Julie Kavanagh is the Aldershot and Fleet RUFC Safeguarding Officer
- Mobile Telephone: 07974 372534
Aldershot and Fleet RUFC as a member of the RFU/RFUW takes child welfare very seriously and undertakes to implement and apply the child welfare policies of the RFU/RFUW. If you have any concerns or questions about child protection, bullying, something you may have seen or be worried about or the clubs policies, please contact the child welfare officer for advice.
A Guide: The following overview has been issued by the RFU on the subject of child abuse.
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. 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.
Abuse is a powerful and emotive term. Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults and often by those they know and trust. The coach often holds this trust and may be at risk of misusing their power over the young players.
It is widely recognised that there are four main areas of abuse which coaches and volunteers should be aware of:
In general terms, emotional abuse occurs when adults persistently fail to show children due care, love or affection, where a child may be constantly shouted at, or threatened or subjected to sarcasm and unrealistic pressures.
In general terms, neglect as a form of abuse occurs when a child's essential needs for food, warmth and care fail to be met.
In general terms, this occurs when adults or even children, deliberately inflict injuries on a child, or knowingly do not prevent such injuries. It also occurs when an adult gives children alcohol, or inappropriate drugs, or fails to supervise their access to these substances.
In general terms, girls and boys are abused by adults, both male and female, who use children to meet their own sexual needs.
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 possibly a legal responsibility to provide the highest possible standard of care when we welcome young people into the game of Rugby Union.
Whilst there are many ways in which the welfare of young players can be safeguarded, this document does not go into detail and further guidance can be sought from the ‘RFU/RFUW child and young player protection policy'.
You are advised to become familiar with 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 concerns
Additional notes for Parents
Aldershot and Fleet maintains that the safety of the children and their enjoyment of the sport is paramount. Both parents and coaches have a part to play in ensuring that competitive pressures are not allowed to dominate.
The Club rigorously adheres to the RFU Codes of Conduct. They govern the conduct of the coaches players, parents and spectators. The Club will take any breach of these codes very seriously.
All adults who have ‘regular supervisory contact with young people’ must undertake CRB disclosure within eight weeks of their appointment to a position which involves regular supervisory contact with young people.
Every player must be registered with the Club and the RFU. Annual subscriptions are payable to the Club after a short introductory period on the players first season.
Once you have joined the Club you will receive a handbook It contains contact details of the officers of the Club. Each age group has a lead coach and a team manager. You will also receive in due course an Identity card with your child's RFU membership number and photo on it.
The handbook also contains details of the fixtures for the Juniors and Minis. Some of these Mini fixtures are festivals, which involve playing in games over the whole day at a rival Club.
All children must have the correct equipment. Boots must have the right studs and players must have a gum shield. Club kit is available from the Club shop although this is not mandatory,
It is important that parents get to familiarise themeselves with how the club is run and contribute to it.
Most Mini & Junior coaches are parents who have previously played the game and have some empathy with children. The Club supports them by providing practical advice and role models. They are also encouraged to undertake appropriate RFU courses to which the club makes a contribution. All Mini & Junior coaches and team managers are required to be CRB checked.
Each age group should also have a parent/other adult who is qualified in first aid. Again the club provides each age group with a first aid kit and will help in arranging training.
Any problems or queries should first be addressed to the Team Manager or Lead Coach for your age group and then to the Mini/Junior chairman; or if more appropriate to the Child Welfare Officer.
NB This policy is to be applied to all young players who are under 18. Within the RFU regulations a male player is permitted to play in the adult game when he reaches his 17th birthday. In these circumstances, sections 13.2.5 & 13.3.3 of this policy cannot practically be applied. However those responsible for the management of adult teams which include 17 year old players must be at all times, be mindful of their safety & well being.
Questions Parents often ask about young players
Should my child play competitive sports?
Properly organised youth sports programmes can offer a positive growth experience for children. Children are not merely small adults. Their needs are quite different. The quality of their experience depends on both effective coaching and effective parenting.
What is the central issue in coaching young players?
The value of youth sport is proportional to the child’s opportunity to grow as a person while also having fun. "Winning" is clearly secondary. The exaggerated emphasis on winning that characterises so many sports on television should not be carried over to children.
Effective coaches teach children the proper balance between competition and co-operation. In sport for the youngest children, it is not necessary to keep the score. As the children get a bit older and their skills and interest increase, the intensity of competition should rise in proportion.
What is the role of self-esteem?
Good coaches boost children’s self-esteem. Moreover, children with low self-esteem are more vulnerable. They have the need for a good sporting experience.They can gain more from good coaching and suffer more from bad coaching than children with high self-esteem.
What is the ideal relationship between parent and coach?
Parents play an important part in the players experience. This is represented here.
Note that with skilful parenting and effective coaching, the triangle is filled with fun and growth. When one or both are missing, the triangle and therefore the playing experience may be hollow.
What is the key issue in effective parenting of the young rugby player?
Here again the issue is self-esteem. Positive reinforcement by the parents is critical. "Walk around looking for your child to do something right" (Wright and Johnson 1983) Repeated praise for gradually increasing skills enhances self-esteem and motivation to participate. (This applies to all ages)
What is the parents role on the side line?
On the sideline the parents should encourage and support. Younger children find it difficult to understand or appreciate their parents arguing with the coaches or match officials.
What is the key characteristic of effective parents?
The children know they are loved for who they are and not how they perform, either on the playing field or in the classroom.
Should I coach?
It is estimated that one coach is necessary for every eight children participating in junior sports. Consequently, in many cases, if the parent does not coach, there will be no team for the child. Coaching effectiveness training becomes a tremendous asset in this situation.
RFU youth tour guidline
Child Protection Codes 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;
RFU.com 
Search
