HOW TO REPORT A CONCERN

If you have a wellbeing or protection concern about either yourself, a child or an adult that you know who is involved in football, there are a few ways that you can report those concerns. When a concern is reported, it will be responded to in line with the responding to concerns procedure set out in the Child Wellbeing & Protection Policy.

CLUB CHILD WELLBEING & PROTECTION OFFICER

The first point of contact should be your club's Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO). The role of the CWPO is to respond appropriately to concerns or worries that relate to children and young people or the conduct of an adult involved in football. 

You can find out who your club's CWPO is by checking the club's website or speaking to a coach, club official or trusted adult at the club. 

AFFILIATED NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OR RECOGNISED LEAGUE

If you don’t think it is appropriate or if you are unsure who the club CWPO is at the club, each club will be affiliated (members of) an Affiliated National Association (ANA) or Recognised League (League). If you have any worries or concerns, you can report them to the CWPO at the appropriate ANA or League. They will be able to respond to those worries or concerns in line with the policy or support the club to respond to them.

To find out the CWPO at the relevant ANA, you can do so by going to their website: Affiliated Associations.

For the CWPO of the East of Scotland League, West of Scotland League and the South of Scotland League, please go directly to their relevant website. 

SCOTTISH FA WELLBEING & PROTECTION DEPARTMENT

If you are ever unsure on who to report your concerns and worries to, or if you have a concern that relates to the Scottish FA, you can contact the Wellbeing & Protection Team directly by contacting childrenswellbeing@scottishfa.co.uk or 0141 616 6133 where one of the team will get back to you as soon as they can.

We may deal with the concern directly or make sure that it is reported to the relevant CWPO where we will support them to respond to the concern but we will let you know in our communication with you. 

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

If you have an immediate concern for the safety of a child or young person who is being harmed or may be at risk of harm, please contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Children’s social care in your area can also be contacted. This must be done without delay.

EXTERNAL AGENCIES

The following agencies can also help and support if you prefer to report them elsewhere:

• Children1st
• NSPCC
• Childline

Any concerns reported above, will come through to the Scottish FA.