The relationship of trust
- The Boot Room
- 01 November 2017
Every player has a right to be treated with dignity and respect.
If you volunteer or work with individuals who are under the age of 18, you're responsible and accountable for the way in which you behave towards them. What’s expected?
As a coach to a player, or mentor to a young leader, you’re in a relationship of trust. This relationship must:
- maintain clear boundaries at all times
- be supportive, positive and aimed at helping the young person improve
- focus on the respective coaching or leadership skills.
No intimate or sexual relationship should take place while the member of staff or volunteer is in a relationship of trust with a player. In addition, inappropriate, intimate or sexual relationships between an adult and a young player aged 16 and 17 may be unlawful, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation.
The FA’s Position
“It is an offence for a person aged 18 or over to involve a child under that age in sexual activity where he or she is in a specified position of trust in relation to that child. This includes those who care for, advise, supervise or train children and young people (Sexual Offences Act 2003)”.
The principle of this section of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 is applied by The FA. Therefore, if you engage in an intimate or sexual relationship with a young player, it is a breach of The Football Association Regulations and may result in disciplinary action. Where appropriate, a referral will also be made to the statutory agencies, including the police, and applicable local authority bodies, for example, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Where a relationship of trust exists, it does not make any difference whether or not the relationship is consensual. The imbalance of power makes it an abuse of that relationship of trust.
Taking positive action: five top tips
- Maintain a relationship that reflects positively on your club or organisation with all participants relevant to your role.
- As someone in a position of authority, never seek or engage in sexual activity (or sexualised communication via social media) with any 16 or 17-year-olds for whom you are responsible.
- If you think that a young person’s behaviour indicates that they’re seeking to develop or engage in an inappropriate relationship with you, bring this to the attention of your club designated safeguarding officer or county FA welfare officer – immediately. Be careful not to respond to the young person in any way that could be interpreted as encouraging them. Make a written record of your concerns and relevant details.
- If you suspect an individual with a specified role in football is abusing a position of trust, or may abuse, you should report this to the club designated safeguarding officer or county FA welfare officer. Make a written record of your concerns and relevant details.
- If you feel your concern has not been dealt with appropriately, you can refer the matter directly to The FA safeguarding team by calling 0800 169 1863 (extension 6300) or via email at Safeguarding@TheFA.com. Alternatively, you can seek advice from the 24 hour NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000.
