Child Protection Guidelines For Match Officials

When refereeing young players match officials should

Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players
Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games
Appreciate the needs of the players
Be a positive role model
Recognise that safety is paramount
Explain decisions – most young players are still learning
Do not tolerate verbal abuse

Officials should not

Change in the same area as young players
Shower with young players – agree with the coaches a timetable
Be alone with young players at any time – if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present
Check studs without the coach being present
Administer first aid
Allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness
Tolerate bad language from young players
Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players
Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware
Take a young player to your home
Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem
Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in fun

Officials must always

Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Welfare Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy
Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators
Physical Abuse by coaches/parents/spectators
Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person
Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults