Club Policies

Aim of policy

Desert Lions Sports is fully committed to providing a safe environment to learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Desert Lions Sports aims to maintain the highest possible standards which meet social, moral and legal obligations to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Desert Lions Sports will provide all staff, permanent and temporary with training on how to identify potential or suspected abuse and raise awareness of preventative measures to protect Desert Lions Sports staff members.

Our Policy

Desert Lions Sports will ensure that all staff, permanent and temporary, receive guidance/training in recognising what the different types of abuse are.
All employees have read and understood FA Safeguarding Policy.
All employees have read and understood Desert Lions Sports Safeguarding Policy 2025/2026.
All employees adopt safeguarding procedures through codes of conduct for learners and staff.
Desert Lions Sports will provide a safe environment for learners to maximise learning and development.

To ensure good practice desert lions sports will:

Maintain a register at all times for learners
Work in an open environment with all areas visible to all learners
Remain at coaching area until all participants have been collected or are continuing to be supervised by an appropriate member of staff
Avoid unnecessary physical contact with learners unless to prevent a danger to themselves or others
All first aid treatment to be carried out by a qualified first aider and with another adult present
Avoid unaccompanied time with learners
Avoid suggestive remarks or acting inappropriately familiar with learners
Report potential concerns, allegations of abuse made by learners to the designated safeguard lead
Refrain from inviting or allowing learners to socialise with them outside the learning environment
Refrain from providing personal information to learners

CODE OF CONDUCT

At Desert Lions Sports, we believe football should be fun, fair and safe. This code of conduct helps players, parents and coaches to create a positive environment where everyone can play, learn and grow with respect.

Player Code of Conduct

1) Respect Everyone

Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees with respect at all times.
Shake hands after training sessions and games — win or lose.
Never use bad language, teasing, or bullying.
Respect the facilities and equipment when in training or tournaments.
Remember you represent Desert Lions on and off the field

2) Play Fair

Follow the rules of the game.
Listen carefully and accept the coaches/referee’s decisions — no arguing or complaining.
Be honest if you foul or touch the ball with your hand. Play by the rules – no cheating or diving
Behave well at all times – at training, matches and outside the academ

3. Try Your Best

Always give 100% effort, whether in training or a match. Effort is more important than results
Learn from mistakes — that’s how you get better! Mistakes are part of improvement.
Arrive on time and prepared (proper kit, water bottle, shin pads)
Play Hard but Play Fair – never intentionally hurt or injure an opponent.

4. Be a Team Player

Encourage and support your teammates – never blame others
Celebrate teammates’ success as well as your own.
Share the ball and play for the team— football is a team game!
Be ready to play in any position, including goalkeeper, when asked.
Wear the official kit with pride and respect.
Respect substitutions – everyone deserves equal opportunities to play!

4. Stay Safe

Avoid dangerous play or aggressive behaviour.
Never leave the pitch or training area without permission
Tell your coach if you are hurt or don’t feel well.

Parent & Guardian Code of Conduct

Support your child and all players — cheer, don’t coach from the sidelines.
Never criticize referees, coaches, or players — set a good example.
Encourage fair play and teamwork, not just winning.
Help your child be on time and ready for training and matches.
Communicate respectfully with coaches about any concerns.
Remember: This is Children’s football, not professional football.

Coach Code of Conduct

Create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for all players.
Be a positive role model — show respect and patience.
Focus on development over results.
Give equal opportunity for all players to participate and improve.
Praise effort, not just skill or victory.
Report any inappropriate behavior or safeguarding concerns immediately.

Consequences

Breaking this Code of Conduct may result in:

A verbal warning or reminder of expectations.
Temporary removal from training or matches.
A meeting with parents and coaches.
In serious cases, suspension or dismissal from the academy

MAKING REFERRALS

Any member of Desert Lions Sports or guest coach can make a referral. All referrals or concerns will be reported to Head Coach who will follow internal procedures for reporting the case.

Referral can be made/concerns raised by telephone, in person or in writing. To make a referral you will need to provide:

Any background information and history you are aware of, giving dates/times/events and persons involved.

Why you are concerned/the nature of the concern and evidence that you have or why you believe it to be true.

The earlier a cause for concern/referral is made the easier it is to action and possibly the safer the child is.

DESERT LIONS SPORTS SAFEGUARDING LEADERS

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Daniel Jacinto – Head Coach & Co Founder

daniel.jacinto@desertlionssports.com

DEPUTY SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Danil Ranchodas – CEO & Co Founder

danil.ranchodas@desertlionssports.com

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: One JLT, 2nd Floor – Jumeirah Lake Towers – Dubai

info@desertlionssports.com

MONITORING AND REVIEW

This Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it is up to date and reflects the legal obligations for the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

The policy is to be signed off by CEO and it is to be visible in workplace and read and signed by all coaches.