CHILD PROTECTION CODES OF CONDUCT

1.  All rugby coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person with whom they work with and treat them equally within the context of rugby union;
2.  All rugby coaches must place the physical and emotional well being of all young players above all other considerations, including the development of performance;
3.  The relationship that a rugby coach develops with the players with whom they work must be based on mutual trust and respect;
4.  All rugby coaches must ensure that all activities undertaken are appropriate to the age, maturity, experience and ability of the young players;
5.  All rugby coaches must encourage young players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
6.  All rugby coaches should clarify with the young players (and their parents/carers) what is expected of them both on and off the rugby field and also what they are entitled to expect from the coach.
7.  All rugby coaches should work in partnership with others within the game (officials, doctors, physiotherapists, sports scientists) to ensure the wellbeing, safety and enjoyment of all young players.
8.  All rugby coaches must promote the positive aspects of the sport e.g. Fair Play. Violations of the Laws of the Game. Behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant regulations or the use of prohibited techniques or substances must never be condoned.

PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN RUGBY UNION (Guidance)

There are a number of principles that should be followed within the sport of rugby union when the activity involves physical contact. Physical contact in rugby 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 or accident from occurring.
• to meet the requirements of the game.

The adult should seek to explain the nature and reason for the physical contact to the child reinforcing the teaching or coaching skill. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask the child for permission. It is good practice for Rugby Clubs, as part of an induction process or pack for new members, to explain to parents/carers and their child or give written guidance about any physical contact that will be required as part of that activity (see Section 11.2 of the Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union). Young people should be encouraged to voice concerns they have if any physical contact makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.

Contact should not involve touching genital areas, buttocks, breasts or any other part of the body that might cause a child distress or embarrassment. Physical contact should always take place in an open or public environment and not take place in secret or out of sight of others.

SPECIFIC SITUATIONS

i) Physical punishment:

Any form of physical punishment of children is unlawful by coaches, volunteers and professionals, as is any form of physical response to misbehaviour unless it is by way of restraint. It is particularly important that adults understand this both to protect their own position and the overall reputation of the organisation in which they are involved.

ii) Contact as part of coaching:

There are specific circumstances within the sport of rugby union which will require coaches or teachers to come into physical contact with children and young people from time to time in the course of their duties.
Examples will include activities where safe practice is critical, e.g. the introduction /development of scrummaging. Adults should be aware of the limits within which such contact should properly take place, and of the possibility of such contact being misinterpreted.

It should be recognised that physical contact between an adult and a child that may occur during legitimate teaching or coaching may be misconstrued or misunderstood by a pupil, parent or observer. Touching young participants, including well intentioned informal and
formal gestures such as putting a hand on the shoulder or arm, can, if repeated regularly, lead to the possibility of questions being raised. As a general principle adults in positions of responsibility should not make gratuitous or unnecessary physical contact with children and young people. It is particularly unwise to attribute frequent touching to their teaching or coaching style or as a way of relating to young participants.

iii) Responding to distress and success:

There may be occasions where a distressed young person needs comfort and reassurance which may include physical comforting such as a caring parent would give. Physical contact may also be required to prevent an accident or injury and this would be wholly appropriate. A young person or coach may also want to mark a success or achievement with a hug or other gesture. Adults should use their discretion in such cases to ensure that what is (and what is seen by others present) normal and natural does not become unnecessary and unjustified contact, particularly with the same young person over a period of time. It should also be considered that what, to an adult may seem to be appropriate, may not be shared by a young person.