Child Protection

The full RFU guidance provides best practice methods and help to meet obligations and comply with policy and procedures. Anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a child for the purposes of this document and linked RFU policy.

All Coaches, Volunteers, Players, Officials (and Parents) must:

•Ensure all children and young people regardless of age, background and ability are able to enjoy the game in an environment safe from abuse of any kind
•Motivate youngsters through positive feedback and constructive criticism, and promote the positive aspects of the sport
•Appreciate the needs of the players, avoiding overplaying of players affording equal opportunity to play and rest
•Be positive role models, displaying high standards of personal behaviour and appearance
•Recognise that safety is paramount, never allowing young players to train / play when injured, and ensure contact skills are taught in a safe secure manner with due regard to physical development of young players
•Explain decisions - most young players are still learning
•Not tolerate verbal or physical abuse

They must not:

•Subject young players to unrealistic pressures, adopt a win at all costs philosophy or demand performances above young players capabilities
•Ignore young players efforts to progress
•Overtly criticise young players or use language, which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem
•Allow a young player to continue playing if there are doubts about their fitness
•Tolerate bad language from young players or condone foul play or illegal practices, or any form of bullying
•Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players
•Change/ shower in the same area as young players
•Be alone with young players at any time - if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present
•Leave young players alone without proper supervision
•Check studs without the coach being present
•Administer first aid unless qualified to do so
•Give a lift to a young player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents have given consent
•Take a young player to your home
•Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in fun

Section members must always;

Immediately report to the Club Welfare Officer behaviour by adults that contravenes RFU Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby, including:
•Bullying by coaches / parents / spectators / officials
•Physical Abuse by coaches / parents / spectators / officials
•Any behaviour that is Poor Practice

(see, RFU The Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union Guidance, Section 3)
•Any touching or contact which is inappropriate (not directly related to coaching context) or is aggressive by an adult to a young person. Physical handling must only be used for safety reasons or where there is no other way to coach a technique and always with the permission of the child / young person and their parent / carer
•Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults

REMEMBER:
"The welfare of all young people is paramount"
www.rfu.com/welfare

Club Welfare and Equity Policies held in Club Documents