2. Safeguarding Children
Children are the lifeblood of the game and it is crucial that they are cared for in the correct manner. Any player under the age of 18 is classed as a child and should be respected as such.
In order to provide children with the best possible experiences and opportunities in the sport of rugby union, it is vital that everyone operates within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrates the highest standards of behaviour. This not only ensures the game makes a positive contribution to the development of children, safeguards them and promotes their welfare but it also protects all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.
“At DRFC the welfare of all our children is at the heart of everything that we do. For our players this means that they can play their rugby in a secure and safe environment. For their parents it means reassurance that their children are in good hands.
On these pages we set out the policies that we have adopted and which we require all our players, coaches and parents to follow. Please take time to read them”.
Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy 2014-15
This sets out the key principles as well as providing best practice guidance. Everyone shares the responsibility for safeguarding and, therefore, this policy and guidance will be both relevant and useful for all those involved in creating safe environments in rugby union whether as a parent, coach, spectator or club official. See link below which shows the full policy.
Equity Policy Statement
The RFU aims to ensure that all people, irrespective of their age, gender, ability, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, colour, nationality, social status or sexual orientation, have a genuine and equal opportunity to participate in rugby union at all levels and in all roles. That includes participation as a beginner or elite performer, and as a coach, official, referee, manager, administrator or spectator. See link below which shows the full policy.
Tour Policy
Tours are a long standing tradition of rugby and the best tours are usually the result of good planning. This guide’s aim is to ensure that no players or staff come to any harm or become ill unnecessarily. A link to the Tour Parental Consent Form is shown below.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Bullying of any kind is not acceptable within any Club or Constituent Body (CB) providing playing opportunities for children and young people. The RFU are a ‘telling’ culture and anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell their Club Safeguarding Officer. Bullying will be taken seriously, responded to promptly, and procedures followed to deal with the situation. It is the responsibility of every adult working in rugby union whether professional or volunteer, to ensure that all young people can enjoy the sport in a safe enjoyable environment.
Photographic Policy
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) recognises that publicity and pictures of young people enjoying rugby are essential to promote the sport and a healthy lifestyle. To facilitate this it is therefore essential that the Photographic Policy should be observed.
Allegations of abuse or poor practice must be reported to Deb Arnold, DRFC Safeguarding Officer.
On all occasions DRFC consider the welfare of the child paramount.