Child Protection Policy

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Child Protection Policy

BRADFORD AND BINGLEY RFC

CHILD PROTECTION GUIDELINES

CONTENTS:

CHILD PROTECTION GUIDELINES, INCLUDING: -

Appendix 1 Requirements of Coaches

Appendix 2 Coaches Code of Conduct

Appendix 3 Action if concerns are reported

Appendix 4 Contact details

Appendix 5 Advice for Parents

Appendix 6 Parental Consent Form

Appendix 7 Managers and Coaches Policy Letter/ Acknowledgement

BRADFORD AND BINGLEY RFC

CHILD PROTECTION GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

At Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club we believe that taking part in our sport should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives. We want to make sure that children are protected and kept safe from physical, sexual and emotional harm while they are with the Club’s coaches and volunteers. To do this we have the following policies:

1. All coaches and managers must comply with the requirements. (see Appendix 1)

2. All coaches will go on a Foundation Coaching course as soon as possible.

3. All coaches will be given a copy of the Child Protection Guidelines and the Club’s Code of Conduct for coaches and will be expected to keep to it. The policies will also be posted in the Clubhouse. (see Appendix 2)

4. The Club will encourage women coaches/managers as well as men.

5. All coaches will be required to progress to the appropriate coaching level if they are approached to be the main coach of an age group.

6. The Club will encourage and help coaches stay up to date with rugby, coaching and child protection issues.

7. The Club will keep written records of attendance. Written parental consent to participation will be required before a player can start playing with the Club. Records of accidents will also be recorded.

8. The Senior Club will have a written Health and Safety policy covering fire procedures, telephone access, first aid and emergency procedures. This will be posted in the Clubhouse and a copy available on request.

9. The Club will provide coaches, managers and parents with a written procedure for dealing with accusations or suspicions of child abuse. (see Appendix 3 and Appendix 5 respectively)

10. As a Club we will promote fair play and always try to play within the spirit of the laws and the letter of the continuum.

11. The Club will identify a person whose role it is to deal with any concerns about physical, sexual or emotional abuse of children within the Club. They will be known as the Child Protection Officer, and their name and contact details will be posted in the Clubhouse.

Appendix 1

REQUIREMENTS OF COACHES

Completion of self-declaration form.

Two referees should be given. One should relate to any experience of working with children (if possible).

Complete an Application Form for an up to date Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Certificate.

Acknowledgement of a copy of the Club’s written policy of Child Protection and it’s Code of Conduct for Coaches.

	Note 1 All information provided will be treated confidentially and will be held by the Manager of Bradford and Bingley Sports and Social Club. Details of CRB Disclosures will be held centrally, at Twickenham, by the responsible Officer of the RFU. The club will be notified only of the outcome of CRB disclosures.
	Note 2. A panel of the Junior Committee members will consider all applications and then a recommendation will be made to the Junior Committee.
	Note 3. The Committee’s decision is final.

Appendix 2

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

This code has been written to remind or inform coaches of their responsibilities and the standards of behaviour required of them.

PLAYERS

Rugby is only part of players’ lives. Recognise this and allow for it in your demands on them.
Treat games against other clubs as lessons, opportunities to learn, not as tests.
Rugby is for everyone. Do not rely on star players and never make any player feel excluded. Share game time and your time in practice sessions equally.
Never ridicule any player. Never belittle any player. Always make every player feel valued.
Find out what makes every player tick. Know about their family background and their other interests. Be able to spot and then explain changes in their behaviour.
Find out the facts about child development and the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of the age group you work with.

RUGBY UNION AND ITS LAWS

Rugby is a potentially dangerous game which relies on every participant playing it in a spirit of mutual respect. Teach the players you work with the meaning of fair play and set them a good example.
Rugby works well when sides are evenly matched. Insist on mixing and matching ill matched teams.
Understand the continuum and abide by it. The Continuum is part of the Laws of the Game.
Learn the Laws and learn to Referee.
Teach players by your own example, to respect the Referee

COACHING

You owe it to yourself and all other coaches to behave as a coach;
1. Always look like a coach, always act like a coach.
2. Start on time and finish on time.
3. Plan your season.
4. Plan your sessions.
5. Do not drink alcohol before you work, or while you are working.
6. Do not smoke when you are working.

To be a good coach, you need up to date information on coaching issues and Rugby issues. Stay in touch.
You are responsible for the safety of the players you work with. Never be alone with individuals behind closed doors and never get in the bath with them.

Tell the players and keep telling yourself that winning and losing are only by-products of performance. We are there to enjoy playing. Perform well and you increase the chance of winning. If you perform well and lose you can still be satisfied with the result.

Appendix 3

REPORTING PROCEDURES

If concerns are reported about a member of staff, coach or volunteer.

Think if the issue is about poor practice.
Think if it is behaviour which is potentially unlawful. Then follow the appropriate route.

a. Poor Practice

Stage 1

Report your concerns to Child Protection Officer who will deal with it as an internal Club issue.

Stage 2

CPO will discuss with the Junior Club Chairman and Secretary and the matter is dealt with as quickly as possible. The complainant will be informed of any action that is taken.

Stage 3

If concerns remain the matter will be referred to the Yorkshire RFU/RFUW Junior Secretary or to the RFU/RFUW for advice.

NB If concerns relate to any officers involved in this procedure the matter should be referred directly to the Secretary of the Senior Club via the Club Manager.

b. if potentially unlawful

Stage 1

Report your concerns to Child Protection Officer, who will firstly ensure the safety of the child or children involved.

Stage 2

The CPO will consider if the evidence suggests there is a serious concern in consultation with the Junior Chairman and Secretary. The proposal on the next steps will be discussed with the complainant and advice sought from NSPCC Helpline or Social Services.

Stage 3

If it is agreed basic evidence exists of a potential unlawful act, the matter will be referred to Social Services (who may contact Police and talk to parents/carers), and at the same time the Senior Club Secretary and the Yorkshire RFU Junior Secretary will be informed.

NB If concerns relate to any officers involved in this procedure the matter should be referred directly to the Secretary of the Senior Club via the Clubs Manager.

Appendix 4

CHILD PROTECTION CONTACTS

Child Protection Officer Maxine Hepworth 01274 773781

Junior Chairman Dave Morris 01274 561710

Junior Secretary

Coaching Co-ordinator

Senior Club Manager Neil Spence 01274 775441

Senior Club Secretary Mick Waterhouse 01274 561303

NSPCC Helpline 0800 800 500

Social Services Emergency 01274 530 434

Yorkshir RfU Junior Secretary Dawn Rathmell 01422 375635

Appendix 5

ADVICE FOR PARENTS IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS

ABOUT CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY CLUB ENVIRONMENT

Report your concerns to Person in Charge.

This can be the Child Protection Officer, Chair or Secretary of the Junior Rugby Club. In their absence you can report the matter to the Manager of the Social Club who will ensure they get in touch with them. Their contact details are part of the Club’s Child Protection Policy.

The procedure which will be followed will be posted on the Club Notice Board, or a copy is available on request from an officer of the Club.

PLEASE NOTE:

Record what you have been told or what has been seen as soon as possible. Stay calm and reassure any child involved. Tell the child you will help them and that you will need to tell someone else who can help further. Then contact the relevant people.

If you feel you cannot wait to discuss the matter with the relevant Club officers because you believe an unlawful act has taken place, you can of course report the matter directly to Social Services or the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 800 500.

The Club would appreciate being informed immediately if you choose to take this course of action in order that it can carry out its own internal enquiries.

Appendix 6

Dear Parent/Guardian

The Club has guidelines on Child Protection as recommended by the RFU/RFUW, which I enclose. A copy is displayed on the Club notice board (along with some other useful information). It promotes good practice and also ensures a system is in place to deal with any matters arising. Before any child can train or play we require your consent and you will need to sign the form below to cover the period until the Club receives your child’s membership form and subscription.

Thank you for your co-operation. If you require any further information do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Maxine Hepworth

Child Protection Officer

PARENTAL CONSENT FORM

I/We give permission for my/our son/daughter to participate in contact rugby at Bradford and Bingley RFC.

I/We are in receipt of the Child Protection Policy (information).

Name of Child ……………………………… ……… (print)

Signature of Parent/Guardian ………………………………………….

Appendix 7

Managers and Coaches Policy Letter/ Acknowledgement

MANAGERS AND COACHES

I am writing to inform you of the RFU / RFUW guidelines on child protection and how the Club is responding. It is my responsibility as the identified person in charge of child protection at our club to ensure all adults wishing to supervise Mini/Junior rugby at club level are aware of the RFU / RFUW guidelines and the Club’s procedures.

The Key Areas to note are:

Recognising the responsibility of those involved in rugby union to safeguard and promote the interest and well being of the children and young players with whom they are working.
The value of working closely with other coaches, parents, professionals and volunteers to protect children and young players from harm and discrimination.
Recognising 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 to use if abuse is suspected will further safeguard the children, young players, coaches and all other working within the game.
It is necessary for all coaches and managers to complete a self-declaration from. These will be treated in the strictest confidence. This is necessary procedure for the Club to be able to promote good practice and comply with the RFU guidelines. The Club will also require all coaches and managers to complete an application for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau. This is RFU policy, and must be adhered to by all clubs.
New coaching and administrative recruits must follow the same procedure and should be advised of this when they first offer their help. They should be asked to contact me so I can arrange for the necessary forms to be completed.
The Club has produced a CHILD PROTECTION POLICY which is enclosed. In particular please take note of the COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT.
I will be distributing the leaflet RU SAFE IN RU and an information note to all parents. The Club now requires parental consent to participation prior to membership being received so managers please ensure this has been received and completed before a player is allowed to participate.

Please ensure that if you are aware of any concerns that exist on Child Protection matters, these are reported to me, or to the Chair or Secretary of the Junior Club.

Many thanks.

Maxine Hepworth Tel 01274 773781, Child Protection Officer.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED DECLARATION FORM ASAP TO ME BY POST VIA THE CLUB.

BRADFORD AND BINGLEY RFC

I have received copies of the Club’s Child Protection Guidelines and the Coaches Code of Conduct. I have read and understood their content and agree to abide by them I have completed my self-declaration form and have advised my two referees that they may be contacted. Please sign below and return this form with your completed self-declaration form to the Child Protection Officer.

Name……………………………………… (Block Capitals)

Signature ………………………………………

Last modified: Friday 03 November 2006

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