Safeguarding

1. NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults involved in NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB from harm.

2. NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB confirms that it adheres to the England Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorses and adopts the Policy Statement contained in that document and any successor policy.

3. a) A child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. However, where a 17 year old male player is playing in the adult game it is essential that every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected.

b) The definition of a vulnerable adult is defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and is a person who is 18 years or older and has:
• Dependency upon others, or a requirement for assistance from
others, in the performance of basic physical functions.
• Severe impairment in their ability to communicate with others.

• An impairment in their ability to protect themselves from assault, abuse or neglect.

• Has been detained in lawful custody or is being supervised as a result of a court order.

4. The Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy are that:

• The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is, and must always be, paramount to any other considerations.

• All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm.

• All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately.

• Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents, carers, children and young people is essential for the welfare of children.
• Children have a right to expect support, and personal and social development delivered by an appropriately recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in rugby union, whether they are playing, volunteering or officiating in the community or professional areas of the sport.

5. NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB recognises that all children have the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse, neglect, harm, and poor practice. NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, within the Club.

6. NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate.

7. The NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB Safeguarding Officer is Stuart McIvor and the Deputy is Peter Ryans. If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child has been put at risk you must, in the first instance, inform the Club Safeguarding Officer. They will then inform the CB Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding Team. If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer you should inform an appropriate senior Durham County Official or the RFU Safeguarding
Team.

8. All members of NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB who work with children and vulnerable adults in Regulated Activity must undertake an RFU Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with RFU Regulation 21.

9. NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB will ensure that all its members, whether they are coaches, parents, players or officials will comply with the Best Practice Guidance as issued by the RFU.

In summary, the following are not acceptable and will be treated seriously by the club and may result in disciplinary action being taken by the CB or the RFU:

NOT ACCEPTABLE

• Working alone with a child or vulnerable adult.
• Consuming alcohol whilst responsible for children and vulnerable adults.
• Providing alcohol to children or vulnerable adults or allowing its supply.
• Smoking in the presence of children or vulnerable adults.
• Humiliating children or vulnerable adults.
• Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult.
• Participating in, or allowing, contact or physical games with children or vulnerable adults.
• Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child or vulnerable adult, developed as a result of being in a ‘position of trust.’
• Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material.

10. NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB will ensure that its coaches and their respective Team Managers will receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role.

NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUFC

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Chris Evans (email: chrisevans@sky.com, mobile 07931 538763)

NEWTON AYCLIFFE RUFC

DEPUTY SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Stuart McIvor (email: stuartdm@btinternet.com, mobile 07732 258714)