Safeguarding the welfare of our young players and vulnerable adults is paramount. As coaches and volunteers we have a moral and possibly a legal responsibility, to provide the highest possible standard of care when we welcome young people into the game of rugby union. To discuss any Safeguarding matters please contact our Safeguarding Manager Avril Quinn (Aspatria RUFC) at cumbriarugbysafeguarding@outlook.com. This email address is monitored continually.
All Cumbria clubs and specifically those who have mini and/or youth sections and have 17 yr olds registered, must have a Safeguarding Policy and must appoint a Safeguarding Officer whose contact details must be kept up to date on the RFU database now known as the Game Management System. An exemplar policy is on the Cumbria RFU website for you to adapt and adopt after personalisation. There is also a Safeguarding Toolkit provided by the RFU and in the tab for you to use.
It is important that all players under 18 years of age (who are classed as children) are protected and kept safe from physical, sexual or emotional harm and abuse while they are with the club’s coaches, helpers, other volunteers and when they are online.
Awareness
There may be an increased risk within many sports, including rugby union, for abuse to occur, even unintentionally. The unique culture and traditions of rugby, along with so-called stereotypical behaviour, whilst common to many team sports, may give rise to unacceptable behaviour leading to situations where abuse may occur or coaches and/or young players may be placed at increased risk.
Whilst there are many ways in which the welfare of young players can be safeguarded, further guidance can be sought from the ‘RFU Child and Young Player Protection Policy’
You are advised to become familiar with the ways in which you and your club can:
• Understand what child abuse means
• Ensure good practice in the coaching of young players
• Provide a safe environment for young people and vulnerable adults
• Recognise abuse and provide a structure to deal sympathetically with concern
Paperwork
As well as the Club Accreditation and RugbySafe paperwork there are also an annual Safeguarding Audit and Club Approval and Player Approval forms to complete if you intend to register/train 17 yr olds. Please try and make sure all this is in place at the start of the season as checks have to be made prior to approval. Please display the poster that is in the Safeguarding tab, in your club and changing room area with current details of your Safeguarding Officer.
DBS
Every coach and volunteer must have a current RFU DBS in place (see DBS in this tab). This lasts for 3 years and should be renewed before it expires. Before that is initially applied for the RFU require that an online Introduction to Safeguarding course is completed – this is the link - https://www.englandrugby.com/governance/safeguarding/safeguarding-courses
Cumbria Rugby Safeguarding Courses
Cumbria RFU is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and so we encourage everyone who is involved in children/vulnerable adults playing rugby to attend the following RFU Courses: The Safeguarding Officer will be responsible for making sure that appropriate people attend the courses, they are current and have a DBS check/on line RFU Safeguarding Course which is valid for 3 years and completed through the RFU. The Safeguarding Audit also on the website will be useful for you to keep a check on who needs course or refreshed.
Play It Safe – although it doesn’t have an expiry date refresh every 3 years is the advice from the RFU.
This 3 hour course is for any volunteer or coach at a club who is working with or has responsibility for children and vulnerable adults within rugby.
Your club personnel need to complete Headcase online and bring the certificate to the training. This is an excellent tool to inform delegates about head injuries and rugby. Click here to access the online course.
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
• Identify best practice and apply this within rugby
• Know where to find support and guidance within the RFU
• Identify signs and indicators of possible abuse and poor practice
• State action to take if there is a concern or disclosure
• Recognise their role in safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults
In Touch – although it doesn’t have an expiry date refresh every 3 years is the advice from the RFU.
In Touch is another 3 hour course and can be attended by any club officials, but is specifically targeted at club Safeguarding Officers.
By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:
• Define and explain the role and responsibility of an RFU Club Safeguarding Officer
• Identify the roles of club members and officers to promote best safeguarding practice
• Identify best practice when recruiting in the club
• Apply the RFU Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults in Rugby Policy and Guidance and Safeguarding Toolkit
• Manage concerns and disclosures
• Provide an opportunity to share best safeguarding practice
Booking on a course
Clicking here to use our online course booking system. You will have to pay but ask your Treasurer to reimburse you. Your attendance on the course will be logged on GMS.
Intending to Tour with Children?
Please read the guidance on the website under Safeguarding carefully. Remember it also applies to you if a 17 yr old is going on an adult tour.
If you are unsure about anything please get in touch and remember no question is too silly.
Avril Quinn – Aspatria RUFC – Safeguarding Manager for Cumbria RFU
cumbriarugbysafeguarding@outlook.com
Ably assisted by Garry Holmes (Kendal RUFC) and Stu McNee (Egremont RUFC).