The issue of the abuse of children within society, sport in general and football in particular is a concern for all, and The Football Association is leading the way in developing policies in this vital area, under the banner of GOAL.

The FA has been in regular dialogue with Government, Police, Social Services, NSPCC, and other bodies in an effort to place at the forefront the interests of the child and to serve his/her best interests and has now approved an FA Child Protection Policy.

This general policy for football will ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect those children who participate in football at all levels and that football takes place in an environment that is safe and enjoyable.

The Key Principles that underpin this policy are:

• The child's welfare is paramount
• All children have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious belief of sexual identity
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

The Football Association will have the authority through its rules to prohibit the involvement of adults in football on the basis of conviction, caution, or concern expressed by the police or social services.

The FA Child Protection Policy will ensure that:

• New rules are adopted by The FA in order to empower the organisation to take all necessary steps to protect children
• The FA Premier League and Football League will include a Child Protection Policy Statement in their rules
• All organisations who apply for Charter Standard status must include Child Protection statements in their rules
• Training and development will be continued through courses for staff in F.A. Academies and Centres of Excellence, courses for members of FACA, and those involved with Charter Standard organisations
• From January 1 2000, the following FA Courses have included a 3 hour Child Protection module: FA Junior Team Managers' Award, FA Coaching Certificate, and FA Basic Treatment and Management of Injury course.

The main body of this work is derived from material produced by the National Coaching Foundation and NSPCC who, it is hoped, will play a full part in delivering this essential training.

The Football Association will, in conjunction with other authorities, develop a screening process for those adults working with young people in football.

All coaches involved in FACA, FA Academies and Centres of Excellence, Charter Standard organisations and FA Coaching Award and Medical Education courses will be subject to a screening procedure which will be designed to access the highest level of information available to voluntary organisations under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

It is clear that Child Protection is an important element in the work of all Governing Bodies of sport. By developing this policy, the Football Association is firmly stating its commitment to ensuring that football has a safe and secure environment in which young people can participate.

For further details of the Football Association Child Protection Policy, please contact Mr Tony Pickerin, Head of Ethics & Sports Equity, The Football Association, 25 Soho Square, London, W1D 4FA, Tel. 0800 085 0506.