At the end of the season we would like to share with you a
number of issues that have been identified as having both a local and national
trend across out game. Some of these have resulted in serious sanctions for
either individuals or clubs themselves! A national meeting yesterday brought
the following to our further attention, and we are keen as a county to try and
ensure that none of our clubs are subject to these investigations next season!
1/ Entering the field of play.
A number of parents/coaches have been subject to
disciplinary measures for entering the field of play without the referees
invitation. This has often resulted in allegations of assault or verbal abuse
to players and officials alike.
Please remember our behaviour on the touch line, influences
the behaviour of those on the pitch and watching.
2/ Physical intervention by an adult, either touching during
training, by match officials or coaches and parents during players confronting
each other on the pitch.
Please consider your play it safe courses, we have no
authority to make physical contact with anyone, without their, or parents
agreement.
3/ Drinking games, this is not appropriate and can be
considered dangerous to health. We are normalising a drinking culture, that is
moving away from sport, and not considering any dangers in relation to health
through those with intolerances or medical conditions.
4/ Poor conduct on tours. Alcohol abuse, poor supervision,
and culture of “what goes on tour”, pressurising young people to accept what
others consider to be fun. Parents/Coaches excessive drinking and no
appropriate adults to supervise the young people.
5/ Abuse of licencing laws. Under 18’s been allowed to drink
alcohol within the club. Please consider what will happen to your club, if your
licence is revoked. U18’s into senior rugby should not be involved in drinking.
6/ Poor practice or behaviours remaining unchallenged.
Committee and senior members of the club not challenging poor/inappropriate
behaviours both on and off the pitch (Pitch side behaviours), therefore
accepting it as the normal.
Referee abuse, player abuse and any others should be
challenged immediately, and if necessary the offending party asked to leave the
club/game and subject to club disciplinary procedures.
Next seasons Club Safeguarding self-audit will open on the 1st
July, please ensure all coaches have a current DBS and are attached to a team
on GMS. The RFU will check this if your club or coaches are subject to a
investigation, and a number this year have been found lacking.
On a positive note, Congratulations to Roundhegians who were
awarded this years trophy for Safeguarding at the weekends County game, and all
the nominee’s for volunteers awards.
Thank you for all your support over the past season and
enjoy your summer.
Andy Pollard
Safeguarding Manager
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