There are risks, in a rugby environment, when communicating with children (those under 18 years of age) or vulnerable adults.

It is recommended that:

• When communicating with children or vulnerable adults by telephone or online, wherever possible, coaches and team managers should always speak to the parent or guardian of a child or vulnerable adult first.
• Coaches and team managers should not communicate with individual children by text or on-line at any time unless there is an immediate risk to those persons. Group communications are much safer for all parties.
• Communications of events, such as training or match details, should use email or social media groups (for older children), using contact details known to and provided by parents or guardians. 
• Those responsible for sending communications should protect personal contact details from being shared (e.g., using bcc function)
• Coaches and team managers should not communicate by telephone or online with a child or vulnerable adult on a one-to-one basis. When communicating with a child or vulnerable adult, the parent should be included, or copied into, the communications.
• Social networking group pages where all communications are open, visible to parents, and transparent are acceptable. However, the content should be monitored and must always be appropriate, acceptable and reflect the values of rugby.
• Coaches and team managers and others in “positions of trust” should avoid becoming ‘friends’ with the children on social media platforms as this can be misinterpreted and can lead to adverse perceptions and allegations.
• Coaches and team managers should avoid communicating inappropriate pressure or criticism concerning a child’s performance and must always avoid posting any content which is harmful or inappropriate.  
• Inclusion of photogaphs and video clips can also raise issues for some children (e.g., children subject of care proceedings) and can also lead to increased potential for children featured being vulnerable to harmful activity such as grooming, where information about the child such as name, address, activities, or interests is also disclosed.  For further guidance on photographs see the section on Photographic Images in the RFU Safeguarding Toolkit.

It is impossible to address every scenario encountered when communicating with children and vulnerable adults. However, in all cases, communication must be appropriate, and it is suggested clubs should produce written policies which cover its own circumstances and needs.