Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Hull Ionians RUFC fully subscribes to the safeguarding policy of England Rugby and is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children in our sport. All children are entitled to protection from harm and have the right to take part in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment.

The Club commits to the following key principles:

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, size, language or sexual identity, have the right to protection from harm

• All allegations, suspicions of harm and concerns will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately

• Everyone will work in partnership to promote the welfare, health and development of children

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility (all members, players and parents as well as Club officials)

• There will be a child-centred approach based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.

If you have any concerns about neglect, physical, mental or emotional abuse to your, or any other, child or vulnerable adult at the Club, you should contact the Club Safeguarding Officer.

The Club’s Safeguarding Policy will be delivered by ensuring that:

1. A Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) is appointed whose responsibility is to deal with any concerns about neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

2. All coaches and volunteers who have regular contact with children and vulnerable adults will have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service – DBS (formally CRB) checks.

3. All coaches will be qualified to at least a Start Rugby coaching course level.

4. All coaches and volunteers will be made aware of child protection issues, and other relevant safeguarding procedures.

5. All coaches and volunteers will be advised of the Club’s Safeguarding Policy, coaches’ code of conduct and other relevant policies.

6. There is a formal reporting procedure for dealing with accusations or suspicions of abuse of children or vulnerable adults.

Photographic and Video Images Policy Statement.

1. Hull Ionians RUFC recognises the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all young people in Rugby Union. As part of our commitment to ensure the safety of young people we will not permit photographs, video or other images including those taken via mobile phones of young people to be taken or used without the consent of the parents/carers and the young person.

2. Hull Ionians RUFC will follow England Rugby’s guidance for the use of images of young people. We will take all steps to ensure these images are used solely for the purposes they are intended which are the promotion and celebration of the activities of Hull Ionians RUFC.

3. The annual registration form for the Mini Junior section gives parental consent for images to be taken and used solely for the purpose outlined in point 2. If at any time either a parent/carer or the young person wishes this permission to be annulled, the Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) should be informed.

4. Images may be published on the Club’s website. If at any time either a parent/carer or the young person wishes the image to be removed from the website, the CSO should be informed.

5. If persons become aware that any images are being used inappropriately they should immediately inform the CSO.

6. Anyone taking photographs or recording at any rugby event must have a valid reason for doing so and seek prior permission of the organiser/persons in charge (team manager or Officer of the Day).