Wortley Rugby

Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy

1. Policy Statement

Wortley Rugby Union Football Club (WRUFC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who participate in rugby union within the club. The wellbeing and safety of participants is paramount and takes precedence over performance, competition, or results.

WRUFC formally adopts and implements the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Safeguarding and Protecting Young People Policy, together with all associated RFU regulations, procedures, guidance, and best practice requirements, as amended from time to time.

All club members, volunteers, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators are expected to share this commitment and to comply with this policy.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All children and young people under the age of 18
• All vulnerable adults participating in club activities
• All club officials, coaches, volunteers, employees, parents, and spectators
• All club activities including training, matches, tours, social events, transport, and online activity

3. Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)

WRUFC appoints a Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) who is responsible for leading safeguarding within the club.

The CSO will:

• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns within the club
• Be visible and approachable, with contact details published on the club website, noticeboards, induction materials, and RugbyFirst
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are reported promptly to the Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager (CBSM) or the RFU Safeguarding Team
• Maintain appropriate links with statutory agencies (e.g. police, children’s social care) when required
• Be an active or co-opted member of the Club Management Committee

In the absence of the CSO, or where a concern involves the CSO, concerns may be reported directly to the CBSM, RFU Safeguarding Team, or statutory agencies.

The current Club Safeguarding Officer is: Carla Morgan

Contact: carlablythe@hotmail.com

4. Safer Recruitment and DBS Checks

WRUFC is committed to safer recruitment practices. All individuals undertaking Regulated Activity with children or vulnerable adults must:

• Complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with RFU requirements
• Renew DBS checks as required by the RFU
• Complete appropriate safeguarding training

Individuals awaiting DBS clearance must not work unsupervised and must be appropriately supervised at all times.

5. Training and Awareness

WRUFC ensures that:

• All coaches complete appropriate RFU coaching qualifications
• All coaches, volunteers, and officials working with children or vulnerable adults complete RFU Safeguarding and Protecting Young People training
• The CSO attends the RFU Club Safeguarding Officer Workshop within six months of appointment
• Safeguarding information and updates are shared with club personnel as appropriate

6. Creating a Safe Environment

WRUFC is committed to creating an environment where:

• Safeguarding concerns are openly acknowledged
• Participants feel safe, valued, and listened to
• Concerns are taken seriously and managed confidentially

Communication with children and young people will normally be via parents or carers. Direct one-to-one electronic communication with children should be avoided unless exceptional circumstances apply, and any such communication must be transparent and appropriate.

7. Supervision and Adult-to-Child Ratios

WRUFC ensures appropriate supervision at all times. The RFU recommended minimum ratios apply:

• 1 adult : 10 children (over 8 years)
• 1 adult : 8 children (under 8 years)
• 1 adult : 6 children (under 7 years)

There must always be more than one suitably vetted adult present. Volunteers should avoid working in isolation and out of sight of others wherever possible.

8. Tours and Trips

This policy applies equally on tours and away trips. When acting in an official capacity, adults must comply with RFU safeguarding requirements, including DBS clearance where required. Clubs will conduct appropriate risk assessments and ensure suitable supervision ratios are maintained.

9. Codes of Conduct and Behaviour

All club personnel must comply with RFU and club Codes of Conduct. Individuals in positions of trust must:

• Act as positive role models at all times
• Avoid inappropriate language or behaviour
• Never engage in sexually explicit, intimidating, or discriminatory behaviour

Any form of grooming, inappropriate relationship, or abuse of trust will be treated as a serious safeguarding matter and may result in RFU disciplinary action and referral to statutory agencies.

10. Inappropriate Relationships

An adult in a position of trust must not engage in a sexual relationship with:

• Any child under 16 (this is a criminal offence)
• Any child over 16 or vulnerable adult in their care (this is a serious breach of trust)

The RFU has a legal duty to refer individuals removed from regulated activity to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

11. Disabled Children and Vulnerable Adults

WRUFC recognises that disabled children and vulnerable adults may require additional support. The club will:

• Take reasonable steps to ensure inclusion and safety
• Share relevant information with coaches on a need-to-know basis
• Seek guidance and training where required

12. Changing Rooms and Showers

• Adults and children must never change or shower together
• Adults may only enter changing rooms when absolutely necessary
• Where supervision is required, this must involve two suitably vetted adults of the same gender
• No participant should be pressured to change or shower if they feel uncomfortable

13. Transport

Parents are normally responsible for transport arrangements. Where the club formally organises transport, WRUFC will ensure:

• Drivers are appropriately licensed and insured
• Vehicles are roadworthy and suitable
• Parental consent is obtained
• No child or vulnerable adult is left alone with a driver unless it is their own parent/carer

14. Photography and Media

WRUFC follows RFU guidance on photography and video recording. Images must be appropriate, respectful, and used only with consent. Inappropriate or exploitative imagery is not permitted.

15. Online Safety and Electronic Communication

The club manages online activity responsibly. Websites and social media must not contain content that could harm children or vulnerable adults. Sexually explicit or inappropriate material must never be shared.

16. Physical Contact and Coaching Practice

Physical contact must only be used where necessary for safety or coaching purposes, explained clearly, and carried out in an open environment with another adult present.

17. Managing Challenging Behaviour and Physical Intervention

Physical intervention should be avoided unless absolutely necessary to prevent harm. Any such incident must:

• Use minimum reasonable force
• Be reported to the CSO
• Be recorded using RFU incident reporting procedures

18. Whistleblowing

WRUFC supports a culture of openness. Anyone raising a safeguarding concern in good faith will not be disadvantaged or suffer detriment.

19. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation or RFU guidance. The Club Committee is responsible for approval and oversight.

Approved by: WRUFC Committee
Review Cycle: Annual
Next Review Due: September 2026