1. Faversham Rugby Union Football Club (FRUFC) acknowledges its responsibility to

safeguard the welfare of all children involved in Faversham Rugby Union Football Club from

harm.

 

2. FRUFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy and the

procedures, practices and guidelines and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained

in that document and any successor policy.

 

3. A child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. However, where

a 17 year old male player is playing in the adult game it is essential that every reasonable

precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected.

 

4. The Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy are that: The welfare of the child is, and

must always be, paramount to any other considerations. All participants regardless of age,

gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have

the right to protection from abuse or harm. All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect,

harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and

appropriately. Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents,

carers, children and young people is essential for the welfare of children. Children have a

right to expect support, and personal and social development delivered by an appropriately

recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in rugby union, whether they

are playing, volunteering or officiating in the community or professional areas of the sport.

 

5. FRUFC 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. FRUFC recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone

involved, in whatever capacity, at the club.

 

6. FRUFC will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of

Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate.

 

7. The Club Safeguarding Officer is Safeguarding Officer is Tracey Mason (07799766195) tracey.hamilton@favershamrufc.co.uk . If you witness or are aware of an incident where thewelfare 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. If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer you should inform the Deputy Safeguarding Officer and either the CB Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Team.

 

8. All members of FRUFC who work with children in Regulated Activity must undertake an

RFU Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with RFU Regulation 21.

 

9. FRUFC 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.

 

10. FRUFC 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. FRUFC 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.

 

11. FRUFC will ensure that its coaches [and team managers] will receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role. The RFU “Managing Challenging Behaviour” Policy has been adopted and circulated amongst the club workforce both, voluntary and paid.

 

12. Any events held on FRUFC 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 FRUFC must comply with the relevant RFU Regulations and

Guidance relating to tours.