Oxfordshire RFU acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children involved in Oxfordshire RFU activities from harm.
Oxfordshire RFU confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorses and adopts the Policy Statement contained in that document and any successor policy.
Everyone shares the responsibility for safeguarding and creating safe environments in rugby union whether as a parent, coach, spectator or club official.
All should operate within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrate exemplary behaviour to both safeguard children and protect all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.
Children, which is anyone under the age of 18, must be cared for in the correct manner, as set out in the RFU Safeguarding Policy.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
RFU Safeguarding Children Policy
Club Safeguarding template
SAFE RECRUITING
All children and vulnerable adults are entitled to protection from harm and be able to take part in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment. When recruiting employees or volunteers all reasonable steps must be taken to ensure only suitable people are selected.
Volunteer application form
IMPORTANT FOR ALL
This policy and guidance should be read by everyone involved in providing this environment within rugby union. Please refer to Regulation 21 for RFU procedures on dealing with abuse allegations or breach of the policy.
Regulation 21
CLUB SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS
Every club running mini/midi/youth rugby must have a Club Safeguarding Officer. You should prominently display the below poster with details of your Safeguarding officer.
Safeguarding Officer poster
Club Safeguarding Officers and Club Officials will also find a toolkit below to help them implement the policy.
Safeguarding toolkit
GOING ON TOUR
When clubs are planning a tour the below guidance will be useful.
Touring with children guidance
SAFEGUARDING ADULTS
The RFU is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for everyone to play and enjoy rugby union and to safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved in the game, particularly those deemed to be at risk.
The policy below applies to all over the age of 18 involved in rugby.
RFU Safeguarding Adults at Risk in Rugby Union Policy and Procedures
LGBT YOUNG PEOPLE IN RUGBY
For more information and advice regarding LGBT young people in rugby and promoting an inclusive rugby environment, please visit NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit.