Safeguarding for Children & Vulnerable Adults 3 of 4

3. Match Officials - Safeguarding guidelines


Child Protection Guidelines For Match Officials
When refereeing young players match officials should
  • Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players
  • Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games
  • Appreciate the needs of the players
  • Be a positive role model
  • Recognise that safety is paramount
  • Explain decisions - most young players are still learning
  • Do not tolerate verbal abuse


Officials should not
  • Change in the same area as young players
  • Shower with young players
  • Be alone with young players at any time - if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present
  • Check studs without the coach being present
  • Administer first aid
  • Allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness
  • Tolerate bad language from young players
  • Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players
  • Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware
  • Take a young player to your home
  • Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem
  • Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in "fun"


Officials must always
  • Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Welfare Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy
  • Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators
  • Physical abuse by coaches/parents/spectators
  • Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person
  • Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults
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