Discipline Policy:
Disciplinary Procedures will be invoked in the following circumstances:
- Junior Players, Coaches, parents or supporters who are sent off in matches.
- Bullying – as defined by the Anti Bullying Policy.
- Allegations involving abusive or threatening behaviour towards any person, whether that person is a member of the Club or not.
- Allegations of unlawful damage or theft.
- Disruptive behaviour.
- Poor Coaching Practice.
- Child Abuse.
- Any breach of club policy by a player, coach, parent or supporter.
PROCEDURES
In respect of players or coaches who are sent off:
A written report will be prepared by the Coach of the relevant age group, or referee as appropriate in each case and circulated within 48 hours to the Chairman, Secretary and relevant Coaching Co-coordinator.
The report should contain information on
- What happened leading up to the incident
- Why the player was sent off
- Is the referee to submit a report
- Objective assessment/summary of the situation and validity of sending off.
The Disciplinary Committee [consisting of the relevant Coaching Co-coordinator, Welfare Officer and one other Committee member] who should meet as soon as practicable [ideally within 7 days]. The player will be invited to attend, together with a parent/carer, and may bring any witnesses he/she may wish.
The disciplinary committee may consider the following sanctions:
- The sending off is punishment in itself.
- A caution to be given, laying down an expectation regarding future conduct.
- A period of playing suspension from all rugby matches.
The Disciplinary Committee should take into account the player’s age, experience, discipline record, the circumstances of the offence and any mitigating circumstances or remorse shown. Any suspension from playing does not prevent a player from training.
A written report of the incident and the Club’s action will be sent by the Club Secretary to:
- The player and player’s parents.
- The Constituent Body Youth Disciplinary Secretary (CBYDS).
The CBYDS will inform the player’s Head Teacher, who will be asked to honour and enforce any suspension imposed by the Club. Likewise, Bedford Junior Blues will enforce any suspension imposed on a player who was sent off in a school match.
In respect of all other alleged breaches of discipline by any member of the Club the procedures will be as follows:
Incidents that amount to continual disruptive behaviour during training or matches by a player, should be dealt with at the time by the Head Coach initially warning the player and, if the behaviour continues, by suspending the player from that session.
Allegations that involve alleged Child Abuse will be referred immediately to the Welfare Officer who will inform the appropriate agencies as necessary.
In all cases where disciplinary action has been taken or is contemplated, a written report will be submitted to the Club Welfare Officer as soon as practicable from all parties involved in the incident and, in any event, within 5 days of the incident.
A copy of the report must be served on the parent/carer by the Club Welfare Officer within 7 days of the incident.
The Disciplinary Committee, consisting of the relevant Coaching Co-coordinator, Welfare Officer and one other Committee member, should meet as soon as practicable (ideally within 14 days). The member concerned will be invited to attend together with a parent/carer (if under the age of 17) who may bring any witnesses he/she may wish.
The disciplinary panel may adjourn for no more than 21 days to investigate any additional information that becomes apparent during the initial hearing.
During any such adjournment, the panel may impose a temporary suspension in respect of the member, in order to facilitate their enquiry or to prevent any further harm to any person.
At the conclusion of the hearing the following sanctions are available:
- Permanent suspension from the Club.
- Temporary suspension from the Club.
- A warning regarding future conduct.
- Member may only coach whilst supervised.
- Member must undertake RFU Best Practice and Child Protection Course
- Member must attend ScUK ‘Good Practice and Child Protection’ Course.
- Member must attend appropriate RFU Coaching Course.
The Member will be notified in writing of the sanction imposed and the reasoning for imposing the sanction within 5 days of the hearing.
Privacy Policy
With the advent of GDPR, it is important for the Club to clearly define how member data is collected, managed and protected. Our Club Privacy Policy provides clarity on what data is captured and how it is managed.
Summary of how the Club and the RFU use your data:
- Bedford Junior Blues Rugby Football Club uses your personal data to manage and administer your membership and your involvement with its teams and club, and to keep in contact with you for these purposes.
- Some data is shared with the RFU, who use your data to regulate, develop and manage the game.
- Where we or the RFU rely on your consent, such as any consent we seek for email marketing, you can withdraw this consent at any time.
- Amongst the data we collect from you may be medical (including injury) information. We will hold this where you (or your parent) have given consent, so that we can ensure we are aware of your condition and can that you are supported appropriately.
- Where you work in a particular role within the game, you may be required to undergo a Disclosure & Barring Service check using the RFU’s DBS system. The result of this check will be input into your Game Management Service (GMS) record.
The attached Club Privacy Policy should be read by all members.
Summary of how we and the RFU use your data
- Bedford Junior Blues Rugby Football Club uses your personal data to manage and administer your membership and your involvement with its teams andclub, and to keep in contact with you for these purposes.
- Some data is shared with the RFU, who use your data to regulate, develop and manage the game.
- Where we or the RFU rely on your consent, such as any consent we seek for email marketing, you can withdraw this consent at any time.
- Amongst the data we collect from you may be medical (including injury) information. We will hold this where you (or your parent) have given consent, so that we can ensure we are aware of your condition and can that you are supported appropriately.
- Where you work in a particular role within the game, you may be required to undergo a Disclosure & Barring Service check using the RFU’s DBS system. The result of this check will be input into your Game Management Service (GMS) record.
What does this policy cover?
This policy describes how Bedford Junior Blues RFC (also referred to as “the Club”, “we” or “us”) will make use of the data we handle in relation to our members and players, including our use of the Game Management System (“GMS”) provided by the Rugby Football Union (“RFU”). The policy also describes the RFU’s use of data on GMS. It also describes your data protection rights, including a right to object to some of the processing which we carry out. More information about your rights, and how to exercise them, is set out in the “What rights do I have?” section.
What information do we collect?
We collect and process personal data from you or your parent when you join and when we carry out annual renewals of your membership. This includes:
- your name
- your gender
- your date of birth
- your RFU ID (as assigned in GMS)
- your home address,email address and phone number
- your type of membership and involvement in particular teams, or any key role you may have been allocated, such as Chair, Safeguarding Lead, Membership Secretary etc.
- your payment and/or bank account details, where you provide these to pay for membership
- your marketing preferences, including any consents you have given us
- your medical conditions or disability, where you provide this to us with your consent (or your parent’s consent) to ensure we are aware of any support we may need to provide to you.
Some information will be generated as part of your involvement with us, in particular data about your performance, involvement in particular matches in match reports and details of any disciplinary issues or incidents you may be involved in on and off the pitch, such as within health and safety records.
What information do we receive from third parties?
Sometimes, we receive information about you from third parties. For example, if you are a child, we may be given information about you by your parents.We may receive information relating to your existing registrations with other clubs or rugby bodies or disciplinary history from the RFU through GMS. Additionally, for certain role holders or those working with children, we may receive information from the Disclosure and Barring Serviceand RFU on the status of any DBS check you have been required to take.
How do we use this information, and what is the legal basis for this use?
We process this personal data for the following purposes:
- To fulfil a contract, or take steps linked to a contract: this is relevant where you make a payment for your membership and any merchandise or enter a competition. This includes:
- taking payments
- communicating with you
- providing and arranging the delivery or other provision of products, prizes or services
- As required by the Club to conduct our business and pursue our legitimate interests, in particular:
- we will use your information to manage and administer your membership and your involvement with its teams and club, and to keep in contact with you for thesepurposes
- we will also use data to maintain records of our performances and history, including match reports, score lines and team sheets
- we use CCTV cameras to maintain the security of our premises, and may use this video to investigate incidents at the Club or its premises
- we may choose to send you promotional materials and offers by post or by phone, or by email where we want to send you offers relating to similar products and services that you have already bought
- we use data of some individuals to invite them to take part in market research.
- Where you give us consent:
- we will send you direct marketing or promotional material by email
- we may handle medical or disability information you or your parent provides to us, to ensure we support you appropriately
- on other occasions where we ask you for consent, we will use the data for the purpose which we explain at that time.
- For purposes which are required by law:
- we maintain records such as health and safety records and accounting records in order to meet specific legal requirements
- we ensure, where you will work with children, that you have undergone an appropriate DBS check –this is also carried out with your consent
- where you hold a role at the Club requiring us to check your right to work, we may process information to meet our statutory duties
- we may respond to requests by government or law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation.
How does the RFU use any of my information?
The RFU provides GMS, but make its own use of the following information:
- your name
- your gender
- your date of birth
- your RFU ID (as assigned in GMS)
- your home address, email address and phone number•your type of membership and involvement in particular teams at the Club, or any key role you may have been allocated, such as Chair, Safeguarding Lead, Membership Secretary etc.
The RFU uses this information as follows:
- As required by the RFU to conduct its business and pursue its legitimate interests, in particular:
- communicating with you or about you where necessary to administer Rugby in England, including responding to any questions you send to the RFU about GMS
- administering and ensuring the eligibility of players, match officials and others involved in English rugby –this may involve the receipt of limited amounts of sensitive data in relation to disabled players, where they are registered for a disabled league or team, or in relation to anti-doping matters
- maintaining records of the game as played in England, in particular maintaining details of discipline and misconduct
- monitoring use of GMS, and using this to help it monitor, improve and protect its content and services and investigate any complaints received from you or from others about GMS
- maintaining statistics and conducting analysis on the make-up of rugby’s participants
- ensuring compliance with the current RFU Rules and Regulations including those on the affiliation of clubs, referee societies, constituent bodies and other rugby bodies, and registration of players
- communicating with you to ask for your opinion on RFU initiatives.
- For purposes which are required by law:
- The RFU will ensure, where you will work with children and where this is required, that you have undergone an appropriate DBS check –this is also carried out with your consent
- The RFU may respond to requests by government or law enforcement authorities conducting an investigation.
Withdrawing consent or otherwise objecting to direct marketing
Wherever we rely on your consent, you will always be able to withdraw that consent, although we may haveother legal grounds for processing your data for other purposes, such as those set out above. In some cases, we are able to send you direct marketing without your consent, where we rely on our legitimate interests. You have an absolute right to optout ofdirect marketing, or profiling we carry out for direct marketing, at any time. You can do this by following the instructions in the communication where this is an electronic message, or by contacting us using the details set out below in the “How do I getin touch with you or the RFU?” section.
Who will we share this data with, where and when?
Some limited information may be shared with other stakeholders in rugby, such as other clubs, Constituent Bodies, referee societies, league organisers, so that they can maintain appropriate records and assist us in organising matches and administering the game. Personal data may be shared with government authorities and/or law enforcement officials if required for the purposes above, if mandated by law or if required for the legal protection of our or the RFU’s legitimate interests in compliance with applicable laws. Personal data will also be shared with third party service providers, who will process it on our behalf for the purposes identified above. Such thirdparties include the RFU as the provider of GMS and providers of website hosting (eg Pitchero). Where information is transferred outside the EEA, and where this is to a stakeholder or vendor in a country that is not subject to an adequacy decision by the EU Commission, data is adequately protected by EU Commission approved standard contractual clauses, an appropriate Privacy Shield certification or a vendor’s Processor Binding Corporate Rules. A copy of the relevant mechanism can be provided for your review on request.
What rights do I have?
You have the right to ask us for a copy of your personal data; to correct, deleteor restrict(stop any active) processing of your personal data; and to obtain the personal data you provide to us for a contract or with your consent in a structured, machine readable format. In addition, you can object to the processingof your personal data in some circumstances (in particular, where we don’t have to process the data to meet a contractual or other legal requirement,or where we are using the data for direct marketing).These rights may be limited, for example if fulfilling your request would reveal personal data about another person, or if you ask us to delete information which we are required by law to keep or have compelling legitimate interests in keeping.You have the same rights for data held by the RFU for its own purposes on GMS.To exercise any of these rights, you can get in touch with us –or, as appropriate, the RFU or its data protection officer –using the details set out below. If you have unresolved concerns, you have the right to complainto the Information Commissioner’s Office. Much of the information listed above must be provided on a mandatory basis so that we can make the appropriate legal checks and register you as required by RFU Rules and Regulations. We will inform you which information is mandatory when it is collected. Some information is optional, particularly information such as your medical information. If this is not provided, we may not be able to provide you with appropriate assistance, services or support.
How do I get in touch with you or the RFU?
We hope that we can satisfy queries you may have about the way we process your data. If you have any concerns about how we process your data, or would like to opt out of direct marketing, you can get in touch at [email protected] or by writing to Data Protection Officer, Bedford Junior Blues, c/o Bedford Athletic RFC, Wentworth Drive, Putnoe Woods, Bedford MK41 8QA. If you have any concerns about how the RFU process your data, you can get in touch at [email protected] or by writing to The Data Protection Officer, Rugby Football Union, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA.
How long will you retain my data?
We process the majority of your data for as long as you are an active member and for 5 years after this. Where we process personal data for marketing purposes or with your consent, we process the data for 5 years unless you ask us to stop, when we will only process the data for a short period after this (to allow us to implement your requests). We also keep a record of the fact that you have asked us not to send you direct marketing or to process your data indefinitely so that we can respect your request in future. Where we process personal data in connection with performing a contract or for a competition, we keep the data for 6 years from your last interaction with us. We will retain information held to maintain statutory records in line with appropriate statutory requirements or guidance. The RFU will maintain records of individuals who have registered on GMS, records of DBS checks and the resulting outcomes and other disciplinary matters for such period as is set out in the RFU’s privacy notice to be set out on www.englandrugby.com. Records of your involvement in a particular match, on team sheets, on results pages or in match reports may be held indefinitely both by us and the RFU in order to maintain a record of the game.
Correct: 2020
Equity Policy
Bedford Junior Blues Rugby Club mini section provides rugby for children ranging from under 6 to under 12 and the junior section rugby for children from under 13 to under 18.
The coaches and committee members are all volunteers who have a keen interest in rugby. The ethos of this Club is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our children to learn the game of rugby.
Equity in our Club
Bedford Junior Blues Rugby Football Club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity:
“Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.”
The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.
The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.
All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.
Correct: 2020
Introduction
Bedford Junior Blues Rugby Club mini section provides rugby for children ranging from under 6 to under 12 and the junior section rugby for children from under 13 to under 17. The coaches and committee members are all volunteers who have a keen interest in rugby. The ethos of this Club is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our children to learn the game of rugby.
The junior section of the Club participates in the Hertfordshire and Middlesex leagues and East Midlands Cup competitions. Home game officials are requested from East Midlands Referee Society (EMRS) in the first instance or games can be refereed by internally appointed Club officials.
Aim of the policy
- To identify the role of the club referee coordinator.
- To bring together various documents from constituent bodies to provide coaches, players and committee members clear guidance as to managing the Club’s expectations of referee appointments and their subsequent performance.
Contents
- Role of the club referee co-ordinator.
- EMRS protocol for level 10 games and below including junior and mini rugby.
- Herts and Middlesex League and East Midlands Cup regulations
- Providing constructive feedback to Society appointed officials.
- To provide a clear procedure in the event of a dispute or serious complaint.
1. Role of the club Referee Co-ordinator
1.1 Publish the Club’s junior fixtures on the EMRS website. The confirmed appointment of Match Officials will be posted by each Tuesday at 9am.
1.2 Contact the appointed official 3 days prior to KO and confirm availability, timings & location.
1.3 Confirm with junior coaches that a Society appointed referee is available. Otherwise attempt to appoint a Club official.
1.4 Liaise with RFU regional referee co-ordinator with regard to training courses and further development opportunities.
1.5 Provide guidance and advice in the event of a complaint arising from a match official’s performance.
1.6 A fully participating member of the disciplinary committee.
2. EMRS Protocol
2.1 Match officials are in the first instance unpaid volunteers, without them the game would not be able to go ahead. Officials are graded due to their experience and are appointed to meet the demands of the game. For instance league season 2010/11:-
- Level 5 – National League 3 and Bedford Academy
- Level 6 – Bedford Athletic 1XV – Midlands 1 East
- Level 8 – Bedford Queens – East Midlands 3
- Level 11 – Junior U17 league game
- Level 12 – Junior U16 league game
- Level 13-15 – Junior U15-U13 league game
As can be seen from the above list, if a coach has played or watched a decent level of senior rugby they may have experience of a far senior official as to that provided to a Junior Club on a Sunday and should manage their expectations accordingly. Likewise the officials may have vastly differing experience and ability with little consistency either throughout the game or on a week by week basis.
2.2 However EMRS sets out the following expectations for level 10 and below games. The neutrality of the referee must be accepted by all whosoever they may be and whatever their allegiances.
Officials will:-
- Ensure that highest standards are maintained at all times and recognise SAFETY as the prime consideration.
- Be available to engage in constructive dialogue with players and coaches before and after the match.
- Be fully conversant with any Age Group Variations to the Laws, ensuring they have an up- to -date CRB check where required.
- Ensure both teams provide a Touch Judge and additionally the home team is expected to have made provision for emergency first aid.
Note that the Laws of the Game will be applied to all those in the Playing Enclosure, which is the area often defined or roped off. Otherwise it is a reasonable area surrounding the pitch. This is usually about 5-metres and thus will include the area in which spectators are standing.
The Laws of the Game provide many remedies for any abuse. In the case of abuse from spectators the referee will ask the home coach/captain to manage the situation to eliminate the unacceptable behaviour.
ALL MATCH OFFICIALS have the right to not be threatened, feel threatened or be subjected to foul or constant/repeated abuse from anyone. When the above fails to eliminate the unacceptable behaviour they are advised to end the match and leave immediately reporting the facts to the Society Disciplinary Coordinator.
The Referee should as a minimum:
- At a scrum make the mark and control the engagement using the correct procedure, for which the players will have been briefed. Stop collapsed or popped and unsafe scrums immediately.
- At a lineout ensure the safety of the jumper is paramount and be aware when it has ended.
- At a tackle recognise that the duties fall on 1st tackler, 2nd tackled player and 3rd arriving players.
- Communicate verbally advantage on and off and the importance of prolonged advantage to all concerned.
- Ensure there is no place for Foul Play in the Game and that feet on players will not be tolerated.
- Dissent is not abuse; but neither is it acceptable.
- Recognise when a ruck is formed, that joining players must do so through the gate and that the ball is out only when the acting scrum half clearly has both his hands on the ball.
- Recognise when a maul is formed.
2.3 If a Club coach feels that the game is not being refereed safely there is a Duty of Care upon the coach to act. In consultation with the referee and opposition coach any unsafe situation requires managment. If this requires the coach to withdraw his team from the match, this must be considered as the final measure. The coach should not enter the field of play without being invited by the referee. Any follow- up action with the constituent bodies will be dealt with by the Club committee. It would be unacceptable for a coach to make a serious complaint about players’ safety having not acted in the players’ interest in the first instance.
2.4 Referee fees:
- £18 per match official, payable to EMRS, not the official.
- Match-day cancellations: 1st occasion £50, thereafter £100.
- Cancellations within 24 hours of KO £30
- Late Registration Fee £10 / match.
Coaches must be aware of the charges relating to cancelled matches. They will not be applied in the case of inclement weather or where sensible procedures are followed and both the referee and EMRS are notified in good time. If the fault lies with the visiting team EMRS may invoice the opposition.
2.5 Coaches are reminded that any dismissals and all occurrences of referee abuse must be notified to the disciplinary committee immediately after the game.
3.Herts and Middlesex League and East Midlands Cup match official regulations
3.1 League Regulations
The Home Team is responsible for supplying a suitable referee for the fixture where suitable implies that the referee is (in order of preference):
- a currently recognised society referee
- a qualified referee not attached to the Home Club
- a qualified referee not attached to the Home Team (ie that particular Age Group)
If a suitable referee is not available then the Home Team must;
- Inform the visiting team at least two full days in advance that there is no suitable referee.
- Offer the visiting team the option of providing an alternative suitable referee for the whole game.
If the Visiting Team declines the offer of providing their own referee then the Home Team can provide a qualified referee who is also attached to the particular Age Group.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in the docking of points from the Home Team thus it is advised that adequate records be kept for future reference. Each team is responsible for providing a touch judge to assist the referee during the game
3.2EMMJRA Cup Regulations
The home club shall obtain an accredited referee to officiate. Wherever possible, this should be a EMRS appointed Referee.
4.Providing constructive feed back to society appointed officials
4.1 EMRS use a CLUB CARD system; the officials may therefore, present cards to age group coaches prior to or after the game for feedback. If the referee does not supply a card the Club Referee Coordinator will provide head coaches with cards which they can submit. Due consideration should be given to the comments made as both the EMRS development officer and the referee will read the comments.
4.2 The coach should not attempt to approach the referee immediately after the game or enter the officials’ changing room if he has any serious concerns. The Referee should make himself available in the clubhouse as per the agreed protocol detailed above where discussion can take place.
5. Provide a clear procedure in the event of a dispute or complaint.
5.1A formal complaint should only be considered in exceptional circumstances and should follow the procedure outlined below. In no circumstances should a coach contact a referee or constituent body directly.
5.2 In the event of any serious concerns being raised, the coach should identify the following:-
- Is the complaint administrative i.e. not an independent referee and not being informed or is it regarding the referee’s performance.
- Establish if the referee was appointed by a society or is a club official.
- The name of the official.
- Any 3rd party evidence, video footage or statements from players or spectators.
5.3 The coach raising the complaint should inform the age group head coach and outline the facts concisely, considering the EMRS game protocol.
5.4 This initial report should be forwarded to the coaching co-ordinator no earlier than Monday morning, allowing time to reflect upon its content.
5.5 This will then be forwarded to the Club Chairman who will seek advice from the club referee co-ordinator. At this stage the Club may decide not to take the complaint forward, and will advise the coach accordingly.
5.6 If there are grounds for the complaint to leave the Club the appropriate constituent body will be identified. The views of the complaint will be considered to be fron the Club rather than an individual.
5.7 In the event of EMRS the report will be forwarded by the Club Secretary to the EMRS Hon Secretary who will forward it to the Match Officials’ Development Committee Chairman.
5.8 Likewise if the feedback is praise it should follow the same distribution.
5.9 If a referee is appointed by another society similar lines of distribution should be followed. If the referee is appointed by a club the complaint should be sent to the relevant club secretary.
References:-
http://www.eastmidsrefs.com/forms/440%202010%20June%20Affiliate%20Secretary%20Letter.pdf]
http://www.emru.co.uk/default.aspx?pg=f242eb69-f41a-4d42-a93b-861872a3c85c
Child Protection Policy
The following guidelines are issued to assist coaches & volunteers. They should be read & understood alongside other Club policies.
Staff ratios
Staff/participant ratios should be based on the age of the children involved, the degree of risk the activity involves, and whether there are disability needs. The lower the age of the participants, the greater the need for supervision. If the activity is mixed gender, male and female staff should be available. At Bedford Junior Blues we aim for 1:10 as a maximum, but preferential is 1:6
Changing rooms
- When children and young people use changing rooms, two members of staff should supervise them. Adult staff should not change or shower at the same time using the same facilities. For mixed gender activities, separate facilities should be available for boys and girls.
- If a child feels uncomfortable changing or showering in public, no pressure should be placed on them to do so. Instead, they should be encouraged to shower or change at home.
- If children with disabilities use your club, make sure they and their carers are involved in deciding how they should be assisted. Ensure they are able to consent to the assistance that is offered.
Injuries and illness
Bedford Junior Blues have guidelines and report forms for any injury children sustain during activities. Where Coaches or other volunteers witness an injury the parents must be told as soon as possible. If the child needs medical attention you must arrange this immediately and inform the parents/carers as soon as possible. You should always ensure you have up-to-date contact details at sports activities or events and information about any relevant medical conditions. All incidents small or large should be reported to a club official and if possible to the clubs Child Protection officer.
Collection by parents/carers
Bedford Junior Blues have developed policies about the collection of children and young people from sports activities. The policies are based on the age of the children and the location, time and type of activity.
We need permission from parents/carers for children and young people to participate in any of the games, competitions, training or practice sessions you run. Timetables of activities are produced at the beginning of the season. Where possible, parents/carers will be advised of any changes to this timetable. Please make sure you are aware of the Coaches contact Numbers.
Page BreakLate collection of children
Late collection of children by parents presents the club and coaches with a potentially difficult situation.
- Bedford Junior Blues point out that it is not our responsibility to transport children home on behalf of parents who have been delayed.
- Details of the clubs contact numbers are available and all parents/carers should phone if there is any likelihood of late collection.
- All parents are asked to provide an alternative contact name or number, for staff to use when they are not available on their usual number.
In cases of late collection, Coaches and volunteers:
SHOULD:
- Attempt to contact the child’s parent or carer on their contact number.
- Use the alternative contact name/number if necessary.
- Wait with the child/young person at the sport facility, with other staff/volunteers or parents present if at all possible;
- Remind parents/carers of the policy relating to late collection.
SHOULD NOT:
- Take the child home or to any other location;
- Send the child home with another person without permission from a parent or carer.
- Ask the child to wait in a vehicle or sport facility with you alone.
Discipline
When discipline is used it should be with the clear intention of teaching or reinforcing appropriate behaviour. It must not be used impulsively, to gain power, or to embarrass or humiliate a child/young person.
Discipline should be used only to:
- Develop a sense of responsibility for behaviour;
- Develop respect for others and their property;
- Reinforce the rules or values of the sport;
- Reinforce positive behaviour or attitudes;
- Reinforce awareness of health and safety aspects of the activity.
Physical contact
Many sports require a degree of physical contact between coaches and children or young people especially rugby!. Coaches and staff may need to use it to instruct, encourage, protect or comfort. We have developed and publicised clear guidelines about physical contact, so that adults and children/young people understand what are the appropriate types of touching and their appropriate contexts.
Physical contact during sport should always be intended to meet the child’s needs, NOT the adult’s. The adult should only use physical contact if their aim is to:
- Develop sports skills or techniques;
- To treat an injury;
- To prevent an injury;
- To meet the requirements of the sport.
The adult should explain the reason for the physical contact to the child. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask the child for permission.
The contact should not involve touching genital areas, buttocks or breasts.
Physical contact should not take place in secret or out of sight of others.
All injuries should be fully recorded by staff.
Sexual activity
Sexual activity between adults and young people (16+) involved in the same sport should be prohibited when the adult is in a position of trust or authority (coach, trainer, official). Inappropriate or criminal sexual behaviour committed by an adult should lead to suspension and disciplinary action in accordance with the sports governing body guidance.
Sexual activity between adults and children under the age of 16 is a criminal act and immediate action must be taken to report it.
Participants with disabilities
- Children or young people with disabilities should have the same rights and opportunities as others involved in sport to have fun and be safe. Their particular vulnerability to abuse or neglect requires sports clubs/organisations to take additional steps to safeguard them.
- Information relating to club policies and procedures should be fully accessible to children and young people with communication difficulties.
- Specialist training or advice should be sought by clubs/organisations that involve children/young people with disabilities in sport. For example, when staff need to guide blind or partially sighted children, training will help ensure that they use the most appropriate methods. If training is not available, ask the child for advice or seek the advice of parents or carers.
- When transporting child with disabilities, the vehicles used should meet the needs of the children and be roadworthy. Appropriate and trained escorts should be in attendance in the vehicle.
- When children with disabilities are lifted or manually supported, the individual child should be treated with dignity and respect. Relevant health and safety guidelines must be followed to ensure the safety of the child and those assisting. It is recommended that those assisting receive appropriate training.
Page BreakThe following guidelines are self explanatory & are to be used as training information to improve coaches’ performance & to assist in recognising Child Abuse matters.
Defining Child Abuse
Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. It commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and is an abuse of power or a breach of trust. Abuse can happen to a child regardless of their age, gender, race or ability.
There are four main types of child abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. The abuser may be a family member, or they may be someone the child encounters in residential care or in the community, including during sports and leisure activities. An individual may abuse or neglect a child directly, or may be responsible for abuse because they fail to prevent another person harming that child.
- Physical abuse: where adults physically hurt or injure children, including by hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, biting, scalding, suffocating or drowning. This category of abuse can also include when a parent or carer reports non-existent symptoms of illness or deliberately causes ill health in a child they are looking after, as in Munchauser’s syndrome by proxy.
Examples of physical abuse in sport may be when a child is forced into training and competition that exceeds the capacity of his or her immature and growing body; or where the child is given drugs to enhance performance or delay puberty.
- Sexual abuse: when adults (male or female) use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include: full sexual intercourse; masturbation; oral sex, anal intercourse; fondling. Showing children pornography (books, videos, pictures) or talking to them in a sexually explicit manner are also forms of sexual abuse.
In sport, coaching techniques which involve physical contact with children could potentially create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. The power of the coach over young performers, if misused, may also lead to abusive situations developing.
- Emotional abuse: the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child, likely to cause severe and lasting adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve communicating to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in terms of meeting the needs of another person. It may feature expectations of children that are not appropriate to their age or development. It may involve causing children to feel frightened or in danger by being constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted which may make the child very nervous and withdrawn. Ill treatment of children, whatever form it takes, will always features a degree of emotional abuse.
Examples of emotional abuse in sport include subjecting children to constant criticism, name-calling, and sarcasm or bullying. Putting them under consistent pressure to perform to unrealistically high standards is also a form of emotional abuse.
- Neglect is when adults fail to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, to an extent that is likely to result in serious impairment of the child’s health or development. For example, failing to provide adequate food, shelter and clothing, failing to protect a child from physical harm or danger, or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. Refusal to give children love, affection and attention can also be a form of neglect.
Examples of neglect in sport could include: not ensuring children are safe; exposing them to undue cold or heat, or exposing them to unnecessary risk of injury.
Abuse of disabled children and young people
Some disabled children and young people are mentally or physically more vulnerable than others, which could make it easier for abusers to exploit them. They may also find it more difficult to recognise and report abuse, and to be believed. For example, if their disability means that they:
- Have limited life experiences and so have not developed the social skills needed to work out what the behaviour and attitudes of others mean. This could make them less able to understand what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.
- Have been encouraged to comply with other people’s wishes and not to question authority figures.
- Are afraid to challenge potentially abusive situations because of fear of the consequences. It is often easier to be compliant and pleasing rather than risk angering an authority figure and getting into trouble.
- May not be able to report abuse either because there is no-one they can report it to or because they do not have the appropriate language to use.
- May not be able to recognize that abuse has taken place.
- Feel powerless because they have to depend on others for personal support.
- May not be able to physically remove themselves from abusive situations.
- Are not believed because their authority figures cannot accept that anyone would abuse a disabled child.
- May not have anybody they can trust and confide in.
- May feel guilt or shame about the abuse which prevents them from reporting it.
- May not have a sense of ownership of their own bodies because they are so used to being examined physically by others as part of their medical and physical care.
- Have low self-esteem and a poor self image.
Bullying
Bullying, racism and other types of discrimination are forms of child abuse, even though those responsible are often young people. It is important to recognise the impact and extent of bullying and discrimination in the lives of young people. Sports organisations have a duty of care to safeguard children from harm, including disabled children and others who may be particularly vulnerable.
What is bullying?
Bullying can be psychological, verbal, or physical in nature. It involves an imbalance of power in which the powerful attack the powerless, and occurs over time rather than being a single act. Examples of bullying behaviour include:
- Being called names, insulted or verbally abused;
- Being deliberately embarrassed and humiliated by other children;
- Being made to feel different or like an outsider;
- Being lied about;
- Being physically assaulted or threatened with violence;
- Being ignored.
In the NSPCC study, Child Maltreatment in the UK, boys were most likely to experience physical bullying or threats, or have property stolen or damaged. Girls were more likely to be ignored or not spoken to.
Bullying by adults was a less common experience but one in ten young people reported this. Their most common experiences of adult bullying were:
- Being deliberately embarrassed or humiliated.
- Being unfairly treated or verbally abused.
- Being ignored or not spoken to.
Health & safety Policy
Introduction
It is the intention of BJB to provide a safe and healthy environment for all players, volunteers, officers & visitors, and others working under its control and/or affected by BJB’s activities.
Control
BJB will, so far as is reasonably practicable:
- provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our activities
- prevent accidents, injuries and ill-health from club activities
- investigate accidents, near misses and unsafe acts or conditions to ensure corrective, preventative actions are identified.
- identify all risks and hazards created as a result of club activities
- provide and maintain safe equipment and other facilities provided for players, volunteers, officers, visitors and others working under its control, to undertake their duties
- ensure that legal and other occupational health and safety requirements applicable to BJB are identified and recorded.
Communication, participation & consultation
- consult with players, members, volunteers, officers, visitors and others working under its control and/or affected by BJBs activities on all matters affecting health & safety.
- gain the full commitment of its stakeholders with regards to matters of health and safety
- communicate this policy and arrangements to players, members, officers, volunteers, visitors, and others working under its control and/or affected by BJB’s activities.
- ensure that legal and other health and safety requirements applicable to BJB are communicated to all players, members, volunteers, officers, visitors and others working under its control and/or affected by club activities.
- Training
- provide suitable and sufficient coaching/training to ensure the competency of players, members, volunteers, officers, visitors and others working under its control in health and safety matters, and such training is evaluated to ensure effectiveness.
Resources
- ensure that adequate resources for health and safety are provided by BJB.
Continual Improvement
- monitor and review the BJB position on health and safety and revise this policy at regular intervals as appropriate to reflect current legislation, directives of rugby and best practice.
