Safeguarding Policy

SSMF is committed to creating minifootball environments in which children and adults at risk are respected, heard and protected from abuse, exploitation, neglect, harassment and avoidable harm. The best interests and safety of the person at risk come first.

Our approach is informed by the International Safeguards for Children in Sport. This statement of good practice does not replace applicable law, professional child-protection services or the duties of clubs and responsible adults.

This policy applies to SSMF leaders, staff, committee members, clubs, coaches, referees, medical personnel, volunteers, contractors, partners, parents, guardians and participants in federation-sanctioned activity. It covers training, matches, tournaments, travel, accommodation, online communication, photography and any activity carried out under the SSMF name.

Everyone covered by this policy must:

• treat participants with dignity and without discrimination;
• maintain appropriate professional and physical boundaries;
• avoid being unnecessarily alone with a child and use observable, accountable working practices;
• never use sexualised, humiliating, threatening, violent or exploitative behaviour;
• use age-appropriate communication and avoid private contact that a responsible adult cannot oversee;
• obtain appropriate permission for travel, medical support, photography and publication; and
• report concerns rather than investigating them personally or promising secrecy.

Activities should be planned with suitable supervision, safe facilities, emergency arrangements and attention to each participant’s age and needs. Clubs are expected to appoint responsible contacts, brief personnel on safeguarding and carefully limit access to children’s identity, health, contact and image information. Recruitment and appointment decisions should consider suitability for roles involving children.

Report any disclosure, suspicion, allegation, observed harm or unsafe practice as soon as possible. Include what happened, who may be at risk, when and where it occurred, and a safe way to contact you. Do not confront an alleged offender or conduct your own investigation.

Email ssdminifootballfd@gmail.com, call +211 980 500 025, or contact the federation office. Anonymous information will be considered, although limited detail can make follow-up difficult.

If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, contact the appropriate local emergency, health or law-enforcement service first, then notify SSMF when safe. This federation reporting route is not a substitute for emergency services or a criminal report.

SSMF will record the concern, consider immediate safety, restrict information to people who need it, and refer the matter to competent authorities or specialist services where appropriate. Interim protective measures may be taken while a concern is assessed. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is needed to protect someone or meet a legal duty. Retaliation against a person who raises a genuine concern is prohibited.

Clubs and federation leaders share responsibility for putting this policy into practice. SSMF will review safeguarding arrangements, learn from concerns and strengthen training, reporting and prevention measures as its programmes grow.