Keeping Children and Adults Safe
Safeguarding is a matter taken very seriously by Somerset Rugby Referees society and all its members we will use the RFU safeguarding policy as the framework that we work within.
The society understand that when officiating rugby where children are playing we will look to ensure that we provide a safe and secure environment, and adhere to the principles laid out in section 7 of the Age Grade Rugby Code of Practice.
SRRS has a dedicated Safeguarding Officer and any concerns or questions please contact them on the contact e-mail address or telephone number below.
To endeavour to ensure we deliver this safe environment for both young players and young officials to enjoy their rugby experience we will undertake the following activities and actions.
- DBS Checks, Aspirational. We will, wherever practicable, appoint a DBS checked referee to U18 matches. They must also have signed to say they have read and will adhere to the Child protection Policy.
- SRRS will run “Play it Safe” Courses and seminars to its members and COMDs, in line with RFU Best Practice
- Safeguarding will be a standing item on the agenda of all executive meetings
- YMO will only be mentored by members whom have a current DBS and have undertaken the “Play it Safe” course (To be completed in the 18/19 season)
- YMO will receive a presentation on what SRRS will do to support them in their safeguarding, we will also invite their parents.
- Review the policy annually and update as required
Contact numbers:
- NSPCC 24 hour freephone: 0808 800 5000
- RFU Safeguarding Line (Not 24 hour): 0208 831 6655
- SRRS Safeguarding Officer Paul Connolly 07949029198 safeguarding@srrs.org.uk
The following resources should be consulted for up to date safeguarding advice and recommendations:
- England Rugby – Safeguarding Children
- England Rugby – Safeguarding Adults
- England Rugby – Reporting an Incident
- The Child Protection In Sport Unit (CSPU)- Keep children safe in sport
- NSPCC – What to do if you suspect abuse
If you suspect any concerns around safeguarding, do not hesitate to seek advice.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
SRRS have adopted the RFU’s Child Protection Policy.
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 must 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
REMEMBER:
“The welfare of all young people is paramount”
Signed
Starting Date of Policy 1st September 2018
Review by 31st August 2019