CHILD PROTECTION GUIDANCE FOR MATCH OFFICIALS

When refereeing young players match officials should:

	Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players
	Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games
	Appreciate the needs of the players
	Be a positive role model
	Recognise that safety is paramount
	Explain decisions – most young players are still learning
	Do not tolerate verbal abuse

Officials should not:

	Change in the same area as young players
	Shower with young players agree with the coaches a timetable
	Be alone with young players at any time – if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present
	Check studs without the coach being present
	Administer first aid
	Allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness
	Tolerate bad language from young players
	Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players
	Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware Take a young player to your home
	Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem
	Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in fun

Officials must always

Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Welfare Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators Physical Abuse by coaches/parents/spectators Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults

REMEMBER: The welfare of all young people is paramount.