Many of you are aware of a recent incident at the Club: given the Club’s tradition of being transparent and given all matters have now concluded it is only fair on all our members, staff and the wider community that I follow my three previous messages with a report on the incident and the outcome.

On 14 July 2020 a short video clip surfaced on the internet showing a member and volunteer groundsman using inappropriate language towards at least two youths. The clip attracted a lot of attention from the community and generated a number of comments some of which were directed towards the Club.

The Club took the immediate decision of suspending the member. The matter was referred to both the Police and the Rugby Football Union (RFU). These two organisations concluded that, after a full investigation, they would take no further action.

Notwithstanding this the Club instigated its own disciplinary proceedings and concluded the individual was guilty of bringing the Club into disrepute. As a result, the individual has had his membership withdrawn.

The Club have also taken action to ensure this sort of incident is never repeated. We will be amending our code of conduct to bring it in line with current legislation and good practice. We will also look at providing training and coaching to all staff and we will set up internal working groups who will hold regular meetings to improve awareness across the Club.

We trust and hope that there will be no repeat of this kind of behaviour, however in the event that there is something that causes concern to any visitor/member/staff we hope it will be brought to the immediate attention of the committee.

We at the Club now hope that we can put this matter behind us and continue in the fine tradition of being an inclusive Club with a cohesive community spirit.

Francis Porter
Chingford RFC Chairman