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The Rugby Football Union has been recognised as having achieved the highest possible standards for safeguarding and protecting children by the NSPCC.
The RFU is the first national sporting governing body to receive an unconditional award of Advanced Standards for Safeguarding Children in Sport accreditation from the charity and was complimented on the high quality of its application following extensive consultation with the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit.
The Advanced Standards award follows assessment the RFU's policies and procedures as well as their implementation in clubs throughout the country.
The awards panel described the submission as well presented, easy to navigate and containing a wealth of evidence demonstrating an on-going commitment to safeguarding young participants.
Youth rugby is booming throughout the country and more than 200,000 children now play the game in the RFU's member clubs - an increase of 40 per cent over the last five years.
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The NSPCC is the UK's leading children charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.
The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children FULL STOP. Its vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential.
The NSPCC runs 180 projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK's free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people. www.nspcc.org.uk
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"The RFU is committed to providing a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for the growing number of young people taking part in the game and we're delighted that has been recognised by the NSPCC," said Nic Scott, the RFU's Equity, Ethics and Safeguarding Manager.
"The award is the culmination of four years of hard work by the Safeguarding Team at Twickenham led by Ann Hutchins and the efforts of dedicated volunteers in mini and youth sections at clubs throughout the country.
"We have invested heavily in recruiting, training and supporting 800 club welfare officers in our clubs and the professional team at Twickenham also provides training for 1,000 coaches, referees and volunteers each year as well as processing 15,000 CRB checks annually.
"Our aim is to continue to work with the NSPCC and other agencies to develop our policies and practices and make sure we continue to lead the field in this area."
The NSPCC's director of child protection in sport unit Anne Tiivas said: "Achieving the NSPCC's Advanced Standards for Safeguarding Children in Sport award requires a major ongoing commitment from an organisation, to create and maintain a safe and secure environment for children and young people.
"The NSPCC is delighted that more children and young people will be able to enjoy playing sport in a safer environment, and know there is someone to turn to for help if they need it. We urge parents to ask questions to make sure that proper safeguards are in place whenever their children are taking part in sport."
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