Safeguarding


OFL Safeguarding Policy Statement

The Outlaw Flag League is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all players, coaches, referees, volunteers, spectators, and members of the community.

We recognise that everyone involved in the league has the right to participate in sport free from abuse, harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, or exploitation.

As players under the age of 18 play in OFL, the league accepts its responsibility to safeguard young people and vulnerable adults involved in league activities.

All league organisers, volunteers, team representatives, and participants are expected to uphold the standards outlined in this policy.

Purpose of This Policy

This policy exists to:

  • Promote a safe and respectful environment
  • Protect young people and vulnerable adults from harm
  • Provide clear reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns
  • Set standards of behaviour for all participants
  • Support league organisers and volunteers in responding appropriately to concerns

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • League organisers
  • Players
  • Coaches
  • Referees
  • Volunteers
  • Team staff
  • Spectators attending league events
  • Anyone representing the league online or in person

The policy applies during:

  • League games
  • Tournaments
  • Training sessions organised by the league
  • Social events connected to the league
  • Online communication linked to the league

Safeguarding Principles

The league believes that:

  • The welfare of participants is always important
  • Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect
  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
  • Concerns should always be taken seriously
  • Individuals raising genuine concerns should never be ignored or victimised

Safeguarding Lead

The league has appointed a volunteer Safeguarding Lead responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns or reports
  • Maintaining confidentiality where appropriate
  • Recording incidents and concerns
  • Escalating serious concerns to relevant authorities where necessary
  • Supporting league organisers with safeguarding matters

Safeguarding Contact

OFL Safeguarding Lead:
[Name] Helen Dorman
[Email Address] safeguarding@outlawflagleague.com
[Phone Number] 07809 427893

In the event the safeguarding lead is unavailable, please report to a league organiser:

League Organisers:
[Name] Steve Orton
[Email Address] steve@outlawflagleague.com
[Phone Number] 07545 567432

[Name] Jordan Melay
[Email Address] jordan@outlawflagleague.com
[Phone Number] 07759 129949

Availability
During OFL game days, the safeguarding lead will not be present 100% of the time, but will always be available to contact via phone/email/text.
If the Safeguarding lead is unavailable in person, a League Organiser will be available in person, and will be present 100% of the time.
If reporting before/after a game day, please use the phone number/email address above to contact the safeguarding lead as required.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

  • Bullying or intimidation
  • Harassment or discrimination
  • Inappropriate behaviour toward younger participants
  • Sexual harassment or misconduct
  • Aggressive or threatening behaviour
  • Abuse of power or authority
  • Online harassment or inappropriate messaging
  • Hate speech or discriminatory language
  • Physical violence or assault

Reporting Procedures

Anyone who has a safeguarding concern is encouraged to report it as soon as possible.

Concerns can be reported to:

  • The Safeguarding Lead
  • A league organiser

Reports should include, where possible:

  • What happened
  • Date, time, and location
  • Names of individuals involved
  • Names of any witnesses
  • Any actions already taken

Immediate Danger

If somebody is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services immediately by calling 999.

How Reports Will Be Handled

The league will:

  • Take all concerns seriously
  • Listen without judgement
  • Record concerns appropriately
  • Respect confidentiality where possible
  • Investigate concerns fairly
  • Take appropriate action where necessary

Possible outcomes may include:

  • Informal resolution
  • Warnings or behaviour agreements
  • Suspension from league activities
  • Permanent removal from the league
  • Referral to police or safeguarding authorities where appropriate

Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect
  • Use inclusive and non-discriminatory language
  • Accept referee decisions appropriately
  • Avoid abusive, threatening, or intimidating behaviour
  • Respect personal boundaries
  • Help create a welcoming environment for new participants
  • Report concerns responsibly
  • Behave appropriately both in person and online

The following behaviour will not be tolerated:

  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Hate speech
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Physical violence
  • Intimidation
  • Deliberate exclusion of participants
  • Retaliation against someone making a report

Online Conduct

League-related online spaces, including group chats and social media, should remain respectful and safe.

Participants must not:

  • Send abusive or threatening messages
  • Share inappropriate images or content
  • Harass other members online
  • Publicly shame or target individuals
  • Share confidential safeguarding information publicly

League organisers reserve the right to remove individuals from online spaces connected to the league.

Working With Young Participants (Under 18)

Because the league permits players under the age of 18:

  • Adults involved in the league should maintain appropriate boundaries
  • Concerns involving under-18s should always be treated seriously
  • Parents/guardians may be contacted where appropriate

Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively.

Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know in order to protect someone’s welfare or investigate concerns appropriately.

Complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where somebody may be at risk of harm.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by league organisers and the appointed Safeguarding Lead.

Policy Version: 1.0
Last Updated: July 2026
Next Review Date: February 2027

Declaration

By participating in the league, all players, volunteers, and organisers agree to uphold the standards outlined in this safeguarding policy.