Welfare, Safety and Enjoyment Policy
1. Purpose
Cove Walking Football Club is committed to providing a safe, enjoyable and welcoming
environment for all members.
Walking football is played primarily by older adults who attend to enjoy football, maintain
fitness, socialise and support their physical and mental wellbeing. Our aim is to create a club
culture based on respect, personal responsibility, common sense and enjoyment of the game.
This policy supports the club’s affiliation with Hampshire FA and applies to all players, coaches,
volunteers, committee members and visitors.
2. Our Principles
The club will:
• Promote a safe environment for all participants.
• Encourage enjoyment, friendship and inclusion.
• Treat all members with dignity and respect.
• Support the wellbeing of members both on and off the pitch.
• Take welfare concerns seriously and deal with them appropriately.
• Encourage personal responsibility for health, fitness and participation.
3. Personal Responsibility
Walking football is a physical activity and every member is responsible for:
• Assessing their own fitness to participate.
• Managing any medical conditions they may have.
• Taking appropriate medical advice where necessary.
• Informing organisers of any significant health issues that may affect their participation.
• Playing within their own physical capabilities.
• Reporting any concerns regarding general safety.
The club cannot remove all risks associated with physical activity, but will take reasonable steps
to provide a safe playing environment.
4. Safe Participation
The club will:
• Endeavour to ensure playing facilities are suitable and safe.
• Promote adherence to the rules of walking football.
• Encourage players to report injuries or health concerns.
• Ensure emergency contact information is available where appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate first aid arrangements for club activities.
5. Respect and Behaviour
All members are expected to:
• Treat others with courtesy and respect.
• Accept differences in ability, fitness and experience.
• Avoid abusive, aggressive, discriminatory or intimidating behaviour.
• Respect match officials, coaches and volunteers.
• Support a positive and welcoming club atmosphere.
Healthy competition is encouraged. Personal abuse, bullying or persistent disruptive behaviour
is not.
6. Welfare Concerns
The club recognises that welfare issues can arise both on and off the pitch.
Examples may include:
• Bullying or harassment.
• Discrimination.
• Concerns regarding physical or mental wellbeing.
• Concerns relating to vulnerable adults.
• Behaviour that may place a member or others at risk.
Any member with a concern should speak to the Club Welfare Officer or a member of the
committee.
All concerns will be treated sensitively and, where appropriate, confidentially.
7. Club Welfare Officer
The Club Welfare Officer acts as the first point of contact for welfare matters and will:
• Listen to concerns raised by members.
• Maintain appropriate records where required.
• Advise the committee on welfare matters.
• Liaise with Hampshire FA where necessary.
• Support a positive, inclusive and respectful club culture.
8. Equality and Inclusion
The club welcomes members regardless of background, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual
orientation or personal circumstances.
Everyone should feel welcome and able to participate without fear of discrimination or
harassment.
9. Social Wellbeing
The club recognises that walking football provides important social benefits.
Members are encouraged to:
• Support fellow players.
• Welcome new members.
• Look out for one another.
• Help create an environment where everyone feels part of the club.