1. Policy Statement
• Old Leamingtonians RFC is committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all children and vulnerable adults.
• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is always our highest priority.
• Everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, faith, culture, or sexual identity, has the right to protection from harm.
• We follow the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Safeguarding Policy and work closely with parents, carers, and statutory agencies.

2. Key Principles
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• Concerns will be taken seriously and dealt with fairly and promptly.
• Coaches and volunteers are recruited safely, trained appropriately, and supported in their roles.
• Children and young people are listened to, respected, and protected.

3. Safer Recruitment & Training
• All staff and volunteers working with children/vulnerable adults must complete a DBS check.
• No unsupervised contact until clearance is confirmed.
• Coaches complete safeguarding, first aid, and age-appropriate rugby qualifications.
• Ongoing training is supported through the Club Coach Coordinator.

4. Playing Age Guidance
• Players under 18 are classed as children.
• 17-year-olds may play in adult rugby only with written parental consent and assessment of readiness (per RFU Regulation 15).
• No player under 18 may play in a front row position in the adult game.

5. Recognising & Responding to Concerns
• Abuse can be: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, or bullying.
• Coaches and volunteers are trained to recognise concerns.
• Concerns must be reported immediately to the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO).
• If the CSO is involved, report to the Youth Chair or Warwickshire RFU Safeguarding Officer.
• Emergency: call 999.

6. Codes of Conduct
• We follow the RFU Codes of Conduct for: Coaches, Players, Parents/Carers, Spectators, Officials.

7. Photography & Social Media
• Parental consent is required before using names or identifiable images.
• Images must be group-based, appropriate, and never in changing rooms/showers.
• Social media groups for youth rugby are closed, moderated, and parent-inclusive.
• One-to-one messaging with children is not permitted.

8. Changing Rooms & Facilities
• Separate facilities provided for adults and children.
• Adults only enter children’s changing areas when essential and with another adult present (except emergencies).
• Children uncomfortable with group changing can choose to change at home.

9. Tours & Events
• All touring staff must be DBS cleared.
• Pre-tour safeguarding briefing given.
• Emergency contacts and procedures in place.
• Tours and festivals must comply with RFU touring guidance.

10. If You’re Worried
• Speak to the Club Safeguarding Officer.
• You can also contact: Warwickshire RFU Safeguarding Officer, RFU Safeguarding Executive, NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000.

11. Key Contacts
• Club Safeguarding Officer: Kev Gillard – 07950 967766 – kevgillard01@googlemail.com
• Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Emma Smith
• Warwickshire RFU Safeguarding Officer: Jane Waterhouse – janewrfu@gmail.com
• RFU Safeguarding Executive: 0208 831 7479 / childprotection@rfu.com
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000