Safeguarding children policy:
Tiverton Rugby Football Union (RFU) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children in the sport. All children are entitled to protection from harm and have the right to take part in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment. A child is considered to be anyone aged under 18 years of age.
This policy should be read in conjunction with all of Tiverton RFU policies and procedures which can be found on their website along with the RFU’s safeguarding policy and toolkit.
This policy statement is based on the following key principles:
• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All participants regardless of age, sex, ability or disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, size, or sexual orientation have the right to protection from harm
• All allegations, suspicions of harm and concerns will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately
• Everyone will work in partnership to promote the welfare, health and development of children
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• Children have a right to expect support and personal and social development delivered by an appropriately recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in rugby union, whether they are playing, volunteering or officiating in the community or professional areas of the sport.
What is child abuse?
Abuse is maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others (e.g. strangers or via the internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children.
An individual may abuse or neglect a child directly or may be responsible for abuse by failing to prevent another person harming that child.
Those involved with children should be aware that abuse, neglect and safeguarding issues are rarely standalone events that can be covered by one definition or label and in most cases, multiple issues will overlap with one another.
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical abuse may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. Examples of physical abuse in sport include extreme physical punishments; forcing a child into training and competition that exceeds the capacity of his or her immature and growing body or limitations of a disability; assaulting a person; or where the child is given drugs to enhance performance or in the case of a child, delay puberty.
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, regardless of whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative sexual acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual photographic or online images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via text or the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or “making fun” of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing them from participating in normal social interaction. It may involve a child seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another as well as serious bullying (including on-line bullying) causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may also occur alone. Examples of emotional abuse in sport include subjecting children to constant criticism, name-calling, and sarcasm or bullying. It could also include their regular exclusion from an activity, such as unjustified non-selection for a team, failing to rotate squad positions or more subtle actions such as staring at or ignoring a child. Putting players under consistent pressure to perform to unrealistically high standards is also a form of emotional abuse.
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of their health or development. Neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs. Examples of neglect in sport could include: not ensuring children are safe; exposing them to undue cold or heat or unsuitable weather conditions, or exposing them to unnecessary risk of injury.
Bullying is often considered to be a fifth type of abuse but when it does occur it usually has elements of one or more of the four categories identified. The bully can be a parent who pushes too hard, a coach or manager with a ‘win at all costs’ attitude or another intimidating child. It should also be recognised that bullying can take place in the virtual world of social networking sites, emails or text messages (online bullying sometimes referred to as cyberbullying). Bullying is serious and must not be ignored and in common with all other forms of abuse the victim should be supported through what can be a traumatic experience. Bullying will not just go away. Bullies can be very cunning and develop strategies to avoid it being seen by anyone but the victim. Bullying takes many forms, but ultimately it is the perception of the victim that determines whether or not they are being bullied.
Poor practice arises when the needs of children are not afforded the necessary priority, compromising their wellbeing. Poor practice can easily turn into abuse if it is not dealt with as soon as concerns are raised or reported. Clubs which allow poor practice to go unchallenged may find that their culture is one which allows abuse to exist and be accepted as the norm. Examples of poor practice may include shouting, excessive training, creation of intra-club ‘elite squads’, ridicule of children or children’s errors, ignoring health and safety guidelines and failing to adhere to the club’s code of conduct.
Best Practice Guidance:
Safer Environment
Tiverton RFC recognises the importance of providing a safe environment for children to be involved in rugby and as such acknowledges that:
• the possibility of abuse may exist
• volunteers and employees need to be appropriately recruited and trained
• any individuals reporting concerns, will be taken seriously and confidentially
• appropriate information and communication methods needs to be shared and held with parents/guardians
• communication with children will only occur with older players (eg Colts)
Safer recruitment and training:
Tiverton RFC is committed to safer recruitment to ensure that reasonable steps have been undertaken to make sure that only suitable people are selected. All individuals undertaking regulated activity with children will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and are expected to undertake the relevant safeguarding training provided by the RFU.
Supervision:
Tiverton RFC will ensure that any volunteer who is awaiting their DBS will be fully supervised by a suitable DBS checked adult. Risk assessments will be undertaken by the Club Safeguarding Officer and Junior Chair to determine the level of supervision required in these instances.
Adult to Child ratios:
Tiverton RFC will ensure that there is at least one DBS checked adult responsible for any group of children. The RFU recommend the following ratio of adults to children:
• 1:10 for children over 8 years old aged at least 9
• 1:8 for children under 8 years old aged 7 and 8
• 1:6 for children under 7 years old
On Tour:
Tiverton RFC recognises the benefits that children can gain from being on tour. When on tour if an adult is solely there supporting their own child they will not require DBS clearance, but they will if they are acting in any official capacity with other children. This would apply to those on bedtime or other supervisory duties. For more detailed guidance please read the RFU’s Safeguarding Toolkit and Touring with children.
Inappropriate relationships with children:
An adult in a position of trust must not enter into a sexual relationship with a child in their care. All adults should clearly understand the need to maintain appropriate boundaries in their dealings with children and young people. Intimate or sexual relationships between those working with children at rugby clubs and a child will be regarded as a grave breach of trust and will be treated very seriously and may result in RFU disciplinary action, including barring individuals from attending rugby clubs. All adults should ensure that their relationships with children are appropriate to the age and gender of the children, and take care that their language or conduct does not give rise to comment or speculation. Attitudes, demeanour and language all require care and thought, particularly when adults are dealing with adolescent boys and girls. From time to time adults may encounter young people who display attention-seeking behaviour, or profess to be attracted to them. All adults should aim to deal with those situations sensitively and appropriately, but ensure that their behaviour cannot be misinterpreted. In these circumstances, the adult should ensure that the club’s safeguarding officer is informed.
Breach of position of trust:
The sexual offences legislation in the UK already provides that any sexual activity between adults and children under 16 is illegal and constitutes abuse. Legislation which addresses the abuse of positions of trust is required to protect young people aged 16 and 17 who, despite reaching the age of consent for sexual activity, are considered to be vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation in defined circumstances. This includes sexual activity and relationships with adults who hold a position of trust, responsibility or authority in relation to them and, as a result, have a considerable amount of power and influence in their lives.
No-one in a position of trust should encourage a physical or emotionally dependent relationship to develop between them and a child in their care; this is often referred to as grooming. Adults must never send children inappropriate or sexually provocative messages or images by text, or other electronic media.
Any circumstances where it is suspected or identified that a person in a position of trust is in a relationship with a child, then the RFU will be notified and the matter reported to the police to investigate.
Safeguarding children with additional needs:
Tiverton RFC recognises that children with additional needs may require additional help, support and information. As such they may be more vulnerable to abuse due to their additional needs and/or disability. Coaches may require further training to help them understand, support and safeguard these children effectively.
Good role models:
Tiverton RFC expects its coaches to display high standards of behaviour and presentation in front of their players. They must not make sexually explicit comments to children and any language which causes them to feel uncomfortable or lose confidence or self-esteem is unacceptable, as is the use of obscene or foul language.
Contact rugby:
The wellbeing and safety of children must be placed above the development of performance. Contact skills must be taught in a safe, secure manner paying due regard to the physical development of the players involved.
Coaching techniques:
Any inappropriate contact between coaches and children is unacceptable and the following principles should be followed:
• physical handling by a coach must only be used for safety reasons or where there is no other way of coaching the technique
• the reasons for physical contact should be explained wherever practical so that children and their parents are comfortable with this approach
• do not proceed with the action or consider alternatives if the child appears to be apprehensive or reluctant, or if there are other concerns about the child’s likely reaction
• the activity should always be conducted in an open environment and in the presence of another adult.
Physical intervention:
Coaches and parents are responsible for promoting good discipline amongst players both on and off the pitch. It is the responsibility of the referee to address any behaviour that contravenes the law of the game.
Physical intervention should only occur when absolutely necessary to prevent a child from being hurt. The following guidance should be considered:
• give verbal instructions first
• consider your own safety
• use the minimum reasonable force to resolve the incident
• do not strike blows, act with unnecessary force or retaliate
• avoid contact with intimate parts of the body, the head and neck
• stay in control of your actions
Any use of physical intervention must be reported immediately using the RFU’s initial/concern reporting form RFU initial issue/concern reporting form as any complaint or dispute may be lodged with the RFU and/or the Police.
Physical intervention should never be used as a punishment.
Changing rooms and showers:
Tiverton RFC has set out a policy with regards to changing and showering arrangements. There are several principles that need to be adhered to:
• Children and adults should never share facilities. 17 years olds playing in the adult game should be offered separate facilities
• Adults should only enter these facilities only when necessary: in an emergency, due to poor behaviour, injury or illness
• For mixed gender teams, separate facilities will be provided
• Plans to assist children requiring additional help due to a disability will need to be agreed in advance and appropriate consent provided.
Transport:
It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to ensure that children are transported to and from the club and any other nominated place. They are entitled to make private arrangements amongst themselves. However a child must never travel unaccompanied.
Photographic images/filming:
Tiverton RFC has a separate policy for taking and use of photographs and filming. However the premise is based on seeking consent for the taking and use of images and ensuring that they never identify the child concerned.
Sharing and use of electronic material and media
Websites and social media can be a positive way to communicate with children and their parents/guardians. However, there are risks associated with internet usage. Tiverton RFC is legally responsible for their website content and there should be nothing included which could harm a child, directly or indirectly. It is important to note that it is not acceptable to share sexually explicit or inappropriate material via any form of media with children; such behaviour may constitute a criminal offence
How to react to concerns relating to the welfare and safety of a child:
.Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect or hears a complaint of abuse or neglect should:
• Keep calm
• listen carefully to the child and keep an open mind. They should not take a decision as to whether or not the abuse has taken place
• not ask leading questions, i.e. a question which suggests its own answer
• reassure the child but not give a guarantee of absolute confidentiality. The adult should explain that they need to pass on the information in accordance with this policy so that the correct action can be taken
• keep a sufficient written record of the conversation. The record should include:
(i) the date and time
(ii) the place of the conversation
(iii) the essence of what was said and done by whom and in whose presence
(iv) and should be signed by the person making it
This information should be passed to the Safeguarding Officer to review what further action is required. If it is considered that the child is at risk of immediate significant harm then Devon Children’s Social Care and/or the Police should be notified.
Under regulation 21 all incidents, suspicions and concerns relating to a child must be reported. The RFU may become involved and investigate following the completion of any statutory agency investigation. Refer to the RFU safeguarding policy for further information.
Contact list:
Role Contact details
Tiverton RFC Safeguarding Officer –
first point of contact Corrina Summerton
Email – summertonc99@yahoo.co.uk
Tiverton RFC
Junior Chair
Junior contact John Baker
Email – sarah.baker@devon.gcsx.co.uk
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Telephone - 01392 384964
Police Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Tiverton Police
Lowman House, Lowman Green, Tiverton, Mid Devon, Devon EX16 4LA
Telephone - 101
Devon and Cornwall Police
RFU Child Protection Helpline
(24hr Answerphone) Safeguarding concerns or queries
0208 831 6655 (non-emergency)
0208 831 7479
Email: rmg@therfu.com
Devon RFU Safeguarding Manager Elaine Palmer
Home (01271) 371187
Mobile 07793 016608
Email: elaine.palmer27@btinternet.com
Children’s Social Care, Devon County Council To make referrals or seek advice:
MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)
0345 155 1071
mashsecure@devon.gcsx.gov.uk
MASH information for professionals
Childline For children 24 hours -
0800 1111
NSPCC helpline For adults 24 hours –
0800 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk
Child Protection in Sport Unit 0116 234 7278
www.thecpsu.org.uk
For further information Southwest Child Protection Procedures
Devon Children and Families Partnership
Tiverton Rugby Football Union (RFU) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children in the sport. All children are entitled to protection from harm and have the right to take part in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment. A child is considered to be anyone aged under 18 years of age.
This policy should be read in conjunction with all of Tiverton RFU policies and procedures which can be found on their website along with the RFU’s safeguarding policy and toolkit.
This policy statement is based on the following key principles:
• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All participants regardless of age, sex, ability or disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, size, or sexual orientation have the right to protection from harm
• All allegations, suspicions of harm and concerns will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately
• Everyone will work in partnership to promote the welfare, health and development of children
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• Children have a right to expect support and personal and social development delivered by an appropriately recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in rugby union, whether they are playing, volunteering or officiating in the community or professional areas of the sport.
What is child abuse?
Abuse is maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others (e.g. strangers or via the internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults or another child or children.
An individual may abuse or neglect a child directly or may be responsible for abuse by failing to prevent another person harming that child.
Those involved with children should be aware that abuse, neglect and safeguarding issues are rarely standalone events that can be covered by one definition or label and in most cases, multiple issues will overlap with one another.
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical abuse may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. Examples of physical abuse in sport include extreme physical punishments; forcing a child into training and competition that exceeds the capacity of his or her immature and growing body or limitations of a disability; assaulting a person; or where the child is given drugs to enhance performance or in the case of a child, delay puberty.
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, regardless of whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative sexual acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual photographic or online images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via text or the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or “making fun” of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing them from participating in normal social interaction. It may involve a child seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another as well as serious bullying (including on-line bullying) causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may also occur alone. Examples of emotional abuse in sport include subjecting children to constant criticism, name-calling, and sarcasm or bullying. It could also include their regular exclusion from an activity, such as unjustified non-selection for a team, failing to rotate squad positions or more subtle actions such as staring at or ignoring a child. Putting players under consistent pressure to perform to unrealistically high standards is also a form of emotional abuse.
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of their health or development. Neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers); or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs. Examples of neglect in sport could include: not ensuring children are safe; exposing them to undue cold or heat or unsuitable weather conditions, or exposing them to unnecessary risk of injury.
Bullying is often considered to be a fifth type of abuse but when it does occur it usually has elements of one or more of the four categories identified. The bully can be a parent who pushes too hard, a coach or manager with a ‘win at all costs’ attitude or another intimidating child. It should also be recognised that bullying can take place in the virtual world of social networking sites, emails or text messages (online bullying sometimes referred to as cyberbullying). Bullying is serious and must not be ignored and in common with all other forms of abuse the victim should be supported through what can be a traumatic experience. Bullying will not just go away. Bullies can be very cunning and develop strategies to avoid it being seen by anyone but the victim. Bullying takes many forms, but ultimately it is the perception of the victim that determines whether or not they are being bullied.
Poor practice arises when the needs of children are not afforded the necessary priority, compromising their wellbeing. Poor practice can easily turn into abuse if it is not dealt with as soon as concerns are raised or reported. Clubs which allow poor practice to go unchallenged may find that their culture is one which allows abuse to exist and be accepted as the norm. Examples of poor practice may include shouting, excessive training, creation of intra-club ‘elite squads’, ridicule of children or children’s errors, ignoring health and safety guidelines and failing to adhere to the club’s code of conduct.
Best Practice Guidance:
Safer Environment
Tiverton RFC recognises the importance of providing a safe environment for children to be involved in rugby and as such acknowledges that:
• the possibility of abuse may exist
• volunteers and employees need to be appropriately recruited and trained
• any individuals reporting concerns, will be taken seriously and confidentially
• appropriate information and communication methods needs to be shared and held with parents/guardians
• communication with children will only occur with older players (eg Colts)
Safer recruitment and training:
Tiverton RFC is committed to safer recruitment to ensure that reasonable steps have been undertaken to make sure that only suitable people are selected. All individuals undertaking regulated activity with children will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and are expected to undertake the relevant safeguarding training provided by the RFU.
Supervision:
Tiverton RFC will ensure that any volunteer who is awaiting their DBS will be fully supervised by a suitable DBS checked adult. Risk assessments will be undertaken by the Club Safeguarding Officer and Junior Chair to determine the level of supervision required in these instances.
Adult to Child ratios:
Tiverton RFC will ensure that there is at least one DBS checked adult responsible for any group of children. The RFU recommend the following ratio of adults to children:
• 1:10 for children over 8 years old aged at least 9
• 1:8 for children under 8 years old aged 7 and 8
• 1:6 for children under 7 years old
On Tour:
Tiverton RFC recognises the benefits that children can gain from being on tour. When on tour if an adult is solely there supporting their own child they will not require DBS clearance, but they will if they are acting in any official capacity with other children. This would apply to those on bedtime or other supervisory duties. For more detailed guidance please read the RFU’s Safeguarding Toolkit and Touring with children.
Inappropriate relationships with children:
An adult in a position of trust must not enter into a sexual relationship with a child in their care. All adults should clearly understand the need to maintain appropriate boundaries in their dealings with children and young people. Intimate or sexual relationships between those working with children at rugby clubs and a child will be regarded as a grave breach of trust and will be treated very seriously and may result in RFU disciplinary action, including barring individuals from attending rugby clubs. All adults should ensure that their relationships with children are appropriate to the age and gender of the children, and take care that their language or conduct does not give rise to comment or speculation. Attitudes, demeanour and language all require care and thought, particularly when adults are dealing with adolescent boys and girls. From time to time adults may encounter young people who display attention-seeking behaviour, or profess to be attracted to them. All adults should aim to deal with those situations sensitively and appropriately, but ensure that their behaviour cannot be misinterpreted. In these circumstances, the adult should ensure that the club’s safeguarding officer is informed.
Breach of position of trust:
The sexual offences legislation in the UK already provides that any sexual activity between adults and children under 16 is illegal and constitutes abuse. Legislation which addresses the abuse of positions of trust is required to protect young people aged 16 and 17 who, despite reaching the age of consent for sexual activity, are considered to be vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation in defined circumstances. This includes sexual activity and relationships with adults who hold a position of trust, responsibility or authority in relation to them and, as a result, have a considerable amount of power and influence in their lives.
No-one in a position of trust should encourage a physical or emotionally dependent relationship to develop between them and a child in their care; this is often referred to as grooming. Adults must never send children inappropriate or sexually provocative messages or images by text, or other electronic media.
Any circumstances where it is suspected or identified that a person in a position of trust is in a relationship with a child, then the RFU will be notified and the matter reported to the police to investigate.
Safeguarding children with additional needs:
Tiverton RFC recognises that children with additional needs may require additional help, support and information. As such they may be more vulnerable to abuse due to their additional needs and/or disability. Coaches may require further training to help them understand, support and safeguard these children effectively.
Good role models:
Tiverton RFC expects its coaches to display high standards of behaviour and presentation in front of their players. They must not make sexually explicit comments to children and any language which causes them to feel uncomfortable or lose confidence or self-esteem is unacceptable, as is the use of obscene or foul language.
Contact rugby:
The wellbeing and safety of children must be placed above the development of performance. Contact skills must be taught in a safe, secure manner paying due regard to the physical development of the players involved.
Coaching techniques:
Any inappropriate contact between coaches and children is unacceptable and the following principles should be followed:
• physical handling by a coach must only be used for safety reasons or where there is no other way of coaching the technique
• the reasons for physical contact should be explained wherever practical so that children and their parents are comfortable with this approach
• do not proceed with the action or consider alternatives if the child appears to be apprehensive or reluctant, or if there are other concerns about the child’s likely reaction
• the activity should always be conducted in an open environment and in the presence of another adult.
Physical intervention:
Coaches and parents are responsible for promoting good discipline amongst players both on and off the pitch. It is the responsibility of the referee to address any behaviour that contravenes the law of the game.
Physical intervention should only occur when absolutely necessary to prevent a child from being hurt. The following guidance should be considered:
• give verbal instructions first
• consider your own safety
• use the minimum reasonable force to resolve the incident
• do not strike blows, act with unnecessary force or retaliate
• avoid contact with intimate parts of the body, the head and neck
• stay in control of your actions
Any use of physical intervention must be reported immediately using the RFU’s initial/concern reporting form RFU initial issue/concern reporting form as any complaint or dispute may be lodged with the RFU and/or the Police.
Physical intervention should never be used as a punishment.
Changing rooms and showers:
Tiverton RFC has set out a policy with regards to changing and showering arrangements. There are several principles that need to be adhered to:
• Children and adults should never share facilities. 17 years olds playing in the adult game should be offered separate facilities
• Adults should only enter these facilities only when necessary: in an emergency, due to poor behaviour, injury or illness
• For mixed gender teams, separate facilities will be provided
• Plans to assist children requiring additional help due to a disability will need to be agreed in advance and appropriate consent provided.
Transport:
It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to ensure that children are transported to and from the club and any other nominated place. They are entitled to make private arrangements amongst themselves. However a child must never travel unaccompanied.
Photographic images/filming:
Tiverton RFC has a separate policy for taking and use of photographs and filming. However the premise is based on seeking consent for the taking and use of images and ensuring that they never identify the child concerned.
Sharing and use of electronic material and media
Websites and social media can be a positive way to communicate with children and their parents/guardians. However, there are risks associated with internet usage. Tiverton RFC is legally responsible for their website content and there should be nothing included which could harm a child, directly or indirectly. It is important to note that it is not acceptable to share sexually explicit or inappropriate material via any form of media with children; such behaviour may constitute a criminal offence
How to react to concerns relating to the welfare and safety of a child:
.Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect or hears a complaint of abuse or neglect should:
• Keep calm
• listen carefully to the child and keep an open mind. They should not take a decision as to whether or not the abuse has taken place
• not ask leading questions, i.e. a question which suggests its own answer
• reassure the child but not give a guarantee of absolute confidentiality. The adult should explain that they need to pass on the information in accordance with this policy so that the correct action can be taken
• keep a sufficient written record of the conversation. The record should include:
(i) the date and time
(ii) the place of the conversation
(iii) the essence of what was said and done by whom and in whose presence
(iv) and should be signed by the person making it
This information should be passed to the Safeguarding Officer to review what further action is required. If it is considered that the child is at risk of immediate significant harm then Devon Children’s Social Care and/or the Police should be notified.
Under regulation 21 all incidents, suspicions and concerns relating to a child must be reported. The RFU may become involved and investigate following the completion of any statutory agency investigation. Refer to the RFU safeguarding policy for further information.
Contact list:
Role Contact details
Tiverton RFC Safeguarding Officer –
first point of contact Corrina Summerton
Email – summertonc99@yahoo.co.uk
Tiverton RFC
Junior Chair
Junior contact John Baker
Email – sarah.baker@devon.gcsx.co.uk
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Telephone - 01392 384964
Police Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Tiverton Police
Lowman House, Lowman Green, Tiverton, Mid Devon, Devon EX16 4LA
Telephone - 101
Devon and Cornwall Police
RFU Child Protection Helpline
(24hr Answerphone) Safeguarding concerns or queries
0208 831 6655 (non-emergency)
0208 831 7479
Email: rmg@therfu.com
Devon RFU Safeguarding Manager Elaine Palmer
Home (01271) 371187
Mobile 07793 016608
Email: elaine.palmer27@btinternet.com
Children’s Social Care, Devon County Council To make referrals or seek advice:
MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub)
0345 155 1071
mashsecure@devon.gcsx.gov.uk
MASH information for professionals
Childline For children 24 hours -
0800 1111
NSPCC helpline For adults 24 hours –
0800 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk
Child Protection in Sport Unit 0116 234 7278
www.thecpsu.org.uk
For further information Southwest Child Protection Procedures
Devon Children and Families Partnership
