Safeguarding for Children & Vulnerable Adults 2 of 3
2. Match Officials - Safeguarding guidelines
Child Protection Guidelines For Match OfficialsWhen refereeing young players match officials should- Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players
- Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games
- Appreciate the needs of the players
- Be a positive role model
- Recognise that safety is paramount
- Explain decisions - most young players are still learning
- Do not tolerate verbal abuse
Officials should not- Change in the same area as young players
- Shower with young players
- Be alone with young players at any time - if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present
- Check studs without the coach being present
- Administer first aid
- Allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness
- Tolerate bad language from young players
- Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players
- Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware
- Take a young player to your home
- Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem
- Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in "fun"
Officials must always- Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Welfare Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy
- Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators
- Physical abuse by coaches/parents/spectators
- Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person
- Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults