About Us

Safeguarding Unit

Safeguarding and Protecting Children

The welfare of children within Rugby Union is paramount and the WRU are committed to ensuring the correct policies are adhered to within the game. The WRU Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy (published in 2008 is currently under review and will be available to download shortly) contains the principles which must be adhered to by all clubs in the game to ensure that young people in the game can be healthy and happy, and allow them to enjoy and develop in the game of Rugby Union.

The WRU Safeguarding Unit will support all clubs to ensure that best practice is followed at all times. Safeguarding children is something all of us in rugby are responsible for, whether you're a parent, coach, volunteer, referee or player.

Rugby should be a safe, friendly and enjoyable experience for all young people. The WRU is committed to complying with the National Standards for Safeguarding and Protecting Children in Sport. These are developed and assessed by the NSPCC. We want to make sure that all children enjoy rugby in a safe environment in which they are protected from any form of abuse. Our policies and guidance in this area are designed to support all rugby clubs to meet this goal.

what to do if you have a concern

The following do's and don'ts should be followed:

Do

• Stay calm
• Show and tell the child that you are taking what he says seriously
• Reassure the child and stress s/he is not to blame
• Ask open questions but do not probe or put words into the child's mouth
• Clarify anything you are uncertain of
• Be honest, explain that you will have to tell someone else to stop the abuse
• Make a note of what the child has said as soon as possible after the event
• Involve parents where appropriate
• Maintain confidentiality - only tell others if it will help to protect the child
• Follow National Governing Body Guidelines

Don't

• Panic
• Rush into assumptions and actions that may be inappropriate
• Make promises you cannot keep
• Make the discloser keep repeating their concerns
• Take responsibility for further action
• You will need to make a written record of the facts using a WRU Incident Report Form
  
  - Name date of birth and address of the person making the disclosure
  - Child details
  - Date and time of alleged incident
  - Action taken following the disclosure
  - Signature and date
  
• Do not record opinion/hearsay/impressions - record only what was said or seen

Remember

It is not your responsibility to decide whether or not a child is being abused, but it is your responsibility to act if you have concerns. No action is not an option.

If you have any specific queries or wish to discuss a concern, please contact the WRU Safeguarding Unit via the contacts below.

WRU Safeguarding Unit