Safeguarding is one of the most important responsibilities within football and forms a core principle of the Union of Professional Football Scouts and Analysts.
Football scouts and analysts may regularly work within environments involving children, academy players, grassroots football, youth development systems, and vulnerable individuals. Maintaining safe, professional, and respectful environments is essential for protecting the welfare of everyone involved in the game.
UPFSA operates with a zero-tolerance approach toward abuse, exploitation, bullying, discrimination, grooming, harassment, safeguarding failures, or inappropriate conduct involving children or vulnerable individuals. The welfare of the child shall always remain paramount.
Members working directly or indirectly with individuals under the age of 18 are expected to comply with safeguarding requirements including enhanced criminal background checks, safeguarding education, professional conduct standards, and reporting obligations in accordance with football and legal regulations.
Members must:
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Avoid inappropriate communication with minors
- Report safeguarding concerns immediately
- Respect safeguarding procedures
- Follow ethical recruitment standards
- Operate responsibly within football environments
The Union also supports ongoing safeguarding education, refresher training, equality awareness, and digital communication safety throughout the profession. UPFSA believes strong safeguarding standards are essential for protecting players, supporting families, maintaining trust, and strengthening professionalism throughout football scouting and analysis.
