Child Welfare Officer

Sarah Kinsey-Stephens

[email sarah.kinsey@hotmail.co.uk]

Child Protection

Below are several documents relating to the policies adopted by the club from RFU guidance to ensure that child protection and enjoyment of the game in a safe and supportive environment is at the heart of everything the club does.

Please take time to read these documents and in particular, all players and parents should read the section relating to codes of conduct for parents, spectators and players.

Bullying

Anti bullying poster    

Anti bullying booklet    

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General Information

Parent Poster    

Parent Guide Booklet    

Photographic Event Registration Form    

Photographic Policy    

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First Aid

Concussion information sheet - how to spot concussion in players    

Head Injury Information Sheet    

Incident Report Form (T3)    

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Policy

Policy and Procedures for the welfare of young people in rugby union    

The welfare of young people in rugby union - policy guidelines    

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Codes of Conduct

(reference: http://www.rfu.com/regulations/PageContent.aspx?SectionID=348)

click here for printable version    

Introduction

This code is designed:

• To maintain the element of enjoyment and satisfaction in Junior Rugby.

• To make adults aware that young people play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group.

• To improve the physical fitness of youth by making it attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people.

• To constantly remind Administrators, Coaches, Referees, Parents, that Rugby must be administered, taught and provided for the good of those young people who wish to play the game.

It is their game!
 

Code for Coaches

• You have responsibility for the behaviour of your team and its supporters. EXERCISE IT.

• Be reasonable in your demands on the young player's time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time.

• Teach your players that laws of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.

• Ensure that all players get a game. The 'just average' players need and deserve equal time.

• Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it.

• Never ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or losing a game.

• The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the maturity level of the players.

• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as, the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.

• Follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.

• Remember that young people need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example.

• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of young people.

• Encourage young people to develop basic skills and avoid over-specialisation in positional play during their formative years.

• Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would in teaching the basic skills.

• Ensure that efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are rewarded by praise.

• Ensure that skill learning and free play activities have priority over highly structured competitions for very young people.

• INSIST ON FAIR PLAY, do not tolerate foul play, fighting, or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.

• Discourage excessive talk on the pitch.

• INSIST on a disciplined approach by players and mean what you say.

• Set a good example by personal good behaviour.

• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game.

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Code of Conduct for Referees

• Ensure that "over-refereeing" the game does not lose the 'spirit of the game' for young people.

• Actions speak louder than words. Ensure that both on and off the field your behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.

• Compliment both teams on their good play whenever such praise is deserved.

• Be consistent, objective and courteous.

• Condemn the deliberate 'good foul' as being unsportsmanlike, thus retaining respect for fair play.

• Publicly encourage law changes, which will reinforce the principles of participation for fun and enjoyment.

• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound refereeing principles and the principles of growth and development of young people.

• Avoid comment on Competition Rules, only deal with the Laws of the Game.

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Code of Conduct for Match Officials

• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.

• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.

• Emphasise the spirit of the game.

• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.

• Understand the physical and behavioural development of players.

• Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be positive and supportive.

• Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses.

• Recognise that the safety of players is paramount.

• Explain decisions – all players are still learning and parents will understand the game better.

• Always penalise foul play.

• Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.

• Show empathy for the age and ability of players

• Be consistent and objective.

• Be familiar with the Good Spectator’s Code and ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.

• Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies and procedures.

• Officiate to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes.

• Check that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first aider, ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is available along with someone trained in its use before starting play.

• Before training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in accordance with the iRB Laws of the game.

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Code of conduct for parents

• Do not force an unwilling youngster to participate in Rugby.

• Remember, young people are involved in Rugby for their enjoyment, not yours.

• Encourage your child to always play by the laws.

• Teach young people that honest effort is as important as victory so the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.

• Turn defeat into victory by helping young people work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game.

• Remember that young people learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.

• Do not publicly question the referee's judgement and never his/her honesty.

• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from Junior Rugby.

• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches, managers and referees. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your children.

• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game.

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Code of conduct for spectators

• Remember that young people play organised sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you.

• Be on your best behaviour. Don't use offensive language, or harass players, coaches, referees or other spectators.

• Applaud good play by your own team and the opposition team.

• Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no games.

• Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during the game.

• Condemn the use of violence in all forms.

• Respect the referee's decisions.

• Encourage players to play according to the laws.

• SLEDGING: THIS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED in any shape or form. Players and Referees are NOT fair game.

• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game.

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Code of conduct for players

• Play for the 'enjoyment', not just to please your parents or coach.

• Play the laws of the game of Rugby

• Never argue with the referee's decisions. Let your captain ask any necessary questions.

• Control your temper - no 'mouthing off'.

• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team's performance will benefit and so will your own.

• Be a good sport. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or by your opponent.

• Treat all players, as you yourself would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.

• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a show off or always try to get the most points.

• Co-operate with your coach, manager, team mates, referee and opponents, for without them you don't have a game.

• Do not approach a referee/touch judge at any stage during or immediately after a game.

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