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Policys and Procedures
The following policies and procedures relate to all aspects of Swaffham RUFC.
They are:
1. Child Protection Policy
2. Club Allegation Procedure
3. Coaches code of conduct
4. Players code of conduct
5. Supporters code of conduct
1. Child Protection Policy
SWAFFHAM RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB CHILD PROTECTION POLICY.
Swaffham Rugby club believe that taking part in our sport should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives.
We will ensure that children are protected and kept safe from physical, sexual and emotional harm whilst they are with the Club’s coaching staff, helpers and volunteers.
To achieve this we have these objectives:
1. All coaches will attend a Coaching Foundation Course appropriate to the age group they are working with as soon as practicable.
2. All coaches and volunteers will be in possession of a job description.
3. Where there are girls in respective age groups there will be female coach or volunteer present.
4. All coaches will be qualified to Level 1 standard before they are permitted to be the Head Coach of an age group.
5. The Club will encourage and help coaches and volunteers to stay up to date with rugby, coaching and child protection issues. Each lead Coach will be encouraged to attend an NCF Coach Protection Workshop.
6. All coaches and volunteers will be given a copy of the Club’s code of Conduct for Coaches and Volunteers. They will be expected to adhere to them at all times.
7. We will keep records of attendance, parental consent and accidents.
8. We will provide a written Health and Safety policy covering fire procedures, telephone access, together with first aid and emergency procedures.
9. We will provide all coaches and parents with a written procedure for dealing with accusations or suspicions of child abuse.
10. As a club, we will always promote “Fair Play” and always play within the spirit of the laws and the letter of the Continuum.
11. We, as a club, have identified a person whose role it is to deal with any concerns about physical, sexual or emotional abuse within the club.
2. Club Allegation Procedure
GUIDENCE FOR COACHING/VOLUNTEER STAFF CONCERNING ALLEGATIONS OR SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE
This is an emotive and highly charged subject, this document states how Swaffham Rugby club will deal with these matters, if they should arise.
This is as much for the protection of our coaching /volunteer staff as for looking after the welfare of our players.
There are 4 main types of abuse, they are:
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
In a coaching situation, it may occur when coaches
· Repeated negative comments
· Repeatedly ignoring a young players efforts to improve.
· Repeatedly demanding performance levels that the players cannot attain.
· Over emphasise the winning ethic
NEGLECT
In a coaching situation, neglect may occur when
· Young players left alone without supervision.
· Young players exposed to unnecessary heat or cold without fluids or protection
· Young player exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury.
PHYSICAL ABUSE
In a coaching situation, physical abuse may occur
· Coaches expose players to exercise/training which disregards the players immature and growing body.
· The player is exposed to injury through over-training, overplaying or fatigue.
· Coaches expose players to alcohol or give them the opportunity to consume alcohol below the legal age.
· Coaches expose players to performance enhancing drugs and recommend their use.
SEXUAL ABUSE
We are all aware of what this topic involves without publishing it in a public club document. However, the exposure to pornographic material is also covered in this section.
The above section is designed to remind and re-enforce to all concerned of what the issues are.
There maybe occasions where circumstances of an allegation are about poor practice rather than abuse but those responsible should always consult with the professional RFU/RFUW staff and seek advice from the Social services or NSPCC where there is any doubt.
It is important that any concerns for the welfare of the child arising from abuse or harassment by a member of staff or volunteer should be reported immediately.
The RFU and RFUW want to assure all staff, coaches and volunteers that they will fully support and protect anyone who, in good faith, reports his or her concerns that a colleague is or may be abusing a child.
All suspicions or allegations should be made to the club “Person in Charge” who will follow the procedures laid down in the RFU Child Protection Policy Statement.
If the allegation in against the “Person in Charge” then the complaint should be directed to the Youth Chairman.
If the allegation is deemed to be “Poor Practice” then it will be dealt with as an internal issue.
If the allegation is deemed as “unlawful” then the Person in Charge will contact the RFU/RFUW professional staff who will advise on referral to the Social Services Department who may involve the Police.
All these procedures are documented and the Person In Charge will hold a up to date copy of the RFU Policy, which can be consulted by all members of the coaching staff and club volunteers.
3. Codes code of conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS
Any coach or volunteer working with young players within Swaffham Rugby Football club is part of a structure that has many stakeholders, and as such he/she has responsibilities to all of them.
This code has been written to remind or inform coaches and volunteers of those responsibilities and the minimum standards of behaviour commensurate with fulfilling them. Each season every coach active in the section will be called to declare that they have read, understood and intend to abide by this code.
Players
1. Rugby is only part of players lives. Recognise this and allow for it in your demands on them.
2. Treat games against other clubs as lessons, opportunities to learn and progress. They are not tests.
3. Rugby is for everyone. Swaffham Rugby Club is for everyone. Do not rely on “Star” players and never exclude another player making him feel inadequate. Share game time and your time in training sessions equally.
4. Never ridicule any player. Never belittle a player. Always make every player feel valued and part of the team.
5. Endeavour to find out what motivates each individual player. Find out about their family background and their other interests. Be able tospot and then explain changes in their behaviour.
6. Find out the facts about child development and the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of the age group that you are working with.
Rugby Union
7. Rugby is a potentially dangerous game which relies on evry participant playing in the spirit of mutual respect. Teach your players the meaning of “fair play” and set them an exemplary example.
8. Rugby works best when played between two equally matched teams. INSIST on mixing and matching ill matched teams.
9. A group of very experienced, talented people spent a great deal of time and letter. You have no option, the Continuum is part of the structure and LAWS of the game
10. Teach players, by your own example, to respect the Referee. At ALL times.
Coaching
11. When you call yourself a coach, you have applied to join an elite group of dedicated people. When those around you call you a coach, you have achieved membership. You owe it to yourself and your fellow coaches to behave as a coach:
a) Always look like a coach. Always act like a coach.
b) Start and finish promptly on time.
c) Plan your season.
d) Plan the coaching sessions.
e) Do not drink alcohol before you coach, or whilst coaching.
f) Do not smoke whilst coaching.
12. To be an effective, progressive coach you must keep up to date on playing and coaching matters. Always seek to improve your knowledge.
13. You have duty of care and safety for the players that you work with:
a) Mark out a safe area to work in and keep it safe. Ensure all the equipment is in a good state of repair and safe to use.
b) Never “Join In” during ring contact sessions and games. You are too big and too powerful and you will break them.
c) Do not allow players to train or play when injured or encourage them to do so. Refer injured players to their doctor, or preferably to a sports injury clinic.
14. Never put yourself in a position where you could be suspected of, or accused of, physical or sexual abuse of any child associated with the club.
15. Use a separate changing room from the players, never be alone with individuals behind closed doors and never “get in the bath with the boys”.
16. Tell the players and keep telling yourself that winning and losing are only by-products of performance. WE ARE HERE TO PLAY RUGBY AND ENJOY THE PRIVILAGE OF PLAYING, NOTHING MORE.
4. Players code of conduct
Swaffham Rugby Union Football Club
Player’s code of Conduct
This policy is in line with the RFU published code of conduct for this group of individuals.
Young players should recognise that many people in Rugby Union and within Swaffham Rugby Union Football Club are working to provide a safe and enjoyable game in which they can develop both as a player and as an individual.
The club encourages young players to
· Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, volunteers, match officials and administrators in providing them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
· Understand the value of loyalty and commitment to adults and team-mates.
· Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
· Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel that they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they have a right to tell an adult either at the club or outside of the game.
In Rugby Union and at Swaffham Rugby Union Football Club you should:
· Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents
· Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
· Be attentive at all training/coaching sessions.
· Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both will then benefit.
· Recognise good play by ALL players on your team and by your opponents.
· Be a sportsman – win or lose.
· Play to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all referees’ decisions.
· Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team-mates, opponents or match officials IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
· Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
Most of all enjoy playing the game in the spirit Rugby is played around the world.
5. Supporters code of conduct
Supporter’s code of Conduct
This policy is in line with the RFU published code of conduct for this group of individuals.
Young rugby players are impressionable and their behaviour will often reflect that of the adults around them. In Rugby Union and at Swaffham Rugby Union Football Club we welcome spectators and supporters on our touchlines who embrace the ethos of the game as one of FUN, ENJOYMENT and SKILL DEVELOPMENT.
At Swaffham Rugby Union Football Club supporters are encouraged to:
· Act as positive models to all young players.
· Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
· Respect the club policy with regards to supporter behaviour.
At Swaffham Rugby Football Union Club supporters should:
· Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours.
· Acknowledge good individual and team performance from ALL youngsters irrespective of which team they play for.
· Respect match officials decisions.
REMEMBER, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby.
· NEVER VERBALLY ABUSE YOUNG PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS, FELLOW SUPPORTERS OR COACHES.
Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
· Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the “win at all costs” ethic.
· Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to shout make sure it is “for”, not “at”, the players.
· Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence.
· Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team they play for.
· Remember – It’s only a game!
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