The welfare of the child is paramount. The club is committed to promoting the health and welfare of all the children ensuring that these children are secure, safe and free from neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

The role of the coaches / team manager
-It is the responsibility of the coach / team manager to report any incident of child in need or child at risk to the Welfare Officer.
-The coach / team manager ensures that any incident is recorded at the time including exactly what the child has said.
-To file all confidential reports separately from the main file and in a secure place. These notes should be passed to the welfare officers who will inform the new coach when the child changes age groups.
-All matters concerning suspected abuse should only be discussed with the welfare officer.
-If at all possible, the coach should inform the team manager or visa versa to the situation to protect themselves in a vulnerable situation.
-It is recommended that coaches do not transport players to and from match/training sessions, unless it has been arranged by prior agreement by the parent of the child.
-The coach/team manager must not have any sexual relationship with any player under the age of 18 years.
-The coach/team manager must refrain from drinking alcohol whilst working with the children.
-Must ensure that all children under the age of 18 years do not consume alcohol whilst in their care.
-To adhere to the Codes of Conduct and Practice, Club policies and RFU handbook and continuum.
-To ensure that all children are treated equally and without discrimination complying with the Equity policy.
-Must adhere to their job description.
The role of the welfare officer
-The welfare officer will have overall responsibility for child protection.
-The welfare officer will keep reports of abuse and pass the information on to the relevant coaches.
-The welfare officer will contact the Leicestershire Lead Welfare Officer to follow the cases/concerns further.
The role of the parents
-Parents that are concerned that their child may have been abused should talk to the coach/Child Welfare Officer who will then be aware of possible changes in behaviour.
-To attend all training/matches with your child, to support and encourage them.
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Appendix
In the case of a child protection incident, it is vital to offer the child time to talk. If this is impossible immediately then agree on some time later.
It is crucial to listen to the child without being judgmental or expressing feelings of anger or horror too strongly. The child may well feel guilt and shame about what has happened and may have feelings of love for the abuser.
It is important to limit any questioning and be ‘open-ended’ in any questions you may ask. Any ‘probing’ and ‘leading’ questions could contaminate evidence, which may be needed in the future. Your role is to receive the child’s story not to investigate.