Safeguarding Policy

Sun 09 Jul 2023 10:39

WHITLEY BAY ROCKCLIFF RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff Rugby Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children involved in Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC from harm.

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Children Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorses and adopts the Policy Statement contained in that document and any successor policy.

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

  1. The Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy are that:
  • The welfare of the child is paramount
  • All participants regardless of age, sex, ability or disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, size, or sexual orientation have the right to protection from harm
  • All allegations, suspicions of harm and concerns will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately
  • Everyone will work in partnership to promote the welfare, health and development of children

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC 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.

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club.

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate.

  1. The Club Safeguarding Officer is:

Claire Hayden

Telephone: 07952747546

Email: wbr.chayden@gmail.com

  1. 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.

  1. If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer you should inform the club’s Director of Safety, Health and Facilities (Dave Hill; Telephone: 07824 607955; Email: wbr.davehill@gmail.com) and either the CB Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Team.

  1. All members of Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC who work with children in Regulated Activity must undertake an RFU Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with RFU Regulation 21.

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC 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 club, the CB or the RFU:

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

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC manages the changing facilities and arranges for them to be supervised by two DBS checked adults of the appropriate gender for the players using the facilities. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC ensures that all its coaches, parents, officials and spectators are aware that adults must not change at the same time, using the same facilities as children.

  1. Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC will ensure that its coaches, team managers and first aiders will receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role. The Child Protection in Sport Unit’s ‘Managing Challenging Behaviour’ briefing has been adopted and circulated amongst the club workforce both, voluntary and paid.

  1. Any events held on Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC premises must comply with this Policy and if appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected. Any tours, overseas or domestic, undertaken by Whitley Bay Rockcliff RFC must comply with the relevant RFU Regulations and Guidance relating to tours.

Whitley Bay Rockcliff Rugby Football Club

4 July 2023

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