 |
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC
Westleigh Park
Lutterworth Road
Blaby
Leicester
LE8 4DY
Tel : 0116 277 1010
|
F O R E W O R D
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC recognises its moral and legal obligation to ensure that, the coaches and volunteers who have a responsibility for young people within the club provide them with the highest possible standard of care.
Through the implementation of a policy for the Welfare of Young People and the support of its coaches and volunteers, Leicester Lions Juniors RFC will maintain the professionalism and safeguards of good practice which are associated with the game.
The policy outlines the following key areas:
· It recognises the responsibility of all those involved in the club to safeguard and promote the interests and well being of the young people with whom they are working
· It provides a framework on the recruitment, selection, suitability and deployment of individuals working with young people
· It emphasises the value of working closely in partnership with coaches, parents, professionals and volunteers to protect children and young players from harm and discrimination.
· It acknowledges that abuse does take place in sport and that raising awareness and understanding of the main forms of abuse and establishing communication and reporting procedures if abuse is suspected will further safeguard the young players, coaches and all others working within the club.
SECTION ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1
Anyone under the age of 18 within the club should be considered as a young person
for the purposes of this document
1.2 The welfare of all young people is paramount
1.3 All young people, whatever their age gender, culture, ability, language,
religious belief, racial origin, and/or sexual identity should be able to enjoy
the game in a fun, environment safe from abuse of any kind
1.4 All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded
to swiftly and appropriately
1.5 All individuals within the club who work with young people will be made
aware of good practice in order to ensure that they are not placed in situations
where unmerited allegations are made.
1.6 Leicester Lions Juniors RFC will work with parents/carers to ensure that
all youngsters within the club enjoy the game in a safe environment
1.7 Leicester Lions Juniors RFC recognises the statutory responsibilities of
Social Services Departments and the Police to ensure the welfare of young people
and is committed to complying with Local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC acknowledge that within RFU regulations a male player is permitted to play in the adult game on reaching his 17th birthday. In these circumstances 7.2.4 and 7.3.3 of this policy cannot practically be applied. However, the club recognises its responsibility to be mindful of the safety and well-being of the player.
SECTION TWO – RECOGNISING ABUSE and POOR PRACTICE
In order to provide young people in the club with the best possible experiences and opportunities in Rugby Union, it is imperative that all club members operate within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrate exemplary behaviour. This not only ensures that Rugby Union makes a positive contribution to the development of young people and safeguards their welfare, but also protects all club personnel from false allegations of abuse or poor practice.
It
is not always easy to differentiate poor practice from abuse, albeit intentional
or unintentional. It is not, therefore, the responsibility of adults within
the club to determine whether or not abuse is taking place. It is however their
responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and to act if they
have a concern about the welfare of a young person/s.
The four main types of abuse are:
2 EMOTIONAL ABUSE
2.1
In a rugby situation, emotional abuse may occur when coaches provide repeated
negative feedback.
2.2 Repeatedly ignore a young player’s efforts to progress.
2.3 Repeatedly demand performance levels above those of which the young player
is capable over emphasise the winning ethic.
ABUSE BY NEGLECT
2.4 In a rugby situation neglect may occur when:
2.5 Young players are left alone without proper supervision.
2.6 A young player is exposed to unnecessary heat or cold without fluids or
protection.
2.7 A young player is exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury.
PHYSICAL ABUSE
2.8 In a rugby situation physical abuse may occur when:
2.9 Coaches, Managers or helpers expose young players to exercise/ training
which disregards the capacity of the players immature and growing body.
2.10 Coaches, Managers or helpers expose young players to overplaying, over
training or fatigue.
2.11 Coaches, Managers or helpers expose young players to alcohol, or give them
the opportunity to drink alcohol below the legal age.
2.12 Coaches, Managers or helpers expose young players to performance enhancing
drugs and recommend that they take them.
SEXUAL ABUSE
2.13 The close proximity of coaches and others, to young people provides opportunities for potential abusers to exploit their position of trust to sexually abuse.
SECTION THREE - BULLYING
3. Bullying is not always easy to define and will not always be an adult abusing a young person. It is often the case that the bully is a young person.
There are three main types of bullying:
·
Physical e.g. hitting, kicking, theft.
· Verbal e.g. racist or homophobic remarks.
· Emotional e.g. persistent negative feedback.
All of these will include:
Deliberate hostility and aggression towards a victim
3.1 A victim who is weaker and less powerful that the bully or bullies.
3.2 An outcome which is always painful and distressing for the individual.
3.3 Bullying behaviour may also include.
3.4 Other forms of violence.
3.5 Sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing.
3.6 Tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation.
3.7 Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
3.8 Unwanted physical contact or abusive offensive comments of sexual nature.
The
competitive nature of Rugby Union makes it a potential environment for the bully.
This may manifest itself in some of the following ways:
3.9 A parent who pushes too hard.
3.10 A coach who adopts a win at all costs philosophy.
3.11 A player who intimidates others.
3.12 An official who is over officious.
The club has an anti-bullying policy (See appendix 2)
SECTION FOUR - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The role of the Rugby Club
4 To appoint a Welfare Officer who will act as the first point of contact for
concerns about the welfare of young people (see appendix 2 for Terms of Reference).
4.1 To accept that all officers and committee members have a responsibility
in this area and be prepared to respond to any indication of poor practice or
abuse and to put in place structures and systems to ensure that this is followed
in practice.
4.2 To adopt and implement a policy of Best Practice for all adults working
with young people (see section 7 and appendix 3).
4.3 To ensure that all relevant members who have regular supervisory contact
with children or a management responsibility for those working with young people
undertake a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure.
4.4 To ensure that relevant training is available for all those working with
young people.
4.5 To identify a disciplinary panel which, where necessary, will be convened
to hear case ( See appendix 1)
4.6 To keep written records of player attendance, parent contact details.
Coaches Responsibility
4.7
Be familiar with and adhere to the club Child Protection Policy and Best Practice
Guidelines.
4.8 Undertake any relevant training provided by the club.
4.9 Undertake a CRB Disclosure.
Parents
4.10
Ensure the club has a relevant details relating to their son or daughter.
4.11 Share any concerns initially with the club welfare officer.
4.12 Be involved in Club Activities.
4.13 Assist in the supervision of the young player where able and when appropriate.
SECTION FIVE - TAKING APPROPRIATE ACTION
CONCERNS ABOUT POOR PRACTICE AND POSSIBLE ABUSE WITHIN THE RUGBY CLUB
This relates to anyone working with young people within the Rugby Club. For example, volunteer coaches, club helpers, administrators.
The club will take all allegations seriously and appropriate action will be pursued.
Allegations will often relate to poor practice where an adult’s behaviour is inappropriate and maybe causing concern to a young person/s, colleagues or parents.
POOR
PRACTICE:
Constitutes any behaviour which contravenes the club Coaches Codes of Conduct
(Appendix 3) and Codes of Good Practice in the Rugby setting (section 7)
· Infringes on an individuals rights
· Is a failure to fulfil the highest standards of care
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC WILL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION IF A YOUNG PERSON DISCLOSES THAT HE/SHE IS CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONES BEHAVIOR TOWARDS THEM WITHIN THE RUGBY CLUB OR AN ADULT EXPRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT THE WELFARE OF A YOUNG PERSON/S
5.1
Compile full written record of what has been said, heard seen as soon as possible
5.2 Club welfare officer to be informed immediately
5.3 Club welfare officer will report the matter to the RFU Ethics and Equity
Manager, with copy to the CB Welfare Manager.
Following
guidance that the issue is POOR PRACTICE then the Club Welfare officer should
follow club disciplinary procedures for a first report of poor practice (See
appendix 1)
5.4
Forward a written report on action taken to CB Welfare Manager and RFU Ethics
and Equity Manager
5.5 If an individual is identified by the club as being guilty of poor practice
on subsequent occasions then the CB Welfare Manager in consultation with the
RFU Ethics and Equity manager may conclude that the issue constitutes abuse
and should be referred to the RFU Disciplinary Officer.
Following guidance that the issue is ABUSE then the club welfare officer should:
5.6
If the young person requires immediate medical attention
o An ambulance must be called
o The doctor should be informed that the concern relates to Child Protection
5.7 Refer the allegation to Police or Social Services They will give advice
relating to the contacting of parents/guardians.
5.8 Inform the CB welfare officer and the RFU Ethics and Equity Manager and
forward a written report utilising the Incident Referral Form
Non action is not an option. “The welfare of the young person/s is paramount”
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC WILL TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION IF THROUGH AN ADULTS OBSERVATIONS OR THROUGH A THIRD PARTY, THE CLUB BECOME AWARE OF POSSIBLE ABUSE OCCURING AT A YOUNG PERSONS HOME OR IN SOME OTHER SETTING (OUTSIDE OF THE RUGBY CLUB).
If
this happens:
· Ensure the safety of the young person – if he/she requires immediate
treatment, call an ambulance, inform doctors of concerns and ensure they are
aware that this is a Child Protection issue.
The following procedures will then be followed:
5.9
Concerns reported to Club Welfare Officer.
5.10 Club Welfare Officer may seek advice from RFU Ethics and Equity Manager
CB Welfare Manager, RFU Child Protection Helpline or NSPCC. If there is any
delay in receiving advice contact must be made with Social Services.
5.10 If a formal referral is made, make it clear to Social Services/Police that
this is a Child Protection referral.
5.11 All police forces have dedicated Child Protection Teams (CPTs) which deal
with allegations of abuse within family setting and by people in a position
of trust. In a real emergency dial 999.
5.12 Parents/carers should only be contacted following advice from Social Services.
Non action is not an option “The welfare of the young person/s is paramount” Delay in acting can increase the risk to the child
In all cases Leicester Lions Juniors RFC recognises that:
·
It is often more difficult for some young people to disclose abuse than others.
Young people from ethnic minorities may have regularly experienced racism which
may lead them to believe that certain groups including those in authority roles
do not really care about their well being. They may well feel they have good
reason to question whether the response may be different.
· Disabled young people may have to overcome additional barriers before
feeling that that they can disclose abuse. They may rely on the abuser for their
daily care and not know of alternative sources of care. The abuse may be the
only attention/affection they have experienced. There may be communication difficulties
and they will almost certainly have to overcome prejudices which block our willingness
to believe they may be abused or to use their medical condition to explain away
indicators which in an able bodied young person would concern us.
5.13 In all cases every effort will be made by the club to ensure that confidentiality is maintained
Information will be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis. This will include the following people.
·
The Club/CB welfare Officers
· Designated Officers within the RFU
· Person making the allegation
· Social Services and police
· Parents of the young person alleged to have been abused
DEALING WITH CONCERNS, DISCLOSURE OR ALLEGATIONS RELATING TO ANY ADULT WITHIN _ Leicester Lions Juniors RFC
Could it be child abuse
Is the concern poor practice or a breach of the club “Codes of Conduct
for Coaches” (Appendix 3) or”Codes of Good Practice in the Rugby
Setting” (Section 7)
YES NO
Club Welfare Officer, reports the incident to the RFU Ethics and Equity Manager
and CB welfare Manager A decision is made in consultation with the RFU Disciplinary
Office as to whether the club can manage the issue through the club Disciplinary
Procedure
NO YES
Report concerns to
Club Welfare Officer.
Refer immediately to RFU Ethics and Equity Manager and at the same time
Contact Police and Social Services who will also advise on contacting parents/guardians
If
the issue is unresolved or has wider implications
refer back to RFU Ethics and Equity Manager
RFU Disciplinary Officer will arrange disciplinary/misconduct proceedings in
line with RFU Disciplinary regulations
RFU Communications Department will deal with all media enquires
Are you concerned about
abuse by a person outside the Rugby Club
DEALING WITH POSSIBLE ABUSE OCCURING OUTSIDE OF THE RUGBY CLUB
YES
YES N0
Report concerns to the Club Welfare officer
If Club Welfare Officer is not available, person discovering or being told of abuse should…
Refer concerns immediately to Police or social services who will also advise on contacting parents/guardians
Forward a written report utilising RFU incident report form to Police and Social Services Send copy to RFU Equity and Ethics Manager
SECTION SIX - RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION, COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC recognises that anyone may have the potential to abuse young people in some way and Leicester Lions Juniors RFC will therefore ensure that unsuitable people are prevented from working with young people within the Rugby Club. The club recognises that Under the Protection of Children Act 1999 all individuals working on behalf of the club are treated as employees whether paid or volunteers.
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC will carry out the following recruitment checks
6.0 Advertising
If any form of advertising is used to recruit staff, it will reflect the
·
Responsibilities of the role
· Level of experience or qualification required ( e.g. working with children
an advantage)
· The club stance on Child Protection
6.1
Applications
· All adults who are in contact with young people, whether paid or voluntary,
should complete an application form (See appendix 5).
6.3 Checks and References
· All adults within the club who have “regular supervisory contact
with young people” will undertake CRB disclosure. These people will include:
o Professional Staff ( if relevant)
o All coaches/assistant coaches
o Heads of Mini/Midi Rugby sections
o Heads of Youth Rugby Sections
o Team Managers
o All referees who manage mini/midi and youth games
o Welfare Officers
o Physiotherapists
6.4 A minimum of two written references will be taken up and at least one will be with former work with young people. If an applicant has no experience of working with children, training is strongly advised.
6.5
Interview/induction
· Where appropriate e.g. all professional appointments for full or part
time will undergo formal interview
· All staff paid or voluntary working with young people will undergo
an induction process where
o Coaching qualifications, if applicable verified
o Training needs are identified
o Codes of Conduct and Codes of Good Practice are signed up to
o The roles, responsibilities and expectations of the role are clarified
o Child Protection Procedures are explained and training needs established
6.6 Training
Leicester Lions Juniors RFC will offer training which will enable all adults working with young people to recognise their responsibilities with regard to their own good practice and the reporting poor practice or concerns of possible abuse.
Leicester
Lions Juniors RFC will offer the following opportunities to adults working with
young people
· “RFU Guide to Best practice and Child Protection”
· “An appropriate RFU Coaching Course”
It
is vital that all staff working with young people in Rugby Union are conversant
with
· Player centred Coaching techniques
· How to work with young people safely and effectively
6.7 Monitoring and Appraisal
Leicester
Lions Juniors RFC will provide appropriate feedback to adults working with young
people which will;
· Identify training needs
· Set new goals
· Highlight concerns about inappropriate behaviour
SECTION SEVEN - GOOD PRACTICE AT Leicester Lions Juniors
RFC
The following section sets out Good Practice Procedures which all those involved in the delivery of Rugby Union to young people at Leicester Lions Juniors RFC will adhere to;
7.1 Good Practice Procedures
7.1.1
The club has in place a Welfare Policy with an implementation and monitoring
programme
7.1.2 A designated officer (Club Welfare Officer) is appointed with representation
on relevant club committees
7.1.3 The Welfare Policy will be publicised and available to show the clubs
commitment to providing a safe environment
7.1.4 The club has in place procedures in place to deal with complaints or concerns
which is available to all club members
7.1.5 The Club will provide training opportunities for adults who work with
young people
7.1.6 The club has Codes of Conduct and Codes of Practice in place and will
ensure that all coaches sign up to the relevant codes
7.1.7 Parents/carers will be made aware of what the organisation and coaches
are doing and also of the correct procedures to express any concerns they may
have
7.1.8 The club will ensure that there is an Equity Policy and that all discrimination
is challenged and prohibited
7.1.9 The club will ensure that all adults who regularly supervise young people
undertake CRB disclosure
7.1.10 The club will ensure guidelines are in place to control and monitor the
use of photographic images of children (see appendix 8)
7.1.11 The club has an anti-bullying policy which is actively promoted (See
Appendix 4)
7.1.11.1 The club will monitor coaches and provide them with feedback with particular
reference to “poor practice”
7.2 Leicester Lions Juniors RFC Codes of Good Practice for Coaches and Officials
7.2.1 Always be publicly open when working with young people. Avoid situations where you and an individual child are completely unobserved.
7.2.2
Rugby is a physical game. Situations will occur when, in order to teach or coach
certain techniques, it is necessary to make contact with the player. However
the following must apply
· Parents and young players must be made aware of situations in which
this may happen when they join the club
· Physical handling should only be used for safety reasons or where there
is no other way of coaching the technique
7.2.3 Contact or touching which is inappropriate (not directly related to the coaching context) or aggressive, will not be tolerated
7.2.4 If groups are to be supervised in changing rooms, always ensure that individuals work in pairs, and that gender is appropriate. Ideally young people should not have to change at the same time or in the same place as adults
7.2.5 Where mixed teams compete away from home they should always be accompanied by at least one male and one female adult.
7.2.6 Coaches must place the well-being and safety of the player above the development of performance. Coaches should:
· Avoid overplaying of players (particularly talented players). All players need and deserve equal opportunity to play
· Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only a part of it
· Motivate youngsters through positive feedback and constructive criticism
· Ensure that contact skills are taught in a safe, secure manner paying due regard to the physical development of young players.
· Never allow young players to train/play when injured.
· Ensure equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the age and ability of the players.
7.2.7 Coaches should hold current RFU coaching awards or a recognised qualification.
7.2.8 Coaches should keep up to date with knowledge and technical skills and should be aware of their own limitations. Coaches should only work within the limitations of their knowledge and qualifications
7.2.9 Coaches must ensure that the activities which they direct or advocate are appropriate to the age, maturity and ability of the players.
7.2.10 Coaches should always promote the positive aspects of their sport (eg fair play), and never condone law violations or use of prohibited substances.
7.2.11
Coaches must consistently display high standards of personal behaviour and
appearance
7.2.12 Coaches should never overtly criticise players or use language or actions which may cause the player to lose self esteem or confidence.
.7.2.13 People should not be allowed to drink alcohol or encouraged to drink alcohol if they are under the legal age to do so.
Practice to be avoided
Everyone should also be aware that, as a general rule, it does not make sense for a coach to:
· Spend amounts of time alone with young people away from others.
· Take young people alone on car journeys, however short.
If it should arise that such situations are unavoidable they should only take place with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge in the club/governing body and/or a person with parental responsibility for the player.
If
you accidentally hurt a player, or cause distress in any manner, or the player
appears to respond in a sexual manner to your actions, or misunderstands, or
misinterprets something you have done, report the incident to a colleague supported
by a written report of the incident as soon as possible. Parents/carers should
also be informed of the occurrence.
7.3 Practice that is prohibited by the RFU/W
Individuals should never;
7.3.1 Take young people to their home or other secluded places where they will be alone.
7.3.2
Engage in rough, physical games, sexually provocative games or horseplay with
young people.
7.3.3 Take part as player in any dynamic contact games or training sessions
with young people. If there is a need for an adult to facilitate learning within
a coaching session through the use of coaching aids e.g. contact pads, this
should be done with the utmost care and with due regard to the safety and well
being of the young players.
7.3.4 Share a room with a young person unless the individual is the parent/guardian of that young person.
7.3.5 Allow any form of inappropriate touching. (not specifically related to the coaching of the game) .
7.3.5 Make sexually suggestive remarks to a young person even in fun.
7.3.6 Use inappropriate language or allow young players to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
7.3.7 Allow allegations by a young person to go unchallenged, unrecorded, or not acted upon.
7.3.8
Do things of a personal nature for a young person that they can do for themselves
unless you have been requested to do so by the parents/carer (Please note that
it is recognised that some young people will always need help with things such
as lace tying, adjustment of Tag belts, fitting head guards).
7.3.9 Depart the Rugby Club until all the safe dispersal of all young people
is complete.
7.3.10 Cause an individual to lose self esteem by embarrassing, humiliating or undermining the individual.
7.3.11 Treat some young people more favourably than others.
7.3.12 Agree to meet a young person on your own on a one to one basis.
7.4 POSITIONS OF TRUST
All
adults who work with young people are in a position of trust which has been
invested in them by the parents, the sport and the young person. This relationship
can be described as one in which the adult is in apposition of power and influence
by virtue of their position.
In Rugby Union most adults in a position of trust recognise that there are certain
boundaries in the coach/player relationship which must not be crossed in terms
of the relationship with the young player. The relationship is no different
to that between a school teacher and the pupils in their care.
RFU Code of conduct on the Abuse of Trust
7.4.1
Any behaviour, which encourages a physical, or emotionally dependant relationship
to develop between the person in a position of trust and the young person in
their care must be avoided.
7.4.2 All those within the club have a duty to raise concerns about the behaviour
by coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators which may harmful to the young
people in the club, without prejudice to their own position.
7.4.3 Allegations relating to a breach of the code of conduct will be investigated
according to RFU disciplinary procedures.
SECTION EIGHT – USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS
The
RFU Ethics and Equity Manager
Steve Farr
Telephone: 0208 831 7479
Email: stevefarr@rfu.com
The
RFUW Child Protection Lead Officer
Helen Ames
Telephone: 0208 831 7996
Email: helenames@rfu.com
Your club or Constituent Body Welfare Officer
The
RFU Helpline and e-mail
childprotection@therfu.com
0208 831 6655
NSPCC Helpline
Telephone:
0808 800 5000
Asian Helpline: 0800 096 7719
Welsh Helpline: 0800 100 2524
Deaf Users Textphone: 0800 056 0686
www.nspcc.org.uk
This is a 24 hour free and confidential telephone Helpline that provides counselling,
information and advice to anyone concerned about a child at risk of ill treatment
or abuse.
Child
Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
3 Gilmour Close, Beaumont Leys, Leicester LE4 1EZ
Telephone: 0116 234 7200
www.sportprotects.org.uk
Local Social services
Bob
Parker, Service Manager, Child Protection Unit 0116 265 7409
Flick Schofield, Assistant Director Children & Families, 0116 265 7441
County RFU Welfare manager
Pauline Harding
APPENDIX 1
Club procedures to manage cases of poor practice
Poor practice is defined as any behaviour which contravenes RFU Codes of Conduct (Fair Play Codes) or RFU Guidance for Good Practice
1.
Once an incident is reported to the Club Welfare Officer he/she should consult
with RFU Ethics and Equity Manager in order to ascertain whether the allegation
is poor practice, bullying or abuse
2. Once the incident has been identified as poor practice and in consultation
with senior club officials (Club Chairman/Youth Chairman) a decision will be
made whether or not to suspend, temporarily, the person accused. Each case will
be considered on its merits
3. A disciplinary hearing may be called. The panel should be made up of three
club members with regard to the following criteria
· No person who has been involved in bringing the case to the disciplinary
hearing should sit on the panel
· Senior management of the club must be represented
· If the case relates to poor coaching practice experience in this field
must be represented
4.
The accused will be advised of receipt of the report and provided with copies
5. The accused will be invited to attend the hearing which must be held at a
convenient time for him/her
6. The accused must be given sufficient advance notice
7. The accused must be given the opportunity to offer his/her side of the story
and call witnesses
8. Once the disciplinary panel reaches a decision it should be communicated
to the accused and confirmed in writing
9. A copy of the finding should be sent to the CB Welfare Officer and RFU Ethics
and Equity Manager
Power of the Club Disciplinary Panel
1. Temporary suspension
2. Person may only coach whilst supervised
3. Coach must undertake RFU Best Practice and Child Protection Course
4. Coach must attend ScUk “Good Practice and Child Protection Course
5. Coach must attend appropriate RFU Coaching Course
Appendix 2
Terms of Reference for Club Welfare Officer
1. Ensure club has a Child Protection Policy and implementation plan
2. Ensure Codes of Conduct are well publicised and adhered to
3. In consultation with County welfare Officer ensure all reported incidents are managed at the appropriate level in line with RFU procedures
4. Ensure all relevant club members are aware of training opportunities
5. Ensure all parents are aware of the club policy on Child Protection and the correct protocols for voicing concerns
6. Be aware of local Social Services and Area Child Protection Committee contacts
7. Sit on relevant club committees
Appendix 3
Coaches Code of Conduct
1. All rugby coaches must respect the rights ,dignity and worth of every young person with whom they work with and treat them equally within the context of Rugby Union
2. All rugby coaches must place the physical and emotional well being of all young players above all other considerations, including the development of performance
3. The relationship that a rugby coach develops with the players with whom they work must be based on mutual trust and respect
4. All rugby coaches must ensure that all activities undertaken are appropriate to the age, maturity, experience and ability of the young players
5. All rugby coaches must encourage young players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
6. All rugby coaches should clarify with the young players (and their parents/carers) what is expected of them both on and off the rugby field and also what they are entitled to expect from the coach
7.
All rugby coaches should work in partnership with others within the game
(officials, doctors, physiotherapists, sports scientists) to ensure the wellbeing,
safety and enjoyment of all young players
8. All rugby coaches must promote the positive aspects of the sport e.g. Fair Play etc. Violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant regulations or the use of prohibited techniques or substances must never be condoned
Appendix 4
Anti Bullying Policy
Bullying
is not easy to define, can take many forms and is usually repeated over a period
of time. The three main types of bullying are: physical (e.g. hitting, kicking),
verbal (e.g. racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling) and emotional
(e.g. isolating an individual from activities). They will all include:
· Deliberate hostility and aggression towards the victim
· A victim who is weaker than the bully or bullies
· An outcome which is always painful and distressing for the victim.
Bullying
behaviour may also include: -
· Other forms of violence
· Sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing or theft
· Tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation
· Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
· Unwanted physical contact or abusive or offensive comment of a sexual
nature
Emotional and verbal bullying is more likely to be found in rugby than physical violence, it is also difficult to cope with or prove. It is of paramount importance that all clubs develop their own anti-bullying policy to which all its members, coaches, players, staffing volunteers and parents subscribe to and accept.
Every
club should be prepared to:
· Take the problem seriously
· Investigate any incidents
· Talk to the bullies and victims separately
Decide
on appropriate action, such as:
· Obtain apology from the bully(ies) to the victim
· Inform parents of the bully(ies)
· Insist on the return of items “borrowed” or stolen
· Insist bullies compensate the victim