See the e-mail from the League Secretary

To all club secretaries and team managers

As previously advised there are various changes for next season which clubs need to action now to avoid having problems with their affiliation to Essex FA.

Please start the process now to avoid delays in your affiliation which would mean that you would not be able to play any pre-season friendlies as you will not have any public liability or personal accident insurance.

N.B. FA DBS checks can be a lengthy process so if you have under 18 players or are planning on registering under 18 players for next season you need to complete this as soon as possible.

Currently we have 20 players who are under 18 registered for 10 teams.

ESSEX FA AFFILIATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL OPEN-AGE CLUBS 2024/25
I can confirm the following in regards to Open Age 2024/25 affiliation requirements:

1. Named Welfare Officer - in the club portal

2. Welfare Officer to complete FA Player Welfare in Open Age Football Course:
https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/player-welfare-in-open-age-football
(free, 45minutes)

3. All coaches/managers/assistant coaches/assistant managers to complete FA Player Welfare in Open Age Football Course: https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/player-welfare-in-open-age-football (free, 45minutes)

4. If U18 player(s) are registered to an Open Age team, the coach/manager/assistant coach/assistant manager (anyone responsible for U18s) will need to complete an FA DBS as well as the named Welfare Officer

Clubs can contact the Safeguarding Department at Essex FA to arrange applications for FA DBS checks. At the point of affiliation if there are no U18s registered a DBS will not be required, but the Player Welfare Course is a requirement no matter if U18s are/are not registered.

If a club signs an U18 later in the season, the County FA will be in touch with the Club to arrange for a DBS check to be completed.

I would advise Clubs that already know they will have U18s registered for the 2024/25 to get in touch with the County FA as soon as possible.

We recognise this will be a change in practice for some clubs, if you need assistance in applying for an FA DBS and meeting these requirements, please contact your club welfare officer, Emily Reece emily.reece@essexfa.com 01245 393093 or the League Welfare Officer Sheryl MacRae Sheryl.sbfc@gmail.com

Clubs should regularly remind themselves of and share the FA Know Your Rights document with U18 players in Open Age football (see attached).

In order to support clubs with their DBS process the League has arranged for a member of Essex FA to attend the League AGM on Wednesday 19th June 2024 at 19:15 to be able to carry out the verification process of documents required as part of the DBS process.

In addition the following local clubs have kindly agreed to provide support by carrying out the verification of documents as well rather than having to go to the Essex FA offices in Chelmsford.

Catholic United

Please contact them direct using the contact details on the League website

https://www.southendsunday.co.uk/clubdirlist/1019

Kind Regards

Guy

Guy Pell-Ilderton
Secretary
Southend & Basildon Sunday Football League