MATCH OFFICIALS CODES OF CONDUCT

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.
• Never tolerate verbal abuse.

Officials should not:

• Change in the same area as young players.
• Shower with young players - agree a timetable with the coaches.
• 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 there are 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 Safeguarding Manager and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU and RFUW recommended Policies and Procedures for the Safeguarding of Young People:

• 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 the official by young people or adults.

REMEMBER: The Safeguarding of all young people is paramount.
Lily Head
Harbury RFC Safeguarding Officer
C/- Harbury RFC
Waterloo Fields
Middle Road
Harbury
CV33 9JN
Email: lilyhead@hotmail.co.uk

County Safeguarding Manager for Warwickshire Rugby Football Union is:
Jane Waterhouse
Email: janewrfu@btinternet.com
Home: 024 7641 7650
Mobile: 07931 589075

Last updated - July 2008