Safeguarding information

North Midlands Safeguarding Manager is Judith Phelps 07773326439 email: NMRFUSafeguarding@aol.com

There are currently 5 Assistant Safeguarding Managers who each have contact with the clubs that they support.

Adrienne Boxhall Tel: 07568 708643 Email: adrienne.boxhall@yahoo.co.uk
Kathryn Bowyer Tel: 07717 163296 Email: katbowyer@yahoo.co.uk
Deb Mansell Tel: 07894 936159 Email: debm.26gilson@gmail.com
Rachel Baker Tel: 07974 019078 Email: rachelbaker0509@gmail.com
Mandy Platts Tel: 07805 219493 Email: andy.platts@sky.com

Safeguarding information for Clubs


Safeguarding in the North Midlands 2023 / 2024

On all occasions the Rugby Football Union and North Midlands RFU consider the welfare of the child is paramount.

Children are our lifeblood of the game and it is crucial that they are cared for in the correct manner. Any player under the age of 18 is classed as a child and should be respected as such.

The RFU Safeguarding pages sets out the key principles as well as providing best practice guidance. Everyone shares the responsibility for safeguarding and, therefore, the information will be both relevant and useful for all those involved in creating safe environments in rugby union whether as a parent, coach, spectator or club official. To provide children with the best possible experiences and opportunities in rugby union, it is imperative that everyone operates within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrates exemplary behaviour. This not only ensures the game makes a positive contribution to the development of children, safeguards them and promotes their welfare but also protects all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.

North Midlands Safeguarding Responsibilities

The role of the North Midlands Safeguarding Manager includes the following:

  • To aid the Club Safeguarding Officer
  • Support clubs to produce a Safeguarding Policy.
  • Monitor implementation of Safeguarding Policies and procedures.
  • To ensure the DBS disclosure processes are implemented.
  • Have a formal role on relevant committees within North Midlands.
  • To ensure all reported cases are reported to the RFU and to advise clubs on the management of reported cases with the RFU.

Club Responsibilities

All Clubs with Junior Players (u18), should have the following minimum procedures in place:

  • A Named Safeguarding Officer who is easily contactable.
  • DBS Checks carried out on All Adults who engage in regulated activities with Junior players.
  • A Safeguarding Policy and related procedures adopted by club committee and implemented.


To complete an annual Safeguarding Audit.

In order to comply with the RFU Safeguarding requirements, please see the link further down the page
Safeguarding – RFU Regulation 21 , and  RFU Regulation 15: Age Grade Rugby. 

These Regulations must be adhered to.


The following links will take you to documents which will provide help and guidance to formulate club safeguarding policies and procedures.


Club Safeguarding policy template can be found here
Touring with Children Guidance :

Touring With Children


RFU Safeguarding Toolkit:

Safeguarding


Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)


The RFU is committed to ensuring that all children enjoy rugby union in a safe and enjoyable environment. The RFU requires any individual engaged in a Regulated Activity to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check through their club in order to work with children in accordance with the Regulation 21.


All relevant information about RFU DBS can found here: Safeguarding Referral Form
Reporting An Incident:


If you have any concerns about a child contact your Club Safeguarding Officer or one of the North Midlands Safeguarding team in the first instance, who will be able to advise you further.


Your concerns may relate to the behaviour of any child or adult involved or spectating at your club. These may include general concerns about a child’s welfare, concerns about bullying or poor practice, suspicions or allegations of misconduct or allegations of abuse. If any of the above are not available or you are not sure what to do, contact or leave a message on the RFU Safeguarding Line (0208 831 6655) and a member of the Safeguarding team will get in touch or contact them on safeguarding@rfu.com


If you consider a child is in immediate danger you can contact the NSPCC 24-hour freephone helpline (0808 800 5000)


Safeguarding Courses

  • To ensure the highest level of safeguarding in English rugby, and to support its numerous volunteers, the RFU offers two safeguarding courses.


Play It Safe

This course is for any volunteer or coach at a club who is working with or has responsibility for children.

  • To run a course at your club please contact a tutor on the Play it Safe Tutor map providing 2 or 3 alternative dates. The course has to be run either on a night when no one else is using the club the club or in a room that can be closed off for privacy. The RFU require a 6-week lead in so please give the tutor plenty of notice.

Play It Safe Booking a Course and Play it Safe Tutor map.


In Touch

Although the In Touch course is specifically targeted at Club Safeguarding Officers, in order for them to complete their training as specified in Regulation 21, we encourage any club official to attend this course to familiarize themselves with the scope of the role.
This course is now delivered online and booking can be accessed here;
Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby

In Touch Booking a Course


There can sometimes be confusion about the circumstances in which players can play out of their ‘normal’ age group. Below some basic principles are outlined – but please look at both Regulation 15 itself and the associated Codes Of Practice for full details and good practice
advice.


There are 3 categories of consent

  • 17 Year Olds playing in the Adult game.
  • Combining age groups
  • Playing up or down


Girls are already in a double band so no movement allowed – except U11s can have consent to play up with U12.


17-year-olds playing adult rugby.


First Step – Club consent. This is to ensure measure are in place to look after the 17 year- olds.

  • Once Club consent is given – individual player applications can be submitted.
  • Players should be adequately assessed preferably by a Level 2 coach.
  • CBS are informed of all 17-year-olds who appear on electronic match cards.

Using players without consent could result in club disciplinary action.


Combining

This can happen when

  • when there are insufficient players to create a team.
  • 2 adjacent ages.
  • No more than half the players on the pitch at any one time.
  • Play to the younger rules.
  • Always inform the opposition / referee.



Playing up or down

Neither of these categories are meant to solve a numbers problem.

  • Playing up is meant for your ‘Star’ players who would benefit from it.
  • Players down – for players of small stature or with developmental or behavioural issues.

Again please ensure adequate assessments are carried out.

Please remember the welfare of the child is paramount. If you see something – say something.


Judith Phelps

CBSM – North Midlands RFU
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