Last Updated: Sunday, 05 August 2007

FAIR PLAY CODES

THE GOOD ADMINISTRATOR'S CODE
 

It is acknowledged that youth rugby will not progress without good quality administrators. Their contribution is essential to the development of all youth sections and the individuals within them.

IN RUGBY UNION ADMINISTRATORS SHOULD:

··       Encourage an environment within the rugby club whereby the opportunity to play rugby is offered to ALL youngsters.

··       Encourage the concept of good sporting partnerships between young people, their parents, club coaches and officials.

··       Involve young people in the decision making processes, where appropriate.

··       Recognise that the rugby club has a ‘Duty of Care’ towards all young club members.

··       Ensure that the club provide responsible supervision for all young people.

··       Promote the concepts of fair play, respect and enjoyment. Discourage the ‘win at all costs’ ethic amongst the club community.

IN RUGBY UNION ADMINISTRATORS MUST:

·         Provide coaches with the opportunity to achieve governing body qualifications.

·        Ensure that equipment and facilities are available for and appropriate to the requirements of
          the coaches and the needs of the young players

·       Ensure that young players are registered under the RFU scheme.

·       Ensure that the club coaching/playing programme reflects the RFU guidelines and does not expose the young players to the possibility of overplaying.

··      Ensure matches are officiated by suitable, and preferably qualified, referees.

·       Ensure that appropriate medical and first aid provision is always available.

·       Promote youth sections as being an integral part of the club

·       Promote links with the local community, particularly schools.

·       Ensure that the club community is aware of, and abides by the policies and procedures outlined in the RFU Child Protection Guidance Booklet.

 

The RFU have produced a “Child Protection Guidance” booklet and below is a summary of its message.

This booklet is intended as a guide for people involved in the coaching, management and development of Rugby Union within the club environment. It should be read by volunteers, parents and professionals alike, and in particular a new coach. In it, you are introduced to the concept of child abuse in sport, in all its forms and are given ways of both recognising warning signs and acting on concerns.  Abuse is a powerful and emotive term. Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults and often by those they know and trust. The coach often holds this trust and may be at risk of misusing their power over the young players. It is widely recognised that there are four main areas of abuse which coaches and volunteers should be aware of:

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

In general terms, emotional abuse occurs when adults persistently fail to show children due care, love or affection, where a child may be constantly shouted at, or threatened or subjected to sarcasm and unrealistic pressures.

NEGLECT

In general terms, neglect as a form of abuse occurs when a child’s essential needs for food, warmth and care fail to be met.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

In general terms, this occurs when adults or even children, deliberately inflict injuries on a child, or knowingly do not prevent such injuries.  It also occurs when an adult gives children alcohol, or inappropriate drugs, or fails to supervise their access to these substances.

SEXUAL ABUSE

 In general terms, girls and boys are abused by adults, both male and female, who use children to meet their own sexual needs.  There may, however, be an increased risk within many sports, including Rugby Union, for abuse to occur which does not necessarily fit into these categories. The unique culture and traditions of Rugby, along with so-called stereotypical behaviour, whilst common to many team sports, may give rise to unacceptable behaviour leading to situations where abuse may occur or coaches and/or young players are at increased risk.  Safeguarding the welfare of our young players is paramount. As coaches and volunteers we have a moral and possibly a legal responsibility to provide the highest possible standard of care when we welcome young people into the game of Rugby Union.  Whilst there are many ways in which the welfare of young players can be safeguarded, this document does not go into detail and further guidance can be sought from the ‘RFU/RFUW Child and Young Player Protection Policy’.

You are advised to become familiar with ways in which you and your club can:

·        Understand what child abuse means

·        Ensure good practice in the coaching of young players

·        Provide a safe environment for young people

·        Recognise abuse and provide a structure to deal sympathetically with concerns

Email  MiniRugby@FulhamRugby.co.uk  for further information