Guildfordians RFC >> Club >> Child protection

Child protection policy

"Guildfordians Rugby Football Club, its officers and Coaches, recognise the personal dignity and rights of children, towards whom we have a special responsibility and a duty of care. As a Club and as individuals, we undertake to do all in our power to provide children and young people with safety and protection from harm while they are in our care. If we have reason to suspect that abuse has been perpetrated, we undertake to report our concerns to the appropriate authority."

Any queries regarding our child protection policy should be referred to our Child Protection Officer (See contacts page for details).

The club will assist people to remain up to date with the latest child protection issues.
Equity policy statement

This 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.
- Members demonstrating discriminatory behaviour of any kind may be subject to disciplinary action.
Player's Code Of Conduct
- Recognise good rugby - even when it comes from the other team.
- Be fair Don't chuck your weight about.
- Improve your skill You'll play better - and feel better.
- Be a good sport
- Never give up The game's not lost until it's won.
- Don't argue with the referee He won't change his decision, and might penalise your team again - for arguing.
- Control your temper - and your mouth.
- Play by the Rules No rules - no game. Don't cheat.
- Play for fun - not just to please your parents or coach.
- Don't be selfish Co-operate with your team, and the referee and your opponents. Without them, you have no game.
- Don't show off - even when you've scored.
- All players must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all other participants.
- Junior members are not allowed to smoke or consume alcohol or drugs of any kind whilst on the Club premises or representing the Club at any time.
Parent's Code of Conduct
- Never force a child to play rugby. Always remember: children play for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage your child to play by the Rules/Laws. Make it clear that cheating is just a way to get an unfair advantage by dodging the Rules.
- Never yell at a player for making a mistake. Never sneer or use sarcasm - you'll make the player feel like a total failure. Remember: he's not playing for your benefit.
- Applaud good play - by either team. Back up the referee: don't publicly question his fairness or ability. Children learn best by example. Set a good one.
- Don't abuse anyone - especially the referee. Like the coaches, he is a volunteer and unpaid. He has given up his spare time. If you abuse him, he might not return. And how can your child play Mini-Rugby without a referee?
- Stay off the pitch. Coaches and referees are qualified to be there. They have worked hard to earn their qualifications. If you want to get involved in Mini-Rugby, join them and learn how. Otherwise don't interfere.
- Encourage your child to improve his skills through coaching.
- Teach your child that victory isn't everything - playing as well as you can is just as important. On any day, no more than half the teams can win, so defeat is no disgrace.
Coaches' Code of Conduct
- Be a positive role model.
- Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. Most learning is achieved through participating.
- Players develop at different times and in different ways - make allowances for their physical, emotional and mental maturity and development.
- Appreciate the needs of the player before the needs of the sport.
- Don't over play the better players - include everyone.
- Winning isn't everything - teach your players to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their ability. Encourage each player to reach his or her potential.
- Never abuse, yell, criticise or ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a game. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during both coaching sessions and games.
- Make sure players develop an understanding of the rules and laws of the game, that they respect opponents, team-mates, coaches and officials.
- Never question an official's judgement or honesty.
- Ensure players and parents behaviour is appropriate and in keeping with the spirit of the game and the expectations of the Club.
- All coaches must remember that they have a duty of care for all youngsters with whom they are working. Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or unacceptable risk of injury.
- Coaches must also remember they are in a position of trust and should avoid situations where this position is compromised.
- Coaches should recognise that it is illegal for young people under 18 to drink alcohol.