SOCIAL NETWORKING, WEBSITES, MOBILE PHONE AND EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS

SUMMARY OF BEST PRACTICE GUIDANCE AND ADDITION SPECIFIC INFORMATION LINKS

DCSFA, ESFA, FA’s intention and responsibility is to safeguard children and young people involved in football. As with others the FA, DCSFA and ESFA use social media as a way of getting messaging across to the widest audience possible.

Alongside the very beneficial aspects of modern communication technologies DCSFA recognises that there are also increased risks to children and young people.

These risks must be appropriately managed.

Everyone involved in football must recognise that the responsibility to safeguard exists both on and off the field of play.

See this guidance in response to requests for advice.

It is essential that everyone involved within the DCSFA make informed decisions about how they use the internet, mobile phone and email communications.

DCSFA in setting up their website has a responsibility to ensure safeguards are in place. DCSFA Coaches / Managers and DCSFA officials, must ensure they communicate responsibly.

The DCSFA, ESFA and the FA recommends that texting is not used as the primary method of communication between adults and child / young people in football.

If it is decided that the most effective way of communicating to young people is via a social networking site then DCSFA will set up an account in the name of the Association and explicitly for use by named members, parents / carers solely about football matters e.g., fixtures, cancellations and team selection. At no time should there be any personal communications, “banter” or comments.

DCSFA will ensure all content hosted on their websites, social network areas and any associated message boards or blogs abide by the Rules and Regulations of The English Schools’ Football and The Football Association.

DCSFA will appoint specific limited number of individuals to monitor / be able to add to the content of their website.

Children and young people should be advised by their DCSFA managers / coaches and parents / carers to always tell an adult they trust about communications that make them feel uncomfortable or where they have been asked not to tell their parent / carer about the communication.

DCSFA is mindful of the additional guidance from the FA and ESFA and the need to adhere to it.

The ESFA / FA has developed a series of guidance to encourage best practice when communicating with and about children and young people; the following range of best practice guidance is available to you via the downloads area of www.TheFA.com/footballsafe.

1. Social networking, websites, mobile phones, and email communications

2. Running a website - Do’s and Don’ts

3. Responsible use of Social Networking sites

4. Communicating responsibly with Young Leaders, Coaches and Referees Under 18

5. Using Texts and Emails with U18s – Do’s and Don’ts

6. Guidance for parents/carers - Responsible use of text, email and social networking sites

7. Guidance for U18s using: Club Web Pages, Social Networks, Email and Texts

February 21