Child Protection
"The Welfare of the Child is Paramount"
At Mitcham Rugby club we believe that the safety and welfare of the children and young people who are members or guests of the club is of the utmost importance. It is the duty of all the coaches and helpers to protect each child from abuse and to be alert to the possibility of abuse.
This procedure is intended to supplement the Sutton Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) Child Protection Guidelines, and the policy and guidance of the England Rugby Football Union, and will be used in conjunction with these.
DEFINITION OF CHILD ABUSE
An abused child is a child under 18 years of age who has suffered from, or is believed to be at risk of physical injury, neglect, emotional abuse or sexual abuse.
In a coaching situation, neglect may occur when
· Players are left alone, or are not properly supervised.
· There is a lack of regard for basic care such as exposure to cold or lack of fluids.
· A player is not protected from the risk of injury.
Physical abuse means injury to a child, or the failure to protect a child from physical harm. As well as any form of violence or force inflicted upon a child, physical abuse also includes exposing the child to substances which may be harmful to them, including drugs and alcohol.
In a coaching situation physical abuse may occur when
· A player is exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury
· Players are exposed to a coaching or training which disregards their abilities and the capacity of their immature bodies
· Players are at risk of injury because they are forced to do too much through excessive training and playing.
· Players are given drugs or alcohol, or are allowed the opportunity to gain access to them. This includes any performance enhancing drugs.
Sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in any sexual act and would include exposure to pornography and lewd acts and language. Sexual abuse occurs when power is abused and trust is betrayed, and in the vast majority of cases the abuser is known to and trusted by the child. It is important to recognise that a coach will develop the trust of the players under his or her care, and that this trust could too easily be exploited. It is therefore vital that for their own safety, coaches are always mindful of the principles of safe care, and do not ever allow a situation to arise which is open to misinterpretation.
All forms of abuse include an element of emotional abuse, and very occasionally it will be the principal form of abuse of a child. In coaching terms emotional abuse may occur when
· A child’s efforts are all seen negatively
· A child’s efforts to progress are deliberately thwarted
· Completely unreal expectations are made of a child
A child who has been emotionally abused in their family life, may well be extremely sensitive about the way they are treated by their coach.
RECOGNITION
The first indication of concern about a child's welfare is not necessarily the presence of an injury. Concerns may be aroused by:
· Bruises or other marks on a child's body, especially if any explanation seems inconsistent.
· Remarks made by the child, another child, a parent or another adult which appear to describe an abusive act involving a child.
· Observations of the child's behaviour or reactions.
· Unexplained changes in the child's behaviour or personality.
· Evidence of disturbance or explicit detail in a child's play, drawing or writing.
· Neglect.
· The child is distrustful of adults. Especially those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected.
· A child has marked difficulty in making friends.
PREVENTION AND SAFE CARE
The most effective approach to child protection is to adopt safe working practices and avoid any situation which exposes a child to danger, or places a coach or helper in a vulnerable situation. A simple code of behaviour will assist this process.
· Treat everyone with regard and respect
· Provide an example you wish others to follow
· Plan activities which entail more than one person being present at all times
· Respect the children’s right to dignity and privacy, especially in the changing areas.
· Always encourage an atmosphere where children are encouraged to express their views and talk to others about concerns they have.
· Always use positive feedback to encourage players. If you want to correct a player do so in a way that is enabling rather than critical
· Do not allow any abusive peer group activities such as initiation, ridiculing or bullying
· Do not get involved in physical contact games with young people, especially horseplay.
· Do not jump to conclusions about people or situations, keep an open mind
· Do not be drawn into attention seeking behaviour especially crushes
· Do not show favouritism to any individual
· Do not make any suggestive remarks or gestures or use language that could be misinterpreted.
DESIGNATED PERSON FOR CHILD PROTECTION
The Mini and Youth section of the rugby club has designated Don Atkinson as the named person with responsibility for child protection in the club. Anyone who has a concern about a child should tell Don immediately. If Don is not available you should talk to the chairperson or one of the officers of the committee. The designated person will:
· Act as the liaison person with the RFU, Social Services Department, Police or other agencies on individual cases of suspected or identified child abuse.
· Be responsible for co-ordinating action within the Mini and Youth section on child protection issues.
· Ensure that coaches and other helpers are familiar with this Policy and Procedure.
· Raise awareness about child protection and arrange training as appropriate.
THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL COACHES AND HELPERS
All persons involved in coaching or any direct contact with the children should be subject to positive clearance by the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). The committee will take responsibility to ensure that this takes place.
All coaches and helpers involved with the Mini and Youth Section must be aware that a child may be the victim of abuse. Any concern about a child or young person must be discussed with the designated person immediately so that the matter can be dealt with without delay.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Our children and young people have the right to expect that all coaches and helpers will deal sensitively and sympathetically with any situation that arises. It is important that information remains confidential and that only those with a 'need to know' should be privy to it.
WHAT TO DO:
Concern may arise from observations of the child (eg an injury, their behaviour, or their appearance) or as a result of something said by the child, another child or an adult.
DO NOT DELAY
Tell the designated person as soon as you can.
Early referral gives more time to help the child and family before the situation becomes severe or serious. When necessary, early referral gives more time for others to protect the child. The designated person may consult the RFU or Social Services Department.
MAKE WRITTEN NOTES
If you have witnessed or been told of an incident which leads you to believe that a child has been hurt, it may help write down your concerns as soon as you can after the event. Record what you saw or what was said to you, and make it clear if you express an opinion and what that opinion is based upon. These notes must be given to the designated person immediately and will help to ensure accuracy in recalling events.
CONCERN ABOUT SOMETHING THE CHILD OR SOMEONE ELSE SAYS
Listen - do not ask questions or interrogate.
Remain calm - If you are shocked, upset or angry the child will pick this up and this may prevent them from talking further.
Reassure - The child has done nothing wrong - tell her/him it is alright to talk.
Do not promise to keep it secret - Tell the child that what they have said cannot be kept secret and that you will tell someone who can help.
REMEMBER
If in doubt, consult. Do not ignore concerns, even if these are vague. Your first responsibility is to the child.
CONTACT WITH THE FAMILY.
Before speaking to the child's family, you should talk to the designated person.
In cases where a physical injury causes concern, it may be appropriate to discuss this with the parent or carer. If the explanation suggests the injury was non-accidental (or a failure to protect the child from harm), the parent or carer will be informed of the need to refer the matter to the Social Services Department.
In cases of possible neglect or emotional abuse, the concern is likely to have built up over a period of time. There may have been discussion with the family about sources of help (for example, the Social Services Department), but if concerns persist, there must be a referral to the Social Services Department.
Where there are suspicions of sexual abuse, the designated person will seek immediate advice from the Social Services Department before discussing the matter with the family.
CONCERN ABOUT A COACH OR HELPER
If an allegation is clearly about poor practice in terms of the behaviour or practice of the coach, then this is an internal matter for the club, and must be dealt with by the committee. Outside advice from the RFU should be sought if an allegation is made about the chairman and senior coach in the club.
Any other allegations or concerns about a coach or helper must immediately be referred to the designated officer for child protection and/or the person in charge who must take immediate action to ensure the safety of the child in question or any other child who may be at risk. The person in charge or the designated officer for child protection will seek the advice of the RFU and refer the matter to social Services, who will investigate the matter as appropriate in accordance with child protection procedures. The RFU will advise with regard to the temporary suspension of the person concerned while the matter is investigated.
GENERAL ISSUES
The above policy and procedure must be observed by all coaches and helpers at all times. They will be reviewed annually and as required in line with the area Child Protection Committee Guidelines (ACPC) or national guidance.
At Mitcham Rugby club we believe that the safety and welfare of the children and young people who are members or guests of the club is of the utmost importance. It is the duty of all the coaches and helpers to protect each child from abuse and to be alert to the possibility of abuse.
This procedure is intended to supplement the Sutton Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) Child Protection Guidelines, and the policy and guidance of the England Rugby Football Union, and will be used in conjunction with these.
DEFINITION OF CHILD ABUSE
An abused child is a child under 18 years of age who has suffered from, or is believed to be at risk of physical injury, neglect, emotional abuse or sexual abuse.
In a coaching situation, neglect may occur when
· Players are left alone, or are not properly supervised.
· There is a lack of regard for basic care such as exposure to cold or lack of fluids.
· A player is not protected from the risk of injury.
Physical abuse means injury to a child, or the failure to protect a child from physical harm. As well as any form of violence or force inflicted upon a child, physical abuse also includes exposing the child to substances which may be harmful to them, including drugs and alcohol.
In a coaching situation physical abuse may occur when
· A player is exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury
· Players are exposed to a coaching or training which disregards their abilities and the capacity of their immature bodies
· Players are at risk of injury because they are forced to do too much through excessive training and playing.
· Players are given drugs or alcohol, or are allowed the opportunity to gain access to them. This includes any performance enhancing drugs.
Sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in any sexual act and would include exposure to pornography and lewd acts and language. Sexual abuse occurs when power is abused and trust is betrayed, and in the vast majority of cases the abuser is known to and trusted by the child. It is important to recognise that a coach will develop the trust of the players under his or her care, and that this trust could too easily be exploited. It is therefore vital that for their own safety, coaches are always mindful of the principles of safe care, and do not ever allow a situation to arise which is open to misinterpretation.
All forms of abuse include an element of emotional abuse, and very occasionally it will be the principal form of abuse of a child. In coaching terms emotional abuse may occur when
· A child’s efforts are all seen negatively
· A child’s efforts to progress are deliberately thwarted
· Completely unreal expectations are made of a child
A child who has been emotionally abused in their family life, may well be extremely sensitive about the way they are treated by their coach.
RECOGNITION
The first indication of concern about a child's welfare is not necessarily the presence of an injury. Concerns may be aroused by:
· Bruises or other marks on a child's body, especially if any explanation seems inconsistent.
· Remarks made by the child, another child, a parent or another adult which appear to describe an abusive act involving a child.
· Observations of the child's behaviour or reactions.
· Unexplained changes in the child's behaviour or personality.
· Evidence of disturbance or explicit detail in a child's play, drawing or writing.
· Neglect.
· The child is distrustful of adults. Especially those with whom a close relationship would normally be expected.
· A child has marked difficulty in making friends.
PREVENTION AND SAFE CARE
The most effective approach to child protection is to adopt safe working practices and avoid any situation which exposes a child to danger, or places a coach or helper in a vulnerable situation. A simple code of behaviour will assist this process.
· Treat everyone with regard and respect
· Provide an example you wish others to follow
· Plan activities which entail more than one person being present at all times
· Respect the children’s right to dignity and privacy, especially in the changing areas.
· Always encourage an atmosphere where children are encouraged to express their views and talk to others about concerns they have.
· Always use positive feedback to encourage players. If you want to correct a player do so in a way that is enabling rather than critical
· Do not allow any abusive peer group activities such as initiation, ridiculing or bullying
· Do not get involved in physical contact games with young people, especially horseplay.
· Do not jump to conclusions about people or situations, keep an open mind
· Do not be drawn into attention seeking behaviour especially crushes
· Do not show favouritism to any individual
· Do not make any suggestive remarks or gestures or use language that could be misinterpreted.
DESIGNATED PERSON FOR CHILD PROTECTION
The Mini and Youth section of the rugby club has designated Don Atkinson as the named person with responsibility for child protection in the club. Anyone who has a concern about a child should tell Don immediately. If Don is not available you should talk to the chairperson or one of the officers of the committee. The designated person will:
· Act as the liaison person with the RFU, Social Services Department, Police or other agencies on individual cases of suspected or identified child abuse.
· Be responsible for co-ordinating action within the Mini and Youth section on child protection issues.
· Ensure that coaches and other helpers are familiar with this Policy and Procedure.
· Raise awareness about child protection and arrange training as appropriate.
THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL COACHES AND HELPERS
All persons involved in coaching or any direct contact with the children should be subject to positive clearance by the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). The committee will take responsibility to ensure that this takes place.
All coaches and helpers involved with the Mini and Youth Section must be aware that a child may be the victim of abuse. Any concern about a child or young person must be discussed with the designated person immediately so that the matter can be dealt with without delay.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Our children and young people have the right to expect that all coaches and helpers will deal sensitively and sympathetically with any situation that arises. It is important that information remains confidential and that only those with a 'need to know' should be privy to it.
WHAT TO DO:
Concern may arise from observations of the child (eg an injury, their behaviour, or their appearance) or as a result of something said by the child, another child or an adult.
DO NOT DELAY
Tell the designated person as soon as you can.
Early referral gives more time to help the child and family before the situation becomes severe or serious. When necessary, early referral gives more time for others to protect the child. The designated person may consult the RFU or Social Services Department.
MAKE WRITTEN NOTES
If you have witnessed or been told of an incident which leads you to believe that a child has been hurt, it may help write down your concerns as soon as you can after the event. Record what you saw or what was said to you, and make it clear if you express an opinion and what that opinion is based upon. These notes must be given to the designated person immediately and will help to ensure accuracy in recalling events.
CONCERN ABOUT SOMETHING THE CHILD OR SOMEONE ELSE SAYS
Listen - do not ask questions or interrogate.
Remain calm - If you are shocked, upset or angry the child will pick this up and this may prevent them from talking further.
Reassure - The child has done nothing wrong - tell her/him it is alright to talk.
Do not promise to keep it secret - Tell the child that what they have said cannot be kept secret and that you will tell someone who can help.
REMEMBER
If in doubt, consult. Do not ignore concerns, even if these are vague. Your first responsibility is to the child.
CONTACT WITH THE FAMILY.
Before speaking to the child's family, you should talk to the designated person.
In cases where a physical injury causes concern, it may be appropriate to discuss this with the parent or carer. If the explanation suggests the injury was non-accidental (or a failure to protect the child from harm), the parent or carer will be informed of the need to refer the matter to the Social Services Department.
In cases of possible neglect or emotional abuse, the concern is likely to have built up over a period of time. There may have been discussion with the family about sources of help (for example, the Social Services Department), but if concerns persist, there must be a referral to the Social Services Department.
Where there are suspicions of sexual abuse, the designated person will seek immediate advice from the Social Services Department before discussing the matter with the family.
CONCERN ABOUT A COACH OR HELPER
If an allegation is clearly about poor practice in terms of the behaviour or practice of the coach, then this is an internal matter for the club, and must be dealt with by the committee. Outside advice from the RFU should be sought if an allegation is made about the chairman and senior coach in the club.
Any other allegations or concerns about a coach or helper must immediately be referred to the designated officer for child protection and/or the person in charge who must take immediate action to ensure the safety of the child in question or any other child who may be at risk. The person in charge or the designated officer for child protection will seek the advice of the RFU and refer the matter to social Services, who will investigate the matter as appropriate in accordance with child protection procedures. The RFU will advise with regard to the temporary suspension of the person concerned while the matter is investigated.
GENERAL ISSUES
The above policy and procedure must be observed by all coaches and helpers at all times. They will be reviewed annually and as required in line with the area Child Protection Committee Guidelines (ACPC) or national guidance.
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