Heaton Moor RUFC Child Protection Policy

At Heaton Moor we believe that taking part in our sport should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives. We want to make sure that children are protected and kept safe from physical, sexual and emotional harm whilst they are with the club’s coaches, helpers and other volunteers.

In order to achieve and ensure this we have the following aims:

   ·     All coaches will attend a START Rugby Union Coaching Course before they begin working with children.

   ·     A CRB check will be undertaken for all coaches, managers and volunteers.

·     All coaches and other volunteers will have a job description.

·     The club will actively recruit female coaches and volunteers.

·     All coaches will be qualified to Level 1 before they are allowed to become the Head coach of any age group.

·     Coaches will be encouraged to keep up-to-date with current rugby, coaching and child protection issues.

·     Coaches will be encouraged to attend NCF coach and Child Protection workshops.

·     All coaches will receive a copy of the club’s codes of conduct and will be expected to adhere to them at all times.

·     Coaches will avoid one-on-one instances with children at all times.

·     The club will maintain written records of attendance, parental consent and accidents.

·     Coaches and parents will be supplied with a written procedure for dealing with accusations or suspicions of child abuse.

·     The club will actively promote ‘fair play’ and will always participate within the spirit of the laws and the letter of the continuum.

·     A Club Welfare Officer will be identified whose role will be to deal with any concerns about physical, sexual or emotional abuse within the club (currently Peter Heath).