Child Protection Policy

At EPRUFC we believe our sport should be positive and enjoyable part of the lives of the boys & girls who take part in it.
We want to make sure that they are protected and kept safe from any form of harm or abuse while they are with the Club’s coaches, helpers, volunteers and staff.

To do this we have these aims:

1 - All Coaches are recommended to attend a Rugby Ready Course and have a CRB application processed before they begin working with young people. Where possible new coaches, helpers and Volunteers will begin by working with an experienced coach.

2 - The Club will treat everyone equitably and sensitively, within the context of their activity and ability, regardless of gender, ethnic origin cultural background, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation.

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

4 - All Coaches will be made aware of the Club’s Code of Conduct for Coaches, Parents and Players and be expected to keep to it and enforce at all times. (A hard copy of this Code will be available on request)

5 - Players will be given a copy of the Club’s Code of Conduct for Players and be expected to keep to it at all times.

6 – Parents will be given a copy of the Club’s code of conduct for Parents and Spectators and be expected to keep to it at all times.

7 - We will keep written records of any parental consent required, injuries and accidents and any incidents reported of potential breach of this policy or any code of conduct.

8 - We will make available for inspection a written Health and Safety policy covering fire procedures, telephone access and first aid & emergency procedures.

9 - We will provide coaches, helpers and parents with a written procedure for dealing with accusations or suspicions of child abuse or any other safeguarding issue.

10 - As a Club we will promote ‘fair play’ and always play within the spirit of the laws and the core values of Rugby which are Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship.

11 - We will identify a person as the Club Safeguarding Officer, whose role it is to deal with any concerns about physical, sexual or emotional abuse within the Club or indeed any concerns of any nature that are contrary to the well being of children and vulnerable adults.

12 - All Coaches, Volunteer Helpers, Administrators and Volunteer Officials will complete the relevant supervisory forms appropriate for their role.

The above club policy shall be read in conjunction with and is intended to be complimentary to the RFU policies and procedures for protection of Children and Vulnerable adults.

The RFU policies can be found at:
http://www.rfu.com/managingrugby/~/media/files/2011/managingrugby/safeguardingchildren/safeguarding_policy_050511.ashx