EKRR FC
Wellbeing Policy & Player Guide
EKRR Football Club (EKRR FC) is committed to supporting the wellbeing of every player and official across its three Sections — EKRR AFC (senior amateur), EKRR Youth (youth teams and Mini-Kickers) and EKRR Over 35 (veterans). Football matters, but not as much as the people who play, coach and support the game.
This document sets out the Club’s commitments to wellbeing (Part 1) and practical guides for players and parents — for adult players in AFC and Over 35 (Part 2A), and for the Youth Section (Part 2B).
If you or someone in the Club needs help, talk to someone. Asking for help won’t cost you your place in the squad.
Part 1 – Wellbeing Policy
1. PURPOSE
This policy sets out EKRR FC’s commitments to wellbeing and the responsibilities of Officials, Players and — in the Youth Section — Parents and Guardians in supporting them.
This policy is adopted under the EKRR FC Constitution and sits alongside the Participation Agreement and the Codes of Conduct. Where any conflict arises, the Club Constitution prevails.
2. SCOPE
This policy applies across all three Sections of EKRR FC:
• EKRR AFC – adult amateur players.
• EKRR Youth – children and young people up to age 18, plus the Mini-Kickers programme.
• EKRR Over 35 – veterans’ players.
It covers all Club activities on and off the pitch — training, matches, travel, social events, and online conduct in spaces associated with the Club.
3. PRINCIPLES
EKRR FC’s approach to wellbeing is built on five principles:
• Football should be enjoyable, inclusive and safe for people of all ages.
• Children in the Youth Section are supported by the full child protection regime; adult players are supported and treated as such.
• It is okay to not be okay. Asking for help is encouraged and respected at every level.
• Discrimination, bullying and abuse have no place in EKRR FC.
• Confidentiality will be respected, save where someone is at risk of serious harm or where there is a legal duty to share.
4. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer
EKRR FC will appoint at least one Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO) with Club-wide responsibility. The CWPO is the senior point of contact for safeguarding matters affecting under-18s or protected adults anywhere in the Club, and works with the Executive Committee and Section Sub-Committees to embed safeguarding practice.
Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer: ______________________ (name) – ______________________ (contact).
4.2 Section Welfare & Protection Officers
Each Section shall support a Section-level welfare contact:
• EKRR Youth – a designated Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer at Section level and, where reasonably practicable, one per Team. Contact details are shared with all players, parents and officials.
• EKRR AFC and EKRR Over 35 – a Welfare Officer on each Section Sub-Committee, acting as the primary point of contact for wellbeing matters among adult players.
AFC Welfare Officer: ______________________
Youth Section CWPO: ______________________
Over 35 Welfare Officer: ______________________
4.3 Coaches, Officials and Committee Members
Coaches and other Officials shall:
• Set a positive example through their own conduct and language.
• Look out for changes in Player behaviour that may indicate someone is struggling.
• Encourage Players (and, in the Youth Section, their parents) to speak up and, where needed, direct them to the relevant Welfare / Protection Officer or external support.
• Manage injuries and return-to-play responsibly (see Section 6).
• In the Youth Section, hold current PVG clearance and follow the Club’s safeguarding procedures.
4.4 Players, Parents and Guardians
Players shall:
• Treat team-mates, opponents, Officials, parents and supporters with respect.
• Look out for one another — a quiet word with a team-mate can make a real difference.
• Report concerns about their own or others’ wellbeing to a coach, the relevant Welfare / Protection Officer, or a committee member.
• Take reasonable steps to manage their own health, fitness and recovery.
In the Youth Section, Parents and Guardians shall support this policy and raise any wellbeing concern promptly with the coach or a Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer.
5. MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
EKRR FC recognises that mental health is as important as physical health across every Section, and that reluctance to seek help can affect adults and young people alike. The Club commits to:
• Treating mental health concerns with the same seriousness as physical injury.
• Maintaining an open culture in which Players (and, in the Youth Section, parents) can talk to coaches, the relevant Welfare / Protection Officer or team-mates without judgement.
• Signposting to appropriate external support services — adult and youth (see the resource directory in Parts 2A / 2B).
• Allowing Players, where reasonably possible, to step back from training or matches for wellbeing reasons without it affecting their standing in the squad.
• Holding at least one squad conversation per season — usually pre-season — about mental health and the support available.
• In the Youth Section, being alert to the additional pressures young people face (school, exams, home life, online) and to the fact that behaviour changes can be a signal of wellbeing concerns.
6. PHYSICAL HEALTH, INJURY AND CONCUSSION
6.1 Injury Reporting and Return to Play
Players are responsible for reporting injuries to the coaching staff as soon as reasonably possible. In the Youth Section, parents should also be informed and involved. Coaches will keep a simple record of significant injuries sustained at training or matches.
A Player who is injured should not return to training or play until they are physically ready. Where there is doubt, Players should seek medical advice. The coaching staff may withhold a Player from selection on welfare grounds.
6.2 Concussion and Head Injury
EKRR FC adopts the concussion guidance of the Scottish FA and the relevant governing bodies, summarised as ‘If in doubt, sit them out.’
• Any Player suspected of having sustained a concussion or significant head injury must be removed from training or play immediately and not return to the same session or match.
• The Player should be assessed by a medical professional. They should not be left alone in the period immediately after a head injury and should not drive themselves home.
• A graduated return-to-play protocol applies. For adults in EKRR AFC and EKRR Over 35, the minimum guidance is a 21-day return-to-play and symptom-free for at least 14 days, in line with current Scottish FA guidance.
• For under-18s in the Youth Section, a more cautious approach applies: a minimum 23-day return-to-play from the date of injury, in line with the UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport and current Scottish FA youth guidance. Return to school and normal activities should precede return to contact training.
• Coaches, parents and team-mates have a positive duty to remove a Player from play where they reasonably suspect concussion, even if the Player wants to continue.
6.3 First Aid
At each home fixture and, where practical, away fixtures and training, each Section will ensure access to a basic first aid kit and an individual familiar with first aid. Emergency services should be called where any injury appears serious.
7. EQUALITY, ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-BULLYING
EKRR FC is committed to being a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or political or other opinion.
The following are not acceptable at EKRR FC and will be treated as disciplinary matters under the Participation Agreement and the Club Constitution:
• Discriminatory language or behaviour, including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and religious hatred.
• Bullying — whether in person, in group chats or on social media. In the Youth Section, bullying will be treated as a safeguarding as well as a disciplinary matter.
• Harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment.
• Threatening, violent or intimidating behaviour.
Banter is part of the dressing room, but if a team-mate (or someone outside the squad) says it has gone too far, it has. Players are expected to listen, apologise and move on. In the Youth Section, coaches have a positive responsibility to intervene early and involve parents where needed.
8. ALCOHOL, DRUGS, GAMBLING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
8.1 Alcohol
For EKRR AFC and EKRR Over 35: the Club recognises that having a drink is part of how many adult amateur clubs socialise. The Club asks that:
• Players do not arrive at training or matches under the influence of alcohol.
• Drinking on Club trips, tours and social events is kept at a level that does not put the individual or others at risk, and does not bring the Club into disrepute.
• Anyone who feels their or a team-mate’s drinking is becoming a problem can speak to a Welfare Officer in confidence.
For EKRR Youth: alcohol has no place in Youth Section activities. Officials shall not consume alcohol at, or immediately before, Youth Section training or matches, and shall not encourage or facilitate alcohol use by any young person.
8.2 Drugs
The use of illegal drugs is prohibited at any EKRR FC activity. Adult Players are reminded that football is subject to the anti-doping rules of the Scottish FA and UK Anti-Doping, including the prohibition of recreational drugs in-competition.
For the Youth Section, drugs awareness forms part of the education the Club supports through the relevant governing body. Any concern about a young person and drugs should be raised with the Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer as a safeguarding matter.
8.3 Gambling
Gambling harm is increasingly common in football. Players are reminded that:
• Players, Officials and other participants in football are subject to the Scottish FA’s betting rules — including a prohibition on betting on any match in any competition they participate in or have influence over.
• Suspicions of match-fixing or betting irregularities must be reported immediately to the relevant Section Sub-Committee, who will escalate to the Executive Committee and the relevant governing body.
• Anyone struggling with gambling is encouraged to contact GamCare (see the directory) or speak to a Welfare Officer.
8.4 Social Media and Online Conduct
Social media is part of how squads communicate but carries real wellbeing and reputational risks. Players (and, in the Youth Section, parents) are expected to:
• Treat team-mates and others with the same respect online as in person.
• Avoid posting content — including in group chats — that could be perceived as bullying, discriminatory, threatening or that brings the Club into disrepute.
• Not share match footage, photos or commentary that identifies individuals (including opponents and match officials) in a way that is abusive or invasive.
• Respect the Club’s photography and social media consent decisions — for themselves and, in the Youth Section, for other children.
• Refer media or press enquiries about the Club to the Executive Committee rather than respond personally.
9. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING
Information disclosed to a Welfare / Protection Officer or to Officials in confidence will be kept confidential, save where:
• There is a risk of serious harm to the Player or to others;
• There is a legal duty to share information (e.g. with police, medical services or, in safeguarding cases, statutory services);
• The Player (and, in the Youth Section, parent or guardian) gives consent to it being shared.
Where information must be shared, it will be shared on a strict need-to-know basis. In the Youth Section, safeguarding referrals will be handled through the Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer in line with the Player Protection Policy of the relevant governing body.
10. RAISING CONCERNS
Concerns about wellbeing, conduct or safeguarding can be raised with any of the following:
• In the Youth Section: the Team’s Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer, the Youth Section CWPO, or the Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (preferred routes).
• In EKRR AFC or EKRR Over 35: the Section Welfare Officer, the Section Sub-Committee or the Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer.
• In matters of criminality or serious risk of harm: Police Scotland (101 for non-emergency, 999 in an emergency).
Concerns may be raised anonymously where the individual prefers; the Club will take such concerns seriously but acknowledges anonymous reports can be harder to act on.
11. POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed at least once per season by the Executive Committee, and otherwise as required (for example, following any significant incident or change in governing body guidance). The current version is the version most recently adopted and recorded in the minutes of the Executive Committee.
Part 2A – Player Guide (EKRR AFC and EKRR Over 35)
This part of the document is written for the adult players in AFC and Over 35. It’s a short, practical guide — not legalese.
WHAT WELLBEING MEANS AT EKRR FC
Wellbeing isn’t just about avoiding injury or staying out of trouble. It’s about feeling part of the squad, feeling able to ask for help when you need it, and knowing that the Club has your back — on the pitch and off it.
Some seasons will go well. Some will be harder — work, family, health, money, mental health — and it can follow you onto the pitch. That’s normal. The Club’s job is to be somewhere you can still turn up, train, play, and feel okay.
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
• Get enough sleep before games where you can. It matters more than you think.
• Eat and hydrate before training and matches. Especially in winter.
• Warm up properly. Most pulled hamstrings in amateur football are preventable.
• Report injuries — even ones that seem minor — to the coaching staff. Don’t try to play through a head knock.
• If you’ve had a head knock, sit out. ‘If in doubt, sit them out.’ See Part 1 s.6.2 for what happens next.
LOOKING AFTER EACH OTHER
Most wellbeing problems in amateur football are spotted not by coaches but by team-mates. If a team-mate goes quiet, stops coming to training, is drinking more, looking exhausted, or generally not themselves — just check in. ‘Are you okay?’ or ‘Fancy a coffee?’ is sometimes all it takes. If you’re worried, speak to the Section Welfare Officer in confidence.
IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING
• You can talk to the Section Welfare Officer in confidence.
• Asking for help won’t cost you your place in the squad.
• Stepping back for a few weeks because you’re not in a good place is fine — we’d rather have you back fit and well.
• There are people you can talk to outside the Club, day or night — see the support directory below.
CONDUCT — KEEPING IT GOOD
• Respect — coaches, team-mates, opponents, match officials, supporters.
• No discrimination, no bullying, no abuse — in person or online.
• If banter has gone too far, listen when someone says so.
• Don’t bet on football matches you can influence, and tell the Sub-Committee if anyone asks you to.
• If in doubt about a social media post, don’t post it.
Part 2B – Youth Section Guide (Players and Parents)
This part of the document is for players and parents in the Youth Section. It’s designed to be read together.
FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
Welcome to EKRR Youth! Football should be fun, and you should feel safe and included at every training session and match. Here are a few things we ask you to remember:
• Try your best, play fair and support your team-mates.
• Listen to your coach and respect the referee, even when you disagree.
• Be kind — no name-calling, no bullying, no leaving anyone out. That includes in group chats.
• Tell your coach or your parent/guardian if something is worrying you, if you get hurt, or if you don’t feel right after a bump on the head.
• It is always okay to ask for help — nobody at the Club will ever be annoyed at you for speaking up.
FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Your role in your child’s football is huge — bigger than you think. The Club asks you to:
• Encourage effort as well as results, and cheer positively from the touchline.
• Leave the coaching to the coaches, and never criticise players (yours, opponents’, or anyone else’s) during a game.
• Respect match officials — many are volunteers, and children learn from watching how you react.
• Watch for signs your child is struggling — sudden loss of interest, mood changes, reluctance to go to training — and talk to the coach or a Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer.
• Take head injuries seriously. A child with a suspected concussion must sit out and follow the youth return-to-play guidance (Part 1 s.6.2).
• Be aware of what your child is seeing and posting on social media related to the team.
• Handle any disagreement with a coach or committee member privately — use the Club’s Complaints & Grievance procedure if needed.
IF SOMETHING IS WRONG
If you (as a player) or you (as a parent) have a wellbeing or safeguarding concern, please speak to:
• Your Team’s coach.
• Your Team’s or the Youth Section’s Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer.
• The Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer.
• In an emergency, or if a child is at immediate risk, call 999.
Support Directory
Free, confidential support for many of the things people face. Save the numbers you need in your phone.
Service
Contact
What they help with
For anyone — 24/7 crisis and general support
Samaritans
116 123 (free, 24/7)
Anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or in crisis.
NHS 24
111
Urgent mental or physical health support when your GP is closed.
Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87
Confidential phoneline for people in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed.
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
0344 800 0550
Information line for mental health support in Scotland.
Adult-focused (EKRR AFC and EKRR Over 35)
Andy's Man Club
Free peer-to-peer support groups for men struggling with mental health ("It's okay to talk").
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight)
Helpline and webchat for men in crisis or struggling with low mood.
GamCare
0808 8020 133
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harm.
FRANK (drugs)
0300 123 6600
Confidential advice about drugs and drug use.
Drinkline
0300 123 1110
Free, confidential helpline for anyone concerned about their drinking.
Youth-focused (EKRR Youth players and parents)
Childline
0800 1111 (free, 24/7)
Confidential help for children and young people up to age 19 about anything worrying them.
YoungMinds Parents Helpline
0808 802 5544
Support and advice for parents worried about a child or young person's mental health.
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger
Text YM to 85258
Free, 24/7 crisis text support for young people.
Kooth
Free online mental wellbeing community and counselling for young people.
Anti-discrimination
Show Racism the Red Card
Anti-racism education and resources in football.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
WHO TO TALK TO AT EKRR FC
Club Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer: ______________________ | Contact: ______________________
Youth Section CWPO: ______________________ | Contact: ______________________
AFC Welfare Officer: ______________________ | Contact: ______________________
Over 35 Welfare Officer: ______________________ | Contact: ______________________
ADOPTION
This Wellbeing Policy & Player Guide was adopted by the EKRR FC Executive Committee on ____________________ and will be reviewed at least once per season.
Signed: ____________________________
Club Secretary, on behalf of the EKRR FC Executive Committee
Date: ____________________________
Look after yourself. Look after each other. Enjoy the football.