Children are the lifeblood of the game and it is crucial that they are cared for in the correct manner. Any player under the age of 18 is classed as a child and should be respected as such.
The Lymm RFC Safeguarding Policy (2017) sets out the clubs key principles as well as providing best practice guidance. All people involved with the club shares the responsibility for safeguarding and, therefore, this policy and guidance will be both relevant and useful for all those involved in creating safe environments in rugby union whether as a parent, coach, spectator or club official.
In order to provide children with the best possible experiences and opportunities in rugby union, it is imperative that everyone operates within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrates exemplary behaviour. This not only ensures the game makes a positive contribution to the development of children, safeguards them and promotes their welfare but also protects all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.
Allegations of abuse or poor practice are reported to the RFU as soon as possible in order to effectively manage any case or concern.
To promote and maintain good safeguarding practices, Lymm coaches attend safeguarding courses run by the RFU. These courses are designed for all individuals within a rugby environment.
The Lymm in conjunction with the RFU utilises the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) to operate and manage a criminal record checking service for those working with children or vulnerable adults.
On all occasions the Lymm RFC consider the welfare of the child paramount.
The RFC DBS Position
As a volunteer there is no cost involved for a DBS Application.
The RFU do not accept DBS disclosures from other Registered Bodies as –
1) The RFU do not currently have a system in place that is capable of securely logging and monitoring DBS updates (with regards to the status checks that would be required) – Additionally, an organisation is not legally bound to accept disclosures subscribed to the Update Service.
2) To accept a DBS subscribed to the Update Service, the club would be required to carry out an ID check (meeting the DBS ID requirements – e.g. at least 3 forms of ID), they would then need provide the RFU with full details in order to log an “interest” in the individual and carry out status checks. The RFU have decided at present that it is essentially just as easy (and safer) to carry out a fresh DBS application. Additionally, as a volunteer this is free of charge.
3) The DBS disclosure would need to be vetted to the correct level e.g. Adults barred list, Children’s barred list etc. – It is an offence to check someone’s status against a barred list that relates to a workforce that they do not engage in. e.g. If someone has a DBS disclosure subscribed to the Update Service that was vetted against both Children and Adult barred lists and they were to use this for rugby and coaching U14’s for example – we would be committing an offence (as we are viewing information relating to their barred status with Adults). It is as such a complex area to expect clubs to monitor this effectively.
The DBS can only advise in relation to their “product” e.g. the Update Service and as they mentioned below it is a process that can be used. However, due to the issues above we are not accepting disclosures from other Registered Bodies.
RFU Regulation 21.2 that states all DBS disclosures must be obtained through the RFU Safeguarding Department.