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NBRFC - Child Protection Policy

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At NBRFC we believe that playing and coaching Rugby Football should be a positive and enjoyable experience for all involved. Children, coaches, helpers and parents. We wish to ensure that all children under our care are protected from physical, sexual and emotional harm whilst they are with club representatives and that there is a support structure in place to help children in need. All adults working with young children at NBRFC have been assessed and have undergone a CRB check through the RFU.

Our aims are:

  • All coaches will be encouraged to attend a Good Practice/Child Protection course
  • All coaches will have a job description
  • Coaches will be encouraged to be qualified to the RFU Mini/Midi Level I before they become a Year Group Head Coach
  • The club will appoint a Child Protection Officer
  • The Mini and Junior section Code of Conduct will be distributed to all coaches, players and guardians
  • All players will be registered with the RFU
  • Records will be kept of any serious injuries
  • We will provide a Health and Safety policy covering best practice for injuries and other emergencies
  • We will provide a written procedure for dealing with question of Child Protection
  • We will be vigilant
  • As a club we will promote fair play and always play to the spirit of the laws and the letter of the continuum
  • All Coaches will be provided with a copy of The Code of Conduct, Guidelines of Good Practice and the clubs Child Protection Policy which will be available to all
  • All Coaches will complete Application Forms
  • All records will be stored centrally and confidentially

NBRFC CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT — GOOD PRACTICE

Those working with children in rugby should:

  • Be professional and maintain the highest standards of personal behaviour at all times
  • Be aware of situations, which can be misconstrued or manipulated by others. For example, if the coach or official is alone with a child in the clubhouse, changing rooms or similar place, they are open to the possibility of allegations about their behaviour
  • Be vigilant and aware, of how actions can be misinterpreted
  • Not to appear to favour or show interest in one child more than another
  • Be very aware that physically handling a player, perhaps to help develop a game skill such as the tackle, scrum ruck or maul, can be misconstrued by an observer or even by the player
  • Never swear or use or respond to sexual innuendo
  • Design and use training methods and training programmes, which are wholly appropriate to the individual player
  • Ensure that, as far as possible, they are not alone when working with young players on an individual basis. If this is unavoidable then the parents should be made aware of the situation for the sake of the coach or official. This also means that children should not be alone in cars or homes with a coach/official on a regular basis. The presence of others is an insurance against false accusations
  • Conduct all dealings with children in a public environment in full view of others, in order that all behaviour can be observed
  • On tours/trips away from home, ensure that another adult is always present when working with children. For example, another adult should always be present if a Child's room is visited at any time and the door should always be left open
  • Report any concerns within the area of Child Protection (physical, emotional, sexual or neglect), in confidence and without delay, to the Child Protection Officer or a responsible person who can give advice and recommend any necessary action
  • Not, at any time, discuss an allegation or suspicion with another person, other than the police, before either the above person or a responsible person has been contacted
  • When reporting an allegation or suspicion, record information, including relevant details (This includes the nature of the allegation, background information of the parties involved, the period of time to which the allegation relates and the degree to which the information is known to be fact rather than opinion or hearsay)
  • At no time make comment to the media. The RFU Press Office should be made aware of any media interest in relation to child protection
  • In the event of an allegation of improper behaviour being made, the personal conduct and professional behaviour of the adult will be very important evidence. For child abuse to take place, particularly sexual abuse, the child and the adult(s) will generally be alone and away from public view. Thus the best defence is to avoid all situations in which behaviour cannot be observed.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT

Every child or young person, defined as any person under the age of 18, who plays or participates in rugby union at NBRFC (the club) should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult at the club. All young players whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.

The club recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. The club is determined to meet its obligation to ensure that all mini/midi and youth levels offer children and young people the highest possible standards of care.

Should anybody suspect abuse either internally within The Club or externally, your concerns should be immediately reported to the club’s Child Protection Officer, who will promptly follow the procedures and guidelines laid down in the RFU/RFUW Young Player Protection Policy.

1.1 AT NBRFC WE ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO:

  • Be familiar with the rugby clubs ‘Coaches Code of Conduct.’
  • Where appropriate, take your turn to supervise changing rooms and assist the coaches, particularly where numbers are large.
  • Make sure the club has your contact phone numbers.
  • Be involved in club activities.
  • Share your expertise with the rugby club.
  • Share concerns with the club, if you have them.

1.2 AT NBRFC WE ENCOURAGE COACHES TO:

  • Be familiar with Child Protection Guidelines.
  • Recognise the importance of fun, enjoyment and fair play when coaching Young Players.
  • Ensure all Young Players are coached in a safe environment.
  • Avoid overplaying of Young Players and use a squad system.
  • Ensure ALL Young Players are given an equal opportunity to play rugby.
  • Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, both during coaching sessions and games.
  • Involve parents and guardians whenever possible.

1.3 AT NBRFC, COACHES SHOULD NOT:

  • Demand unrealistic performances from Young Players.
  • Over emphasise the winning ethic.
  • Leave Young Players without proper supervision.
  • Expose Young Players to unnecessary cold or heat, and unacceptable risk of injury.
  • Expose Young Players to alcohol or other drugs.
  • Accept any reward for child care.

1.4 THE RFU/RFUW SUPPORT RUGBY CLUBS TO:

Produce Child Protection guidelines based on the RFU/RFUW Child/Young Player Protection Policy

Produce a Coaches Code of Conduct

Ensure all coaches and volunteers working with Young Players:

  • Complete a self-declaration form.
  • Are familiar with Child Protection Guidelines
  • Are familiar with `Coaches Code of Conduct'.
  • Where appropriate, are given the opportunity to attend RFU Coaching Award Courses.
  • Ensure parents/guardians are a part of this process

Full copies of the Child Protection Policy are available in the rugby club.

If you have any questions concerning the Child Protection they should be directed to NBRFC.