The welfare of young people in Rugby Union is a major priority at Reading RFC and we have therefore appointed a Safeguarding Officer. As a club we hold the RFU Seal of Approval status and therefore we have an increasing responsibility within the community.

To implement our Safeguarding policy the club undertakes to:

1. Appoint a Safeguarding Officer who will act as the first point of contact for concerns about the welfare of young people.

2. Publish a Child Protection Policy within the Club.

3. Ensure that all officers and committee members are aware of practice or abuse in line with RFU Policy.

4. Implement a policy of Best Practice for all adults working with young people.

5. Ensure that all relevant members who have regular supervisory contact with children or a management responsibility for those working with young people undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.

6. Identify a disciplinary panel which, where necessary, is able to manage cases of poor practice as identified by the RFU Safeguarding Manager.

All club members and visitors are expected to adhere to the relevant RRFC Codes of Conduct:
(click on each code of conduct button below to download the pdf file)

These codes of conduct are displayed on the safeguarding notice board within the clubhouse.

General Behaviour

In Rugby Union, young players are impressionable and their behaviour will often reflect that of the adults around them. At Reading we welcome spectators on our touchlines who embrace the ethos of the game as one of FUN, ENJOYMENT and SKILL DEVELOPMENT.

In Rugby Union the following behaviours are encouraged:

• Act as positive role models to all young players.
• Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Codes of Conduct in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
• Respect the Rugby Club policy with regard to spectator behaviour.

Finally please remember that young people play for FUN and the Love of the Game. Let us all encourage them to achieve that by adopting a positive attitude at all times.

Click on the links below to download the documents.

[url=https://https://www.englandrugby.com//SafeguardingAdultspolicyandprocedures.pdf]
Safeguarding Children and Adults in Rugby Union Policy and Guidance

[url=https://https://www.englandrugby.com/safeguardingtoolkit.pdfSafeguarding Toolkit

Management of Concussion

[url=http://www.rfu.com/thegame/~/media/files/2013/thegame/regulations/guidance_to_age_grade_regulations.pdf]Guidance to Age Grade Regulation 15

The referee should ensure that prior to the game it is made clear to both/all scrum halves how he intends to indicate that the scrum is ready for the put-in. There should be no ambiguity and it is suggested that coaches are in attendance when this communication is made to the players.

New Scrum Directive