1. POLICY STATEMENT
Youth Football League Dubai (“YFLDubai”) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people.
YFLDubai believes that:
- all children have the right to be safe, protected, and respected;
- safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility;
- the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration at all times.
YFLDubai adopts a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, or exploitation in any form.
2. SCOPE OF POLICY
This policy applies to:
- all Participants under the age of 18;
- coaches, Team Organisers, volunteers, and officials;
- parents, guardians, and spectators;
- all YFLDubai staff and contractors.
It applies at:
- all Competitions and events;
- all venues used by YFLDubai;
- any environment connected to YFLDubai activities (including travel, digital platforms, and communications).
3. LEGAL & REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
This policy is informed by:
- The Football Association Safeguarding Standards
- UAE child protection principles and applicable laws
- International safeguarding best practice
4. KEY PRINCIPLES
YFLDubai will:
- prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children;
- provide a safe, inclusive, and positive environment;
- ensure all concerns are taken seriously and acted upon;
- work in partnership with parents, clubs, and authorities where required.
5. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Safeguarding Officer
YFLDubai will assign a Safeguarding Officer (DSO) responsible for:
- managing safeguarding concerns;
- maintaining records;
- liaising with authorities if required;
- ensuring policy compliance.
5.2 Team Organisers & Coaches
Responsible for:
- safeguarding players in their care;
- acting as first responders to welfare concerns;
- reporting concerns immediately;
- maintaining appropriate conduct at all times.
5.3 Parents & Guardians
Responsible for:
- supervising children outside of active play;
- ensuring safe arrival and departure;
- reporting any concerns.
6. SAFER RECRUITMENT & STAFF CONDUCT
YFLDubai will:
- require appropriate background checks where applicable;
- ensure staff and volunteers understand safeguarding responsibilities;
- enforce a strict Code of Conduct.
7. CODE OF CONDUCT (KEY RULES)
All adults must:
- treat children with respect and dignity;
- avoid any inappropriate physical or verbal behaviour;
- never be alone in isolated situations with a child where possible;
- avoid private communication with children outside official channels;
- never engage in abusive, discriminatory, or harmful conduct.
8. TYPES OF ABUSE
YFLDubai recognises the following forms of abuse:
- physical abuse
- emotional abuse
- sexual abuse
- neglect
- bullying (including online)
- discrimination
9. REPORTING CONCERNS
9.1 Immediate Risk
If a child is in immediate danger:
- contact emergency services immediately;
- ensure the child is safe.
9.2 Reporting Procedure
All concerns must be reported:
- to the YFLDubai Safeguarding Officer;
- as soon as possible;
- with factual information only (no assumptions).
9.3 Confidentiality
- Information will be handled sensitively;
- shared only on a need-to-know basis.
10. RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURES
If a child discloses abuse:
- listen calmly and take them seriously;
- do not promise confidentiality;
- do not investigate yourself;
- report immediately to the Safeguarding Officer.
11. PHOTOGRAPHY & SOCIAL MEDIA
- Consent to use photos/videos is obtained by the club, and accepted once officially registered as per the T&Cs.
- Images must not be used inappropriately.
- No private messaging between adults and children outside approved channels.
12. ANTI-BULLYING
YFLDubai has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying.
All incidents:
- must be reported;
- will be investigated;
- may result in disciplinary action.
13. HEALTH & WELLBEING
YFLDubai will:
- promote safe participation;
- encourage appropriate rest and hydration;
- support players’ mental wellbeing.
14. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
All safeguarding concerns will:
- be recorded;
- be reviewed by the Safeguarding Officer;
- result in appropriate action.
15. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Breaches of this policy may result in:
- removal from Competition;
- suspension or banning;
- referral to authorities where necessary.
16. WHISTLEBLOWING
All individuals are encouraged to report concerns without fear of retaliation.
17. POLICY REVIEW
This policy will be reviewed annually or as required.
18. CONTACT DETAILS
YFLDubai Safeguarding Officer:
[Osama Al Bloushi / Osama@yfldubai.com / +971 50 721 5443]
Emergency Services (UAE): 999