In the sporting context these can include:

Physical
where a child is intentionally injured or made to do excessive exercises as punishment,
where training methods are inappropriate for the developmental age of the child, where
they are allowed play with an injury or where inappropriate drugs or alcohol are offered
or accepted.

Sexual
Sexual abuse can occur in soccer For example: a child is exposed to, or invited to participate in sexual contact, activity or
behaviour if photographs are taken or adapted and placed on child pornography websites where there is inappropriate touching or where intimate relationships occur

Emotional
where a child is made fun of, criticised, discriminated against, or put under an
unrealistic pressure to perform by parents, coaches or spectators who abuse their power.

Neglect
where a child is not provided an appropriate level of care and supervision. In soccer

neglect can occur if children do not have proper supervision, clothing, drinks or food or
if they are allowed or encouraged to play whilst injured.

How can I recognise abusive situations?
As a parent, you know your children best. Look for signs that they are not their normal
selves and may be unusually withdrawn, disinterested, unhappy or angry.

There are many signs, both physical and behavioural, to suggest possible abusive
situations. Unexplained injuries, sexually explicit actions or language beyond their age,
new friendships with older persons, or sudden changes in behaviour are just a few
examples. Harassment or abuse can take many forms and these are detailed in Appendix
Two.

What can I do about it?
You can protect your child both at home and in the environment in which they
participate. Encourage your child to talk openly to you about their activities and let
them know that it's okay to tell when something isn't right.

Teach your child to think critically and question adults respectfully. Encourage them to
say "No" to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable and to talk to you about any
problems or questions.

In addition, you should:

Get involved in their soccer activities by getting to know their coaches, volunteers and
other parents;

Attend training and matches; your child will appreciate your interest, and it will give
you the opportunity to watch the coach in action, and see how she/he interacts with the
other participants;

Talk to your child and their coach about what's okay behaviour and what your child
wants to get out of their activity;


Ensure the club has a child protection policy in place for staff and volunteers;

Ask if the club's coach is certified and a member of a coaching association
with a code of ethics;

The FAI Technical Department maintains a database of all qualified officially registered
coaches and also delivers training courses appropriate to all levels of competency. They
can be contacted at (01) 8900700.

Keep an eye out for other children whose parents are unable to attend practices or
games;

Be wary of private, closed practices. If they occur on a regular basis, ask the coach for
an explanation;

Be wary of any increase in the amount of time the coach spends with your child beyond
the training situation.

Part of keeping children safe is not taking offence when asked about your own
background. If you volunteer in sport, and you are asked to take part in screening,
accept this as a positive step to keeping children safe;

Listen to your child's complaint and no matter how far-fetched it seems, check it out;

If the problem relates to “Poor Practice”, try to resolve it with league or club officials;

Have the situation corrected and, if necessary, remove your child from the activity;

Make sure you aren't part of the problem yourself by screaming abuse at referees,
coaches, participants or other spectators;

Children learn by example, so model fair play by applauding good performances of both
your child and his/her opponents;


Make your child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly
and trying hard. Never ridicule your child for making a mistake or losing;

Encourage your child to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to
violence or bullying.

What Parents can do!

Creating a safer place for our children to play is everyone's responsibility... coaches,
volunteers, local clubs, leagues and national governing bodies, schools, all levels of
government, the participants, and you, the parent.


As a parent, part of supporting your child's involvement in soccer includes ensuring
their safety while they're having fun.

All parents have a responsibility to make sure their children are protected from abusive
situations. This guide will provide you with information on what to watch for and where
to turn if you suspect harassment or abuse.

While there are different degrees of harassment and abuse, all provide serious
setbacks to a child's enjoyment of, and participation in soccer.

Abuse is any action, physical or verbal, which exploits or potentially harms or damages
a child's physical, emotional or psychological health.

Sources of Child Abuse

It is important to realise that children may be subjected to abuse by parents/guardians or
other family members, persons outside their family, other children, or those who have
responsibility for their care for one reason or another for short or long periods. We
cannot ignore evidence which suggests that there are people who have sought access to
children through their involvement in sport.

Some facts about abuse:
Abuse occurs across all social classes, professions and ethnic groups
75% of children effected by abuse know their abuser
A child will seldom make false accusations or take back accusations
A child will rarely be moved from the home, it’s usual to remove the abuser from
the situation
Both boys and girls are abused
Disabled children are more vulnerable to abuse, less able to speak about it and
more dependant on adults for their care
90% of abusers are male heterosexuals but women also abuse

Child Protection in Soccer

The protection of under-age players from any form of abuse must be a priority for all
those involved in soccer.

If under age players are at risk of harm, it is the duty of those in a position of
responsibility to take immediate steps to remove the risk and to ensure that all necessary
procedures are undertaken in accordance with statutory guidelines.

The detection and prevention of child abuse depends on the co-operation of all
concerned. The following points are central to the success of this effort:
Acceptance by all involved with children that abuse, whether physical,
psychological or sexual, severely damages children and must be confronted;
Knowledge of the behavioural and physical indicators of various forms of
abuse;
Knowledge of the appropriate action and response to be taken when abuse is
revealed or detected;
Vigilance and avoidance of all situations conductive to risk;
Open, trusting and co-operative relationships within the club, with
parents/guardians and others concerned with children’s progress or welfare;
Willingness to co-operate with the Statutory Authorities (Gairdai, Health
Boards), in relation to sharing information about child protection concerns at
any time.

Kids soccer drills

I believe all kids can open up but it is up to the parents and people around them to encourage them and 'persuade them'.

My oldest son used to be a timid boy and afraid to go on stage. He used to be quiet when strangers are around. That was when he was about 3 or 4 years old. Now that he is five, there is such a great change in him. He volunteers whenever someone ask "Who wants to answer this question" or "Can we have a volunteer?"

He even joined a story telling competition and went for a audition recently for a role in the 'Forbidden City'. He was selected for the first round but not the final round. To us, it is a good exposure for him.

My younger son needs more 'training' too. He talks but is sometimes it depends on his mood.

What did we do? We talk to him a lot. We never stop encouraging him. Tell him you love him (that is the first step).

I used to ask him "Are you a leader or a follower?" Tell them what happens if they are followers and if they are leaders. Leaders lead and are not afraid to make mistakes. Leaders learn the right things from others and not simply follow what others do.

If they choose to be followers, they may not have some previleges. Followers can only accept other people's commands. (Of course, we must have a balance so that they will listen to us too)

Whenever there is a chance, encourage them to go on stage. Entice them to do it. Once they have done it one time, they find that it is not so terrifying after all. It may take a long long time before they do it. Parents must never give up trying.

Highlight their successes to them. Let them know they can do more in the area you are focusing on. Since we are focusing on helping 'open up' our kids, even when they attempt to speak to a new friend, praise them.

My husband and I know our kids like Macdonalds. We tell our younger son that if you want french fries, you will have to buy them yourself. He was afraid. He tried but kept coming back. We insisted, if you want it, you have to do it yourself. Finally he bought it himself. Every little step brings you one step closer to your goal. Do not overlook every step and action that you take.
Sports nutrition to you
Dance for man!

Kids soccer drills

I believe all kids can open up but it is up to the parents and people around them to encourage them and 'persuade them'.

My oldest son used to be a timid boy and afraid to go on stage. He used to be quiet when strangers are around. That was when he was about 3 or 4 years old. Now that he is five, there is such a great change in him. He volunteers whenever someone ask "Who wants to answer this question" or "Can we have a volunteer?"

He even joined a story telling competition and went for a audition recently for a role in the 'Forbidden City'. He was selected for the first round but not the final round. To us, it is a good exposure for him.

My younger son needs more 'training' too. He talks but is sometimes it depends on his mood.

What did we do? We talk to him a lot. We never stop encouraging him. Tell him you love him (that is the first step).

I used to ask him "Are you a leader or a follower?" Tell them what happens if they are followers and if they are leaders. Leaders lead and are not afraid to make mistakes. Leaders learn the right things from others and not simply follow what others do.

If they choose to be followers, they may not have some previleges. Followers can only accept other people's commands. (Of course, we must have a balance so that they will listen to us too)

Whenever there is a chance, encourage them to go on stage. Entice them to do it. Once they have done it one time, they find that it is not so terrifying after all. It may take a long long time before they do it. Parents must never give up trying.

Highlight their successes to them. Let them know they can do more in the area you are focusing on. Since we are focusing on helping 'open up' our kids, even when they attempt to speak to a new friend, praise them.

My husband and I know our kids like Macdonalds. We tell our younger son that if you want french fries, you will have to buy them yourself. He was afraid. He tried but kept coming back. We insisted, if you want it, you have to do it yourself. Finally he bought it himself. Every little step brings you one step closer to your goal. Do not overlook every step and action that you take.
Sports nutrition to you
Dance for man!