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Everyone's responsibility

Safeguarding the welfare of our young players and 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 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;

*  an up to date Safeguarding Policy (reviewed annually on website) and 

*  must appoint a Safeguarding Officer whose contact details must be kept up to date on the Golden Role section of Game Management System (GMS). 

It is important that all players under 18 years of age (who are all classed as children) are protected and kept safe from physical, sexual or emotional harm while they are with the club’s coaches, helpers and other volunteers and when they are online.

Safeguarding Audit

This is an annual audit found on GMS - the answer is not always yes and you must be honest.  SOs will be contacted by the CBSM.

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 Safeguarding and RugbySafe paperwork there are also an annual Safeguarding Audit and Player Approval forms, all online,  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 tab above, 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. This last for 3 years and should be renewed before it expires. Please see the DBS tab.

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 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.  The PiS 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. 

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

*  e-safeguarding - booked through GMS - free

*  In Touch – this course is for the Safeguarding Officer specifically and refreshed every 3 years.  This is curently an online course and is booked through GMS. 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

Use the GMS online course booking system. You will have to pay for some courses but ask your Treasurer to reimburse you. Your attendance on the course will be logged on GMS.

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

 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  07879303239