Placing the highest priority on the safety and well-being of all participants. We are committed to creating a secure environment by implementing comprehensive safety protocols, ensuring all activities are conducted with the utmost regard for the physical and emotional safety of our players.

Celebrating diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and respected. Ensures equal opportunities for all participants, actively promoting practices that embrace cultural, gender, and ability diversity.

Staff and volunteers are the backbone of an organisation, and ensure they are well-equipped to support their safeguarding goals. All staff and volunteers undergo rigorous background checks and training to uphold the highest standards of child safety and welfare.

Dedicated to recruiting individuals who share your commitment to child safety. Your recruitment process includes thorough vetting, interviews, and reference checks to ensure that only the most suitable candidates join your team, thereby safeguarding the integrity of your organisation.

New recruits participate in a comprehensive induction and ongoing training program designed to educate them on safeguarding policies, procedures, and best practices. Continuous professional development ensures that staff and volunteers are always up-to-date with the latest safeguarding standards.

Engaging with your community is essential for the success of your safeguarding efforts. Fostering strong partnerships with local organisations, schools, and families to promote a culture of safety and well-being, ensuring a collective approach to safeguarding in rugby.

Establish clear and accessible reporting mechanisms for all concerns related to child safety. Reporting processes ensure confidentiality and immediate action, empowering participants to speak up and ensuring that all incidents are handled promptly and effectively.

Safeguarding policies and practices are comprehensive and regularly reviewed to reflect best practices and legal requirements. Policies should cover all aspects of your program and be designed to protect participants, staff, and volunteers, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and implement strict measures to prevent, detect, and respond to any instances of such behavior. Policies should include clear guidelines, mandatory training, and a robust reporting and response system to ensure the safety and dignity of all participants.

Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial for safeguarding. Guidelines help staff and volunteers understand the importance of appropriate interactions, ensuring relationships with participants are respectful, supportive, and free from any form of exploitation or misconduct.

Emphasise the importance of using positive, respectful, and age-appropriate language. Staff and volunteers should be trained to communicate in a manner that fosters self-esteem and respect, avoiding any language that could be harmful or degrading to participants.

Your approach to discipline should be based on positive guidance, focusing on encouragement and constructive feedback. Promoting fair and consistent discipline practices that respect the dignity of each participant, fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Effective supervision is key to ensuring the safety of participants. Including strict supervision ratios, regular headcounts, and clear procedures for monitoring participants during activities, minimising risks and ensuring a safe environment.

With the increasing use of digital platforms, establish clear guidelines for online communications. These guidelines ensure that all interactions are safe, professional, and transparent, protecting participants from any form of online abuse or exploitation.

Strict protocols for photography and video recording to protect the privacy and dignity of participants. Consent should be obtained before sharing and publishing images, and all media is used in accordance with safeguarding policies, ensuring appropriate and respectful representation.

Appropriate physical contact is sometimes necessary in sports. Guidelines ensure that all physical interactions are safe, respectful, and appropriate to the context, with the comfort and consent of the participant always prioritised.

When overnight stays are required, implement stringent safety measures. This includes thorough planning, clear supervision arrangements, and ensuring that accommodation meets safety standards, providing a secure environment for all participants.

Maintain strict protocols for change room arrangements to ensure privacy and safety. These include supervised access, designated areas for different age groups, and clear rules about conduct in these spaces, minimising risks and ensuring participant comfort.

Strictly prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs in junior rugby. Promote a healthy and safe environment by educating participants about the risks associated with substance abuse and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Engaging parents and guardians is vital for effective safeguarding. Encourage their active involvement, providing them with the necessary information and support to understand and contribute to your safeguarding efforts.

Safe transportation practices are a priority. Guidelines ensure that all transportation arrangements are planned, supervised, and conducted by vetted individuals, with clear protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of participants during transit.

Establish clear procedures for the drop-off and pick-up of children to ensure their safety. These include designated areas, supervised handover processes, and clear communication with parents and guardians to prevent any unauthorised access or incidents.