TTFA launches revised Safeguarding Policy & Framework
TTFA launches revised Safeguarding Policy & Framework
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (“TTFA”) has continued to make strides towards the protection of children and the vulnerable with the launching of its revised Safeguarding Framework and Policy at a function held ta the Trinidad Hilton on 2 February 2024.
FIFA Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection Marie-Laure Lemineur, who was the feature speaker at the launch, lauded the efforts made by the TTFA and its stakeholders in adopting and enforcing detailed mechanisms to monitor and protect those at risk within the football ecosystem.
“Not long ago the leadership of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, took a very courageous decision to embark on their safeguarding journey. Twenty four (24) months later, this Football Association, has produced one of the most elaborative and complete safeguarding framework that I know of,” said Lemineur.
She continued, “this framework ticks all the boxes. It has the interest of the victims and the children at its heart, it defines clear mechanisms in case of incidents, it defines clear procedural rules ands sanctions in case of non-compliance, it establishes licensing requirements for clubs, teams and academies and it promotes a culture of transparency and accountability.”
Go here for Revised TTFA Safeguarding Policy
In August 2022, the TTFA signed off on it it’s first version of its Safeguarding Policy and throughout the latter quarter of 2022, the Association announced that there would now be a process and system to register Academies throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
A key component of the Academy Registration was the fulfillment of all safeguarding criteria by the club and its officials, coaches and other personnel. Safeguarding is the action taken to ensure that all vulnerable persons are safe from harm when involved in football. It means proactively doing everything possible to minimize risk and prevent poor practices and abuse.
As at 16 February 2024, the TTFA is proud to announce that 139 Academies have been successfully registered and over 1400 individuals have completed their Level 1 TTFA Safeguarding certification. A further 200 individuals have completed Level 2 certification and 24 individuals have been Level 3 and 4 TTFA Safeguarding licensed.
These figures are a testament to the support of the initiatives and the development of a safeguarding culture throughout the football landscape under the guidance of the TTFA Safeguarding, Player Care and Wellbeing Department. The TTFA has been working closely with the FIFA, Concacaf, Regional Associations (Zones), Secondary School’s Football League, TTFA Refereeing Department, Children’s Authority and other stakeholders to ensure that trained and certified Safeguarding officers are assigned to the various avenues of the football pathway under a collective approach.
“A safeguarding culture is that we stop looking the other way,” said Lemineur. “A safeguarding culture is when all of us as part of the football ecosystem and the sports ecosystem regardless of our role and responsibilities, we all understand that we have a duty of care towards those involved in our football and sports activities and under our watch.”
“Our job is to be prepared to address the situation with a victim centred focus. We can’t do it all alone, we need all of you; Football Federations, professional clubs, governmental institutions, grassroots, athletes, parents, children, players and other sports organizations, not only football, to create a stronger institutional safeguarding culture. “
These sentiments were echoed by David Roberts, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Community Development as he complimented the efforts of the TTFA and other National Governing Bodies (NGB) for taking an active approach towards safeguarding.
At the launch, Mr Roberts indicated that he was extremely pleased by the presence of members of the Tennis Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association, Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board and the Trinidad and Tobago Karate Association for working with the TTFA to become Safeguarding licensed.
The revised TTFA Safeguarding Framework and Policy is readily available via the TTFA website and outlines criteria for the operation of academies, leagues and individuals. In accordance with the Policy, Unlicensed Clubs, Academies, Youth Teams are not allowed to work with children, youth players or vulnerable groups on behalf of or under the scope of the TTFA or to participate in TTFA organized or endorsed tournaments, competitions, or events.
It further states that all persons or organisations that propose to organise a Youth League / Tournament / Football festival, football showcase or any other football related activity involving the training or playing of football matches either recreationally, competitively or for the purpose of scouting, that involves working with children, youth players or vulnerable groups are required to acquire a TTFA Event License and or Event Endorsement. Unlicensed or Unendorsed Youth Leagues / Tournaments / Football festivals are not allowed to work with children, youth players, or vulnerable groups on behalf of or under the scope of the TTFA.
These and other actions in contravention of the Policy are subject to sanctioning by the TTFA.
Parents and Guardians are hereby advised that only licensed academies/clubs have been vetted by the TTFA to work with children and youth players and have the rights to operate under the TTFA Safeguarding Framework and Policy.
See updated list of Safeguarding licensed organizations in T&T
