Child Protection for Match Officials

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.
Administer First Aid (where applicable).

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.
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 Safeguarding Manager and/or Referees Society Secretary, behaviour by adults with 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.”