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Child Safeguarding
Sutton & Epsom RFC takes the safeguarding and protection of children, in its widest sense, very seriously. It has therefore appointed a qualified official to manage all safeguarding issues across the Mini and Junior section. He should be contacted if you have any concerns which either cannot or have not been properly resolved by the managers/coaches of the relevant age group:
Club Safeguarding Co-officer
Ian McGraw
ianmcgraw@imsafeguarding.com
Club Safeguarding Co-officer
Kellie Rutledge
kellie_rutledge@yahoo.co.uk
The RFU have published their Safeguarding Children Policy
This document is intended as a guide for people involved in the coaching, management and development of Rugby Union within the club environment. It should be read by volunteers, parents and professionals alike, and in particular a new coach or volunteer. In it, you are introduced to the concept of child abuse in sport, in all its forms and are given ways of both recognising warning signs and acting on concerns.
There may, however, 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 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 are at increased risk.
Safeguarding the welfare of our young players is paramount. As coaches and volunteers we have a moral and a legal responsibility to provide the highest possible standard of care when we welcome young people into the game of Rugby Union.
The details of all coaches for each age group can be found on the relevant pages of this website.
Sutton & Epsom RFC Safeguarding Policy
1. Sutton & Epsom Rugby Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children involved in Sutton and Epsom RFC from harm.
2. Sutton & Epsom RFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Children 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 years old. Where a 17 year old is playing in the adult game it is essential that every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure their 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 trained workforce 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. Sutton & Epsom RFC 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. Sutton & Epsom RFC recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club.
6. The Club Safeguarding Co-Officers are Ian McGraw and Kellie Rutledge: email ianmcgraw@imsafeguarding.com or kellie_rutledge@yahoo.co.uk. If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child has been put at risk you must, in the first instance, inform the Club Safeguarding Officer. They will then report the incident/concern in line with the RFU’s Safeguarding Children Policy. The RFU Safeguarding Team will be informed of all incidents/concerns reported to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are implemented.
7. If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer you should inform the Club Chairman Mark Felstead as well as the CB Safeguarding Manager and RFU Safeguarding Team.
8. All members of Sutton & Epsom RFC who work with children in must undertake the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the RFU in accordance with RFU Regulation 21.
9. Sutton & Epsom RFC 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.
– Inappropriate communication 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.
Sutton & Epsom RFC 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. Sutton & Epsom RFC ensure 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.
Sutton & Epsom RFC will ensure that all individuals engaging within the children’s workforce will receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role.
Any events held on Sutton & Epsom RFC premises must comply with this Policy and an appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected. Any tours, overseas or domestic, undertaken by Sutton & Epsom RFC must comply with the relevant RFU Regulations and Guidance relating to tours.
Sutton & Epsom RFC acknowledge the RFU’s Safeguarding Adults Policy and where appropriate will adhere to the document for any adult deemed at risk.