Child Welfare

SRFC youth section adopts the RFU Child/Young Player Protection Policy.

The club is committed to promote the welfare, health and full development of children.

We aim to protect them from harm of all kinds, whilst recognising that they have rights as individuals and should be treated with respect and dignity.

The club provides opportunities for young people between the ages of 6 and 18 to receive rugby coaching and competitive play. RFU qualified coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people provide all coaching.

All youth coaches have attended (or will attend) the scUK Good Practice and Child Protection course. The Youth Chair Person and Child Protection officer have also attended this course. All coaches and volunteers involved with the Youth section have undergone standard CRB checks.

SRFC Youth section promotes the following RFU “Fair Play Codes.” These guidelines are to help encourage good behavior from all those involved and help secure the future of rugby.

THE GOOD PLAYERS CODE

• Play for the fun of it, not to please your parents or coach
• Be attentive at all training sessions
• Be a good sportsman, applaud good play by all players including your opponents
• Play to the Laws and accept, without question, all referee’s decisions
• Be a sportsman, win or lose
• Work equally hard for yourself and the team, both will benefit
• Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game
• Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team-mates, opponents or match officials is not acceptable
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player

THE GOOD PARENTS & SPECTATORS CODE

• Remember young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents
• Encourage young people to play – do not force them
• Focus on young players’ efforts – not winning or losing
• Be realistic about young players’ abilities – do not push them towards a level they are not capable of achieving
• Provide positive verbal feedback in training and during a game
• Always support the Rugby Club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game
• Remember that young people learn much by example
• Always show appreciation of good play by all players from your own club and the opposition
• Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage young players to do likewise.

THE GOOD COACHES CODE

• Recognise the importance of fun and achievement when coaching young players
• Understand that most learning is achieved through doing
• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport
• Be a positive role model
• Keep winning and losing in perspective –encourage young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances
• Respect referees and the decisions they make and ensure that the young players recognise that they must do the same
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, to all young players, both during coaching sessions and games