Kent RFU recognises that everybody has a responsibility for protecting children and vulnerable adults. If anyone has concerns about a child associated with a club, they should discuss them in the first instance with their Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) or alternatively contact the Kent RFU Safeguarding Officer.
The RFU Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults in Rugby Union Policy and Guidance sets out the key principles as well as providing best practice guidance. Everyone shares the responsibility for safeguarding and, therefore, this policy and guidance 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.
In order 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.
Allegations of abuse or poor practice must be reported to the RFU. It is important when reporting an incident that the RFU are informed as soon as possible in order to effectively manage any case or concern.
To promote and maintain good safeguarding practices, the RFU has created and regularly delivers safeguarding courses. These courses are held throughout the country and are designed for all individuals within a rugby environment.
The RFU utilises the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) to operate and manage a criminal record checking process for those working with children or vulnerable adults. A conviction or caution does not necessarily impede an individual’s future in the game; each situation is considered in relation to the individual circumstances.
Kent RFU considers the welfare of the child paramount.
If you are not sure what to do, you can gain help from the NSPCC:
If a player sustains an injury that requires admission to hospital you must notify Kent County RFU and the RFU of the injury.
Kent RFU is committed to ensuring that all children enjoy rugby union in a safe and enjoyable environment. As a reminder, any adult who works in Regulated Activity with Children in the Rugby Union in England must apply for a DBS disclosure processed through the RFU Safeguarding Team within four weeks of their employment or appointment – in accordance with RFU Regulation 21.
Further DBS information can be found below or alternatively contact your Club’s Safeguarding Officer
| It is helpful to remind ourselves and our coaches, managers and first aiders etc. Of what we might be looking out for in terms of safeguarding concerns and what to do if we have a concern. If someone raises a concern about a child or a coach’s behaviour towards a child, you must NOT investigate the concern yourself. Your first action must be to report the concern to the National RFU Safeguarding Team. You can do this using the Referral Form on the RFU’s Website. You can contact Kent County RFU Safeguarding officer to discuss before submitting a form. |
Each Workshop will be a chance for you to brush up on your knowledge of topics such as how to deal with safeguarding concerns, recruiting volunteers and where to find further advice and guidance.
See our courses page.
