Safeguarding

Safeguarding the welfare of our young players is paramount. As coaches and volunteers we have a moral and possibly a legal responsibility to provide the highest possible standard or care when we welcome young people into the game of rugby union.

All Middlesex clubs who have mini and / or youth sections 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.

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

Awareness

There may be an increased risk within many sports, including rugby union, for abuse to occur which does not necessarily fit into these categories. The unique culture and traditions of rugby, along with so-called stereotypical behavior, whilst common to many team sports, may give rise to unacceptable behavior leading to situations where abuse may occur or coaches and/or young players are 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
• Recognise abuse and provide a structure to deal sympathetically with concern

Middlesex Rugby Safeguarding Courses

Middlesex rugby 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:

Play It Safe

This course is for any volunteer or coach at a club who is working with or has responsibility for children and vulnerable adults within 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

In Touch

In Touch 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

Delegates who wish to book onto a course must do so, along with paying any course fee, in advance by using our online course booking system.

Further Information

For further information about Middlesex Rugby’s safeguarding policy, please contact the County Safeguarding Officer Neil Horchover, email: moc/ybgurxeselddim//gnidraugefas