in all aspects of the sport. Elements of Child Safeguarding in football include:
1. Protection from Abuse: Ensuring children are not subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect. This includes being aware of signs of abuse and taking appropriate action when necessary.
2. Safe Recruitment Ensuring: that all individuals working with children in football, such as coaches, referees, and volunteers, undergo thorough background checks (e.g., criminal record checks) and training to make sure they are fit to work with young people.
3. Education and Awareness: Educating both children and adults (coaches, parents, officials) about safeguarding principles. This includes training for adults on how to identify signs of abuse and how to respond, as well as informing children about their rights, safety, and how to speak up if they feel unsafe.
4. Clear Reporting Procedures: Establishing and promoting clear and confidential channels for children, parents, or coaches to report concerns or incidents of abuse or poor treatment. This includes creating a safe environment where children can voice their concerns without fear of retaliation.
5. Code of Conduct: Setting clear expectations for appropriate behavior, both on and off the pitch, to ensure that children are treated with respect and dignity. This includes guidelines on appropriate physical contact, language, and behavior between adults and children.
6. Monitoring and Support: Providing ongoing monitoring and support to ensure that child safeguarding policies are followed and that children are receiving appropriate care. This also involves offering support to children who may be at risk or affected by safeguarding issues
7. Well-Being: Ensuring that the childʼs mental, emotional, and physical health is prioritized, including their right to enjoy football in a safe and supportive environment. This includes promoting positive coaching practices and making sure children are not overburdened with unrealistic expectations.
What is Safeguarding? “It means taking proactive action to protect people from harm or abuse through appropriate prevention and response measures and promoting their wellbeing. It means doing everything possible to identify and address risks and to prevent any kind of harm or abuse from happening such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect, trafficking, and exploitation. It also means having appropriate systems in place to adequately address and respond to concerns. ˮ (Source: FIFA)
What is Child protection? “It is an essential part of safeguarding and refers to the action taken in response to a specific concern for a child or children who may be suffering or are at risk of suffering harm or abuse. It requires referral to specialized child protection services, law enforcement agencies, and expert local organizations that are trained to advise on and manage, cases, if concerns arise about child welfare. ˮ (Source: FIFA)
The Cambodian Premier League plans to contribute to educating club members, and communities, and in understanding children's welfare and protection to combat all abuse towards children. Child safeguarding is fundamental to football, as it relates to the integrity of what football is, for football is for all, and what football can do to help all communities.
Plan for a Child Safeguarding policy that enables all clubs to follow, while the league attributes and brings forth the assessment in protecting all children within the league. A framework that prevents children from risk and creates an
environment of safety for their future.
The plan is to integrate a clear reporting system so that youth players of clubs within the Cambodian Premier League may report.
This is all in part due to the value that the Cambodian Premier League stands for and we hope to counter-attack any problems that may occur and, more importantly, be defensively ready in preparation for risk management for our children in the Cambodian Premier League.
Important Pillars of Child Safeguarding in the Cambodian Premier League
* Promote a Safe Environment
* Encourage Trust
* Protect
* Human Right
The CPL Cares Campaign on Child Safeguarding has 3 action plans:
1. CPL has a child safeguarding officer who will coordinate between club youth coaches
2. Education program for youth staff members in the Cambodian Premier League
3. Comprehensive Awareness Campaign
4. Clear Reporting System on the CPL Cares website
Reporting System:
*Coming Soon.....