Safeguarding Policy

HRUFC Safeguarding Policy

HRUFC acknowledges its’ responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in rugby at HRUFC from harm. HRUFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. Where a 17 year old player is playing in the adult game every reasonable precaution will be taken to ensure their safety and well being are also protected.

THE KEY PRINCIPLES of the RFU Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy are that:

  • The welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult is, and must always be, paramount to any other consideration
  •  All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm
  • All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practise will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately
  • Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents, carers, children and young people is essential for the welfare of children and young people.

HRUFC recognises that all children and young people have the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse, neglect, harm and poor practise. HRUFC recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club. Please see link to see a full copy of HRUFC’s Policy, this policy is based on the RFU’s Safeguarding and following RFU guidance:

The Club has appointed Teresa Keane as Safeguarding Officer, working with Teresa will be Assistant Safeguarding Officers:

  • Adam Clark
  • Stephen Foreman

The Safeguarding Team can be contacted by emailing Safeguarding@HarlowRugby.Club

All our coaches complete a DBS check and follow the club’s code of conduct. All volunteers are expected to follow the guidelines as set by the club’s Safeguarding Policy and the RFU Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. It is the full responsibility of all Club Members, Coaches, Referees, Supporters and Players to uphold this policy and as such we have provided a number of guides to help each group understand their responsibilities:

How to report an incident

If a child tells you that someone either in or out of the rugby club environment is abusing her or him you should:

  • Listen do not prompt or add words
  • Reassure the child that he/she was right to tell you
  • Be Honest and explain that you will need to tell someone else in order to help and protect him/her
  • Share concerns with the Club’s Safeguarding Officer
  • Accurately record on an incident form what the child has said to you and what action you have taken.

The Club’s Safeguarding Officer can help you, however, if you are not sure what to do, you can can also get help from, RFU Safeguarding Adviser (0871 222 2120), the NSPCC 24-hour freephone helpline (0808 800 5000), the Child Protection in Sport Helpline (01162 347278) or contact any one of the Club’s Executive.

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