CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

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The ECRURF have adopted the RFU's Child Protection Policy.

When refereeing young players match officials should

 * Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players

* Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games

* Appreciate the needs of the players

* Be a positive role model

* Recognise that safety is paramount

* Explain decisions - most young players are still learning

* Do not tolerate verbal abuse

 Officials should not

* Change in the same area as young players

* Shower with young players - agree with the coaches a timetable

* Be alone with young players at any time - if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present

* Check studs without the coach being present

* Administer first aid

* Allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness

* Tolerate bad language from young players

* Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players

* Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware

* Take a young player to your home

* Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem

* Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in fun

Officials must always

* Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Welfare Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy

o Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators

o Physical Abuse by coaches/parents/spectators

o Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person

o Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults

REMEMBER:

"The welfare of all young people is paramount"

Child Protection Guidelines

KB.agt    April 2003