Safeguarding Policies & Procedures
Safeguarding
Our safeguards are a combination of best practices and guidance to support children and the adults engaging with them, in a range of situations. Their purpose is to minimise risks that have been identified through previous experience and risk assessment.
We recognise that not every situation can be prepared for and that the circumstances will always be different; therefore, our safeguards and best practice will provide generic advice which can be applied as appropriate.
We must also recognise that it is everyone’s responsibility to promote the safeguards across the club and in Scottish football.
Rangers FC Safeguards and Best Practice notes can be found here,
Our safeguards are closely linked and influenced by Children 1st and sportscotland ‘Standards for Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport’.
Standards for Child Wellbeing in Sports
The Child
- Standard 1 - Every child is respected without discrimination
- Standard 2 - Every child’s wellbeing is promoted, supported and safeguarded
- Standard 3 - Every child is protected from abuse when taking part in our sport
- Standard 4 - Every child has a say in our sport
The Adults
- Standard 5 - Volunteers and staff working with children have been through a suitable appointment and selection process and are considered appropriate to work with children
- Standard 6 - Volunteers and staff working with children are well supported to deliver our sport, whilst ensuring that children’s rights are respected
The sports organisation (Rangers Football Club)
- Standard 7 - The club is managed well and is accountable for keeping children safe in football
- Standard 8 - The club evaluates how it safeguards children and makes improvements where necessary
More information about these Standards can be found here.
Matchday Safeguarding
Rangers Football Club welcomes and encourages the attendance of young supporters at our home ground and we are fully committed to our responsibility to safeguard and protect children and young people; so that they can enjoy the fabulous experience that Ibrox Stadium has to offer, whilst creating new memories as an individual or as a family.
*Note - No child under the age of 13 years will be admitted to Ibrox Stadium without a responsible accompanying adult (over 18 years).
Accompanied Child at Ibrox Stadium
To ensure a positive and safe matchday experience for all, children under 13 years must be accompanied by a parent/responsible adult and;
Ideally, the child should sit with their accompanying adult but we appreciate that due to season ticket allocations, this may not always be possible. Where this is not possible the parent/accompanying adult must be in the same stand seating block with clear visibility of the child at all times and;
The parent/adult must accompany the child to the toilet and;
The catering stands/food zones of the concourse.
Keep the child close by when entering & exiting the stadium.
Make a plan in case they are separated from each other at any time.
Your child may be subject to a search of clothing/bag, if there is reasonable suspicion that they may be concealing something that is not permitted within the stadium.
Unaccompanied Child (13 years and over) at Ibrox Stadium
Children of 13 years and above but below 16 years, found to be distressed or in a situation causing concern, should be dealt with respectfully and with the best interest of the child as paramount consideration. The Matchday Safeguarding Stewards must be informed immediately for support.
The parent/carer should be contacted and asked to collect their child from the stadium.
The child should be placed at the Stadium Safe Place until collection by the parent/carer (or agreed responsible adult).
No unaccompanied child under 16 years will be ejected from the stadium unless parental consent has been gained. *Note – ejection from the stadium is a last resort action and must be done in collaboration with stadium police.
Should an accompanying adult (of an under 13-year child) be ejected from the stadium, the child will be required to leave with the adult.
They may be subject to a search of clothing/bag if there is reasonable suspicion that they may be concealing something that is not permitted within the stadium. *See separate guidance.
Missing Child at Ibrox Stadium
Ahead of visiting us on matchday, agree with your child about a familiar place within the stadium as a meeting place in case you become separated at any time.
If you and your child become separated and your child is not at the agreed meeting place, please report the child as missing to the nearest Matchday Steward who will immediately report this.
Inappropriate Behaviour of a Child or Young Person at Ibrox Stadium
Rangers want all fans to have the opportunity to enjoy the match in a safe environment and we request that all fans take responsibility to behave in an appropriate and respectful manner.
Acts that are criminal, illegal or dangerous have consequences and have no home in Ibrox stadium. The pitch must be safe for our players and the officials, and our stands must be safe for both home and away supporters.
If there is concern for the immediate safety of a child or young person, the stadium police must be alerted immediately.
Policies and Procedures
Our child wellbeing policies and procedures can be found within the links below:
