Child Protection
This applies to all children playing
rugby at
Nottingham RFC under the age of 18
As a responsible organisation working with children, the English
Rugby Football Union has drawn up a set of guidelines that all Rugby Clubs must
implement and follow.
CLICK HERE to view these guidelines
At Nottingham RFC we take these responsibilities seriously and
have implemented a number of written Policies that will govern what is required
from the club, the children and their parents/guardians.
As a parent/guardian/coach with involvement with a child (ren) at the club you
will need to be aware of these policies. Please take time to read them, if you
have any questions about them, them by all means speak with our Child Protection
Officer (Bridget Ward) or one of the Mini's & Juniors Committee members.
At Nottingham Rugby Football
Club, we believe that taking part in our sport should be a positive and enjoyable
part of children’s lives.We want to make sure that children are protected
and kept safe from physical, sexual and emotional harm while they are with the
club’s coaches, helpers and volunteers.To do this we have these aims: Nottingham
RFC will seek character references for all staff, coaches and volunteers associated
with Mini and Junior Rugby. If indicated or thought necessary, further clearance
from the Police Authorities will be sought
- All coaches will go on relevant coaching courses, or be supervised by a qualified
coach.
- All coaches and all other volunteers (i.e. administration, kitchen staff etc)
abide by all of the club policies.
- All coaches will be qualified to preliminary award level before they are allowed
to be the head coach of an age group.
- The club will encourage and help coaches stay up-to-date with rugby, coaching
and child protection issues.
- All coaches will be given a copy of the RFU/club’s code of conduct for
coaches and be expected to keep to it at all times.
We will keep written records of attendance, parental consents
and accidents. As a club, we will promote ‘fair play’ and always play
within the spirit of the laws and the letter of the continuum. We will provide
coaches and parents with a written procedure for dealing with accusations or suspicions
of child abuse.
We have appointed Su Wallis as our Child Protection Officer. Her role is to deal with any concerns about physical, sexual or emotional abuse within
the club. She can be contacted via the club office, E-Mail:
Email: Su Wallis
In Rugby Union, we encourage parents to:
- Be aware of Nottingham Rugby Football Club’s code of conduct.
- Make sure the club has your contact number and that for insurance purposes
- your child is fully registered with the club (subscriptions to be paid in full)
- Be involved in the club activities; please stay during both matches and training
sessions support your child.
- In supporting your child, during training and matches, set a sporting example
by cheering everyone. Barracking from the touchline puts everyone off, and sets
a bad example.
- Respect your child, his/her team-mates, the opposition - all coaches and
referees.
- Share your expertise with the club.
- Share any concerns you may have with the rugby club (either your child’s
coach or any committee member).
- Please ensure that, at each and every attendance at the club, your child
has an adequate warm and weather proof playing gear, a change of clothing if needed
(check the weather forecast) and either brings a drink with him/her or has sufficient
funds to purchase one.
- All players on entering the clubhouse after playing must have a change of
clothes - no muddy boots or dirty kit is allowed in the clubhouse.
- We encourage parents to be pro-active in communicating with club officials
(who are all volunteers).
It is the responsibility of the committee of the mini and junior
section of Nottingham Rugby Football Club to establish a Club child protection
policy and to set up procedures within the club, as required by the Rugby Football
Union.
What NRFC is doing:
- ‘UR safe in RU’ leaflet to be circulated to all parents, coaches
and administrators. (Display on Mini/Junior Notice Board).
- Adults working with young players to complete "adults wishing to supervise
mini/junior rugby" forms. (Implemented before new season).
- Child Protection Officer Nominated.
- Formal procedures in place to look into any suspicion of child abuse, through
the child protection officer.
The child protection co-ordinator-
person in charge
Mrs Bridget Ward, Registered Sick Children’sNurse
has been
nominated as the co-ordinator.
Instigation procedures for complaints:
Committee members, child protection co-ordinator, coaches must
listen attentively to children at all times and if it becomes evident that a child
wishes to disclose problems they may have, every assistance will be given to do
so, the following guidelines should be followed: -
- Listen to the child, rather than question him/her directly.
- Never stop a child who is freely recalling significant events.
- Keep a record of what was said, where the discussion took place and who was
present.
- Ensure the co-ordinator has all the relevant details – she will then
decide what action needs to be taken.
Should anyone have an issue to be discussed, in the first instance
they should contact Bridget Ward or any member of the committee (details as shown
on the club notice board).
If asked for by the child, support from the child protection co-ordinator and
any member of the committee will be entirely confidential and kept so; even during
the investigative phase. Parents will be kept informed when concerns have been
expressed.
SHOULD THE PERSON SUSPECTING ANY ABUSE BE
WORRIED … they have a duty to act immediately to prevent further harm occurring.
If the club’s procedures cannot resolve things quickly, then social services
can be contacted directly, or alternatively CHILDLINE can be contacted on:
0800
800 500
where immediate advice and help can be found.
(N.B the RFU considers the child protection policy to cover all children until
the age of 18 years old.)
REMEMBER - COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY
All information will be treated in a sensitive manner and will be kept in the
strictest confidence and will be dealt with immediately.
All documentation relating to any child protection issue will be kept in a secure
cabinet and held by the club secretary and again will be completely confidential.
Parents Code of Conduct:
Be familiar with the NRFC code of conduct and child protection policies and
procedures. We have a nominated Child Protection Officer, [contact via the club]
and all issues should be raised through her.
- Make sure the club has your up to date details, contact numbers and medical
information. Full registration is mandatory for insurance reasons.
- Please become involved in your child’s activities, you must stay around
during training and matches.
- However, please remember you remain responsible for your child’s actions,
and keep them under control at all times.
- Share any expertise, time and help you can offer with the club.
- Please ensure your child(ren) has adequate kit and clothing (to keep warm
and dry); this should include clean clothing to wear after training and matches.
Fluids and drinks should also be available.
- Respect your child’s abilities and that of their team-mates, coaches
and allied helpers. Rugby is a game for all abilities, effort is rewarded. Bad
sportsmanship is not.
- Respect the opposition, their coaches and parents who are all guests at your
club.
- Respect all referees and their decisions. Please keep quiet even if you disagree.
Their job is particularly difficult when hassled from the sidelines.
- Support all on the field in an appropriate manner, cheer good play and reward
effort. BUT please do not barrack or hassle players and officials from the touchlines.
- Respect your clubs facilities at all times. Do not litter, do not take glass
onto the grass, and DO NOT EXERCISE YOUR DOG ON THE PLAYING FIELDS!
- Have fun with your kids and enjoy the best game in the world!
