Child Protection & Codes of Practice

Penny Broadway

Child Protection Officer

01492 580405

Child Protection 

Colwyn Bay 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 any form of abuse has occurred, we undertake to report our concerns to the appropriate authority. Adopting best practice , All Club Officials have or are undergoing CRB checks for suitability for working with children and the club has an appointed Child Protection Officer - Penny Broadway to whom any observations concerning any aspect of Child Protection should be addressed.

All parents are asked for permission for the club officers to photograph and video the players for club training  and publicity . Photography by unknown people is not allowed and any such activity will be reported to the police.

Coaches Code Of Practice 

Coaches have a responsibility to ensure that all youngsters are given the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment where the emphasis is on:

FUN - ENJOYMENT - SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Coaches should:

• Be a positive role model , Look and act the part.
• 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 judgment or honesty.
• Ensure players and parents behavior 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.

Players Code Of Practice 

• Play for fun – not just to please your parents or coach.

• Play by the Rules, No rules – no game.  Don’t cheat.

• 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.

• Never give up; the game’s not lost until it’s won.

• Be a good sport 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.

• 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.

• Be proud of being a member of your club Dress smartly in white shirt, club tie, grey or black trousers and black shoes whenever you represent our Club.

Parents/Spectators Code Of Practice

• 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

• 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.

• 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 example.

• Encourage your child to improve his skills through coaching.

• 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.

• 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?