Child Protection and Good Practice Policy

DUMFRIES SAINTS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Park Farm, New Abbey Road, Dumfries DG2 7LU

Child Protection and Good Practice Policy

June 2014
Updated September 2017

Updated May2019

CONTENTS Page

Introduction	3
Policy Statement	3
Club Contacts	3
Policy Aims	3
Promoting Good Practice	4
Good Practice Guidelines	4
Photographs and Filming Equipment	4
Practices to be Avoided	4
Practices Never to be Allowed	4
Information Sharing and Confidentiality	5
Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme	5
Signs and Indicators of Abuse	5
Responding to Disclosures or Concerns	6
Recording of Information	7
Role of the Child Protection Officer	7
What Happens Next?	7

Appendices

Report a Concern about a Child or Young Person	8
Incident Sheet	9
Useful Contact Details	11
Code of Conduct for Coaches and Managers	12
Code of Conduct for Players	13
Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators	14
Disputes and Grievances	15

Dumfries Saints Child Protection Policy should be followed in conjunction with the SRU’s full child protection policy, which is available at www.scottishrugby.org/child-protection

INTRODUCTION

All sporting organisations which make provision for children and young people must ensure that –

The welfare of the child is paramount
All children, whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse
All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
All coaches/volunteers working in sport have a responsibility to report concerns to the appropriate officer

Note–For the purposes of this Policy and in line with more recent legislation our definition defines children as up to age 18.

POLICY STATEMENT

Dumfries Saints RFC has a duty of care to safeguard all children involved in the Club from harm.

This duty includes the prevention of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of all children associated with the Club. The Club will ensure the safety and protection of all children involved in the Club through adherence to the Child Protection Guidelines adopted by Dumfries Saints RFC.

The Club’s Child Protection Officer is –

Bryan Mclellan

Tel: 07759885779

Email: markmony369@gmail.com

The Club’s Vice President responsible for the Junior Section is –

Stuart Clanachan

McCheynston

Auldgirth DG2 0JX

Tel: 07989499729

Email: sclanachan@hotmail.co.uk

A copy of the Club’s Child Protection Policy is available from either of the above named officials, or it can also be viewed on the Club’s website: www.dumfriessaintsrugby.co.uk

Policy Aims

The aim of Dumfries Saints RFC’s Child Protection Policy is to promote good practice –

Providing children and young people with appropriate safety protection whilst in the care of the Club
Allow all coaches/volunteers to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues

PROMOTING GOOD PRACTICE

Child abuse can provoke strong emotions in those facing such a situation. It is important to understand these feelings and not allow them to interfere with your judgement about the appropriate action to take.

Abuse can occur within many situations including at home, school or in the community. A coach, official or volunteer will have regular contact with young people and be an important link in identifying cases where the child needs protection. All suspicious cases of poor practice should be reported following the guidelines in this document.

When a child enters the club having been subjected to child abuse outside the sporting environment, sport can play a crucial role in improving the child’s self-esteem. In such instances the Club must work with the appropriate agencies to ensure the child receives the required support.

Good Practice Guidelines

All coaches, players, parents and spectators should be encouraged to demonstrate good behaviour in order to protect themselves from false allegations. Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Players, Parents and Spectators are attached as Appendices.

Alcohol

The consumption of alcohol by any person under the legal age (18 years) shall never be permitted by any coach or volunteer. This includes any area within Dumfries Rugby Club, any form of transport being used to convey players, and any other place/club visited.

Photographs and Filming Equipment

The taking of photographs is permissible during training sessions or matches with the permission of the coach or manager. Parents are asked on the Registration Forms to give permission to allow photographs to be taken of their child but if they have any objections they must discuss this with the coach before the start of any session or matches.

Club coaches/ managers use video equipment as a coaching aid. Parents of children and young people should be made aware that this is part of the coaching programme.

The Club will ensure that all negatives, copies of videos and digital photograph files are stored in a secure place. These will not be kept for any longer that is necessary having regard to the purposes for which they were taken.

Images will not be shared with external agencies unless permission is obtained from the player, or parent/guardian (if the child or young person is under 18 years of age).

Under no circumstances must any image capturing device, ie. mobile phone, video equipment, tablets, cameras, etc be used in the changing room areas by anyone including any players.

Practices to be Avoided

The following should be avoided except in emergencies. If cases arise where these situations are unavoidable it should be with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge of the Club, or the child’s parents. For example, a child sustains an injury and needs to go to hospital, or a parent fails to arrive to pick a child up at the end of a session –

Avoid spending excessive amounts of time alone with children away from others
Avoid taking or dropping off a child to an event

Practices Never to be Allowed

The following should never be allowed. You should never –

Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games, including horseplay
Share a room with a child
Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching
Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged
Allow a child under 18 years old to consume alcohol
Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun
Reduce a child to tears as a form of control
Allow allegations made by a child to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon
Do things of a personal nature for children that they can do themselves
Invite or allow children to stay with you at your home unsupervised

Sharing Information and Confidentiality

Everyone has a responsibility to act to make sure that a child whose safety or welfare may be at risk is protected from harm. The need to ensure proper protection for children requires that agencies share information promptly and effectively when necessary. It is often when information from a range of sources is put together that a child can be seen to be in need or at risk of harm. Within any organisational setting, confidentiality is not an option when children and young people are at risk. Everyone has a professional and moral duty to put the child’s welfare first.

If any member observes something about a child or young person that causes them to be concerned, it is vital that this information is shared with the Club’s Child Protection Co-ordinator, who will liaise as necessary with the relevant external agencies. If any member is unsure about whether they should share information they should seek advice from the Club’s Child Protection Co-ordinator.

PVG Scheme

The PVG Scheme is a membership scheme for people doing regulated work with children and/or protected adults in Scotland.

Dumfries Rugby Club has a legal responsibility to ensure that any individual who will be in regulated work with children or protected adults is not listed on the Children’s List and/or Adult’s List, which bars them from working with children and/or protected adults.

For an organisation to check an individual against a list, they can request an individual becomes a PVG Scheme member by applying for a Scheme Record. A Scheme Record disclosure will provide the organisation and individual with any vetting information, criminal conviction information, if they are on the Sex Offender’s Register, relevant non-conviction information from police forces and any prescribed civil orders. This information may then help employers to make safer recruitment decisions.

The PVG Scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. Organisations can register directly with Disclosure Scotland to access this vetting information.

SIGNS AND INDICATORS

Coaches/volunteers in a variety of settings are in a good position to notice signs or symptoms indicating a child or young person may be in need of protection.

Signs or symptoms of physical injury or abuse may include –

injuries not consistent with child’s age or parent’s explanation
bruises on soft tissue areas – upper legs, buttocks, lower back, cheeks- also neck, mouth, genitals
burns/scalds
black eyes
any injury with an outline suggesting it was caused by an implement
secretive/defensive behaviour
aggressive behaviour
a child who appears to be flinching/frozen
medical attention delayed or avoided

Signs or indicators of sexual abuse may include –

sexually explicit behaviour and language
knowledge beyond age and stage of development
sexually transmitted disease
itchy or painful genital area
self-harming
depression
poor personal hygiene
a child who appears to be withdrawn

Signs or indicators of emotional abuse may include-

negative parental attitude .
nervousness/anxiety
a child who appears to be withdrawn
poor self confidence/ self-esteem
unusual fears/panic attacks
emotionally unresponsive
a child who is socially isolated
self-harming
nightmares
aggressive behaviours towards others
obsessive/compulsive behaviours
attention-seeking or needing behaviours

Signs or indicators of physical neglect may include –

a child who is hungry/thin/underweight
stealing food
untreated illness or injury
attention-seeking behaviours
poor concentration
age-inappropriate self-care skills
shabbily or inappropriately dressed
dirty/smelly
a child who is unhappy/distressed
victim of bullying

No list of signs can be exhaustive. It is important to bear in mind that other explanations may exist for the signs and symptoms described.

RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURES OR CONCERNS

It is important to listen to children and to know what to do if a child discloses or alleges abuse. Whoever receives the information from the child (or another person) should –

listen carefully
not show disbelief or panic
take the allegation seriously
support the child/ young person, reassuring them they are not to blame
avoid expressing your own views on the matter
do not guarantee confidentiality, explaining the reasons for this
explain that you will need to share the information with someone else (the Child Protection Co-ordinator)
do not question the child – this is the responsibility of social work and/or police as the investigating agencies who are trained in investigative interviewing of children

Recording of Information

Child’s name, address and date of birth
Date and time of incident
What the child has said to you in a legible and accurate manner
Facts and observations, not your opinion
Exactly what the child said and what you said
Any actions taken and contact with parents/agencies, ensure you record name, addresses and contactdetails for any other person(s) you have spoken with
Ensure you date and sign the record
Personally hand the incident sheet to the Club’s Child Protection Co-ordinator

ROLE OF THE CHILD PROTECTION CO-ORDINATOR

Date and counter-sign the Incident Sheet when received from the person reporting the concern
On the basis of the collected information arrive at a judgement as to whether there is reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child is at risk of abuse and in need of protection
Consider what action the Club needs to take to provide support for the child
See further information/clarity from other people/witnesses, if necessary
Record any additional relevant information gathered
Discuss with parents (if appropriate) the nature of concerns and why you need to refer to Social Work.
Do not contact parents if you consider he/she could be the abuser
If the parents do not give consent to make referral to Social Work the Child Protection Co-ordinator will advise parents that he intends to do so but will represent the parent’s views when making the referral
Make a telephone referral to Children and Families Social Work (24 hour service), ensure you record the name and designation of the person you speak with. A list of contact numbers, and a telephone referral checklist is attached as an Appendix.
Follow the advice given by Social Work/Police
Ensure that the referral is followed up in writing the next working day
Support the coach/volunteer who raised the concerns and ensure they are kept informed of decisions made and actions taken

If at any time you think that a child or young person might be in immediate danger, telephone Police Scotland on 101.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Social Work and Police have a legal responsibility to investigate any concerns which suggest any child or young person has been abused or is at risk of harm.

When a referral is made Social Work and Police may talk to colleagues in Health and/or School Services to gather information to help them piece together a picture of what life is like for the child and to make decisions. Social Work will let the referrer know what happens, but will not be able to provide details.

The investigating agencies – Social Work and Police – will make an initial assessment based on the referring information and that obtained from other relevant agencies and will make decisions about the most appropriate course of action.

If a child is thought to be at risk, Social Work or Police will arrange a Strategy Meeting to plan and co-ordinate the Child Protection Inquiry. The Child Protection Officer or other relevant coach/volunteer may be asked to attend the Strategy Meeting to ensure that the most relevant information is available to assist the investigative agencies to make the best decisions for the child.

REPORT A CONCERN ABOUT A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON

It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure that children are safe. If you are worried that a child or young person may be at risk of harm then you should call 030 33 33 3000 and ask for the Children’s MASH.

If you feel that the child or young person is in immediate danger then you should call Police Scotland on 999.

MASH CONTACT DETAILS

The Children’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is the single point of contact to report concerns. Call us on 030 33 33 3000 and ask for Children’s MASH.

We’ll ask you for some basic information so we can look into your concerns, this includes:

Information about the child and their family;
Details of what you saw or heard which worried you;
If you think the child is in immediate risk.

We’ll always treat your information seriously and your details with great care. You can remain anonymous but it makes it harder for us look into your concerns.

Other ways to contact someone:

Out of hours service – call 0800 811 505;

Police non-emergency line – call 101.

Call 999 if it’s an emergency.

NOTIFICATION OF INCIDENT FORM

This form must be completed where members are concerned about an incident involving a child or vulnerable adult. This form must be completed as soon as possible after the incident and passed to the Club`s Child Protection Co-ordinator. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

Details of person making report:

Name……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Position…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Contact telephone number……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Details of Child/Vulnerable Adult:

Name……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Date of Birth……………………………………..Contact telephone number………………………………………………

Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Names and address of parents/guardians/carers…………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Details of incident/concerns:

Date……………………………Time………………………………Place……………………………………………………………

Names and address of other people who may have information about the incident/concern……………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Describe in detail what happened………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Describe in detail any visible injuries/bruises and concerning behaviour of the child/vulnerable adult (if any) using diagrams if appropriate………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Was the child/vulnerable adult asked about the incident? YES / NO

If Yes, record exactly what the child said in their own words and any questions asked if the situation needed clarification:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Details of action taken:

Detail what action (if any) has been taken following receipt of this information:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Any other relevant details:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Signature…………………………………………………………………….Date…………………………………………………..

Child Protection Officer`s signature………………………………………………………………………………….

USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS

If you at any time think that a child or young person might be in immediate danger please telephone Police Scotland on: 101

Club’s Child Protection Officer is

Bryan Mclellan

Tel: 07759885779

Email: markmony369@gmail.com

Club’s Vice President responsible for the Junior Section is

Stuart Clanachan

McCheynston

Auldgirth DG2 0JX

Tel: 07989499729

Email: sclanachan@hotmail.co.uk

Children’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

Tel: 030 33 33 3000 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm only)

Social Work Out of Office Hours

Freephone: 0800 811505

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES AND MANAGERS

Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and that each equally within the context of sport.

Coaches mustplace the well-being and safety of each player above all other consideration, including the development of performance.
Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on utual trust and respect.
Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. This extends to all times when the children and young people are representing the club, eg. travelling to and from matches.
Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the players (and where appropriate, parent) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists, eg. other coaches, officials, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interest of the player.
Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport, eg. fair play and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances of techniques.
Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
Coaches, managers or players should not expose young players to alcohol, or give them the opportunity to drink alcohol below the legal age.

Where a coach or manager of the Club becomes aware that any representative of the Club become involved in inappropriate behaviours, or behaviours that otherwise has, or is likely to bring the Club into disrepute they must inform the President at the earliest opportunity. These behaviours do not need to have occurred while the individual is representing the Club at the time of the incident.

Any coach or manager in breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the club into disrepute may be removed from their position.

Continual misconduct could lead to suspension of the coach/manager from their position, and in exceptional circumstances, where the behaviour is deemed as wholly unacceptable or their behaviour has been persistent, ongoing or disruptive, the Club reserves the right that they cease to hold their position.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS

Players are the most important people in any sport. Playing for the team, and for the team to win, is the most fundamental part of the game. But not winning at any cost – Fair Play and respect for all others in the game is essentially important.

Responsibility towards the game, as a player you should –

Make every effort to develop your own sporting abilities, in terms of skill, technique, tactics and stamina.
Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if the team is in a position where the desired result has already been achieved.
Set a positive example for others, particularly young players and supporters.
Respect match officials’ decisions.
Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.
Always have regards to the best interests of the game.
Not use inappropriate language and behaviour.
The Club is committed to a youth rugby environment that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Youth members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the Club.

Responsibility towardsour own team, as a player you should –

Make every effort consistent with Fair Play and the Laws of the Game to help your own team win.
Resist any influence which might, or might be seen to bring into question your commitment to the team winning.

Where a player of the Club becomes aware that any representative of the Club become involved in inappropriate behaviours, or behaviours that otherwise has, or is likely to bring the Club into disrepute they must inform the President at the earliest opportunity. These behaviours do not need to have occurred while the individual is representing the Club at the time of the incident.

Any player in serious breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the club into disrepute may be refused the right to train, play or be selected for any team, for an appropriate period of time.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

Dumfries Saints RFC is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy rugby in an environment that is free from the threat of intimidation, harassment, and abuse. The Club is also committed to ensuring that parents/spectators are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own. Remember children play sport for their enjoyment and not that of their parents. Positive encouragement will contribute to –

Children enjoying rugby
A sense of personal achievement
Self Esteem
Assisting to improve the child’s skills and techniques

Support the Club’s efforts to rid the game of unacceptable, abusive and violent behaviour.

All spectators should:

Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all. Applaud the opposition as well as their own team-acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters irrespective of the team for whom they play.
Respect referees and match officials’ decisions. Remember – they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby. Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches. Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. Use correct and proper language at all times.
Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player regardless of the team for whom they play.
The Club is committed to a youth rugby environment that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. Youth members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the Club. No parent/guardian should allow any child, or encourage any other person, to use drugs or alcohol while at any youth rugby event, including travelling to and from such events

Any parent/guardian in serious breach of the Code of Conduct or bringing the Club into disrepute may have their child refused the right to train, play or be selected for any team, for an appropriate period of time.

A parents/spectators expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards –

Other players
Officials
Manager
Spectators

DISPUTES AND GRIEVANCES

In the event of any dispute arising which may harm the good name of the Club, the President must be informed as soon as possible by the coach, manager or Committee member.

If the dispute is of such a nature that action is require, the team coaches and managers have delegated authority to make a decision and carry out remedial action they deem appropriate in the circumstances following discussion with those concerned.

They must notify the President of the Club outlining the circumstances, the nature of dispute, what action was required to resolve the dispute and the reasons for the action.

If the dispute is of such a serious nature that immediate action is required which has or could require police involvement, the President must be informed immediately and may then make an immediate decision as is appropriate in the circumstances following discussion with those concerned.

DECLARATION

I have read the Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct attached. I agree to the Code of Conduct for Coaches and Managers in my role with Dumfries Saints Rugby Football Club. By doing so I will place child protection at the forefront of the role I carry out:

SIGNED:__________________________________________

NAME:__________________________________________

DATE:__________________

Child Protection and Good Practice Policy

DUMFRIES SAINTS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Park Farm, New Abbey Road, Dumfries DG2 7LU

Child Protection and Good Practice Policy

Location

Future Diary Dates

Admin