The GUNNERS
The Gunners, Name... is a reference to the second world war Royal Artillery gun emplacement situated on the clubs ground during WW II,
The Gunners ...why not join one Thursdays 7:00 pm Sundays 10:00 am....

Codes of Conduct ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

NSPCC web site Child line Phone 0800 1111

Links> Club Rules Equity Policy statement Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers Code of conduct for club Parents

Code of conduct for match officials Code of conduct for club spectators Code of conduct for club players Code of conduct for club coaches and assistant coaches ANTI - BULLYING Policy Anti POACHING & INDUCEMENTS POLICY

Child Protection Guidelines

Sefton RUFC and the Sefton Gunners Junior rugby section acknowledges and adopts the recommendations of the governing body, the RFU, and at all times seeks to implement best practice in line with RFU’s child protection policy.

Procedures and Guidelines

WORKING WITH CHILDREN

All the Club's volunteers and employees working with, or in contact with young people should:

Be are aware of the problem of child abuse in all its forms;
Safeguard players from abuse or danger through good practice;
Report all concerns about possible mal-practice, or other actions leading to abuse;
Respond appropriately when mal-practice or abuse is observed or suspected.
An appropriately qualified 'Child Welfare Officer' is appointed to deal with all matters of child protection or allied issues.
All volunteers and club employees working with children, will complete the Criminal Record Bureau ‘Disclosure' application for clearance to work with children.
Only recognised coaches/volunteers and recognised/authorised visitors/parents/guardians will be permitted on site during training sessions/matches.
Only officially appointed Minis/Junior Coaches will be permitted to control Sefton Juniors activities - (including parents/guardians supervised by a qualified club coach).
All children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when arriving and leaving the Club unless written agreement is provided otherwise beforehand.
No child is permitted to leave the site without parental consent during coaching sessions.
Children will not be released from the Club's facilities to anyone who is not recognised as the official collector of the child.
Equipment shall be suitable, child centred, and in good repair.
Accurate records shall be properly maintained for each child including details of names, address, telephone, emergency contact, details of health and necessary confidential notes.
Any personal details/information about any child will be kept completely confidential by the staff having access to it.
Details of all coaches/volunteers will also be kept on record.

Injuries and illness

If a child becomes unwell or is injured whilst under the supervision of the Club and it is the appropriate coach / first aider's judgement that it is to that child's detriment to stay on site, the following procedure will be adopted:

The child will be removed from activities that are likely to deteriorate their state of health.
The relevant coach/first aider will contact the relevant parent/guardian and ensure that the child is supervised until the parent/guardian can be reached.
The relevant coach/first aider will record all information about the incident on the Incident/Accident Report Form

Children Taking Medication:

Children who take medication, of any nature, will be responsible for administering it themselves.
Under no circumstances will any club member/coach accept responsibility for securing or administering a child's medication.
Any medication that a child brings to the club must be labelled with the child's name.

Although these are 'rules' club members and coaches staff will be encouraged to use their common sense and decide when it would be appropriate to handle medication, e.g. a coach may hold medication such as inhalers while a child participates in physical rugby activities, and distribute plasters for minor abrasions as required

In an emergency or in any doubt… always dial 999…do not hesitated.

SEFTON GUNNERS RUFC Jan 2005 edition

Links> Home Club Rules Equity Policy statement Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers Code of conduct for club Parents

Code of conduct for match officials Code of conduct for club spectators Code of conduct for club players Code of conduct for club coaches and assistant coaches ANTI - BULLYING Policy Anti POACHING & INDUCEMENTS POLICY

Club Rules

SEFTON is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with any of the coaches or officials of Sefton Rugby Club.

As a member of SEFTON Rugby Club you are expected to abide by the following junior club rules:

· All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.

· All members must respect opponents.

· Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.

· Members must wear suitable kit – for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager.

· Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.

· Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

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Equity Policy statement

· Sefton is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity:

· Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.

· The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

· The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

· All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.

· The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

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Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers

The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below. All must:

· Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.

· Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.

· Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part

· Promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg fair play)

· Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance

· Gain the appropriate, valid qualifications

· Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward

· Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances

· Encourage performers to value their performances and not just results.

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Code of Conduct for club Parents

All Parents are ENCOURAGED to:

· Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for your child to play the game and enjoy the rugby at Sefton.

· Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance.

· Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.

· Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.

· Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they have a right to tell an adult either at the rugby club or outside of the game.

· Players play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.

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Code of conduct for match officials

All match officials SHOULD:

· Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.

· Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.

· Emphasise the spirit of the game.

· Appreciate the needs of the young players before the needs of the sport.

· Understand the physical, social and psychological development of young players.

· Be a positive role model. You set an example, and as such comments you receive should be positive and supportive.

· Look to self-improvement, e.g. participation in Mini/Midi or National 15-a-side courses.

All match officials MUST :

· Recognise that the safety of young players is paramount.

· Explain decisions - all young players are still learning.

· Always penalise foul play.

· Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.

· Show empathy for the age and ability of young players.

· Be consistent and objective.

· Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.

· Be aware of and abide by the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies and procedures.

Note
OFFICIALS WORKING WITH YOUNG PLAYERS UP TO THE AGE OF 12 MUST OFFICIATE TO THE RULES LAID DOWN IN THE RFU RUGBY CONTINUUM, AND MUST KEEP THEMSELVES UPDATED ON RULES CHANGES.

OFFICIALS WORKING WITH YOUNG PLAYERS AGED 13+ MUST OFFICIATE ACCORDING TO THE UNDER-15 AND UNDER-19 LAW VARIATIONS AND KEEP THEMSELVES UPDATED ON RELEVANT CHANGES.

Links> Home Club Rules Equity Policy statement Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers Code of conduct for club Parents

Code of conduct for club spectators

All spectators are ENCOURAGED to :

· Act as positive role models to all young players.

· Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.

· Respect the rugby club with regard to spectator behaviour.

All spectators SHOULD :

· Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours.

· Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters irrespective of the team for whom they play.

· Respect match officials' decisions. Remember - they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby.

· Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches. Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young players and their behaviour will often reflect this.

· Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the 'win at all costs' ethic.

· Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to shout

Links> Home Club Rules Equity Policy statement Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers Code of conduct for club Parents

Code of conduct for club players

All players are ENCOURAGED to:

· Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.

· Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.

· Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.

· Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then you have a right to tell an adult male either at the rugby club or outside of the game.

All players are SHOULD:

· Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.

· Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.

· Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.

· Work equally hard for yourself and your team - both will then benefit.

· Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents.

· Be a sportsman - win or lose.

· Play to the Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees' decisions.

· Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents or match officials is not acceptable.

Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of another player.

Links> Home Club Rules Equity Policy statement Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers Code of conduct for club Parents

Code of conduct for club coaches and assistant coaches

All coaches and assistant coaches of young players SHOULD :

· Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players.

· Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.

· Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.

· Be a positive role model - think what this implies.

· Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.

· Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.

· Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all young players, both during coaching sessions and games.

All coaches and assistant coaches of young players MUST :

· Provide experiences which are matched to the young players' ages and abilities as well as their physical and mental development.

· Ensure that all youngsters are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.

· Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.

· Never allow a player to train or play when injured.

· Ensure good supervision of young players both on and off the field.

· Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.

· Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.

· Recognise that it is illegal for young players under 18 to drink alcohol.

· Ensure that your knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.

· Be aware of and abide by the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.

· Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the RFU Policies and Procedures for the welfare of young people in Rugby Union.

REMEMBER

COACHES WORKING WITH YOUNG PLAYERS UP TO THE AGE OF 12 MUST FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY THE RFU RUGBY CONTINUUM.

COACHES WORKING WITH YOUNG PLAYERS AGED 13+ MUST BE AWARE OF THE UNDER-15 AND UNDER-19 LAW VARIATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE THAT APPLY TO CROSS BORDER MATCHES.

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ANTI - BULLYING POLICY

· Allegations of a breach of the Club’s Anti-Bullying Policy will be investigated by the Club. If any Club member (and any child that they may have who plays in one of the Club’s youth sections) does not comply with the Club’s Anti-Bullying Policy sanctions will be applied to that individual by the Club or by an officer or coach of the Club. The ultimate sanction will be withdrawal or refusal of Club membership.

THE CLUB’S ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
·it is the policy of the Seton Gunners Rugby Club to protect children and young people under the age of 19 playing youth rugby from possible bullying. The Club takes the problem of bullying seriously.

· Bullying is not always easy to define, can take many forms and is usually repeated over a period of time. Bullying is not limited to an adult bullying a young person; it is often the case that the bully is a young person.

· There are three main types of bullying:

· Physical (eg hitting, kicking, theft)

· Verbal (eg racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling)

· Emotional (eg persistent negative feedback, isolating an individual from activities).

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Children and Young People have described bullying as:

· being called names.

· being teased.

· being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched, or kicked.

· having their bag, mobile or other possessions taken.

· receiving abusive text messages.

· being forced to hand over money.

· being forced to do things they do not want to do.

· being ignored or left out.

· being attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality,

· disability, appearance or ethnic or racial origin.

· In the first instance, incidents of bullying should be reported to the Club via its Child Protection/Welfare Officer. Club members must be alert to the signs of bullying and refer cases promptly. Failure to respond to incidents may be interpreted as condoning the behaviour.

Links> Home Club Rules Equity Policy statement Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers Code of conduct for club Parents

Anti POACHING & INDUCEMENTS POLICY

· Under no circumstances will the Sefton Gunners condone the `poaching' of players or coaches, or the offer of any `inducement' to encourage players or coaches to transfer from another Rugby club. We will always encourage young players to attend their nearest club that provides teams and facilities to accommodate their needs.

· We actively discourage players from transferring allegiance as this can give rise to other issues in the future.

· Coaches participating in sessions with other teams i.e. Merseyside or Academy teams, will do so impartially, encouraging players to “get involved” with their closest junior rugby club.

· OFFICIALS MUST NOT SEEK TO `POACH' PLAYERS OR COACHES.

· But stimulate their interest and continued participation in Rugby.

· With the emphasis is on, FUN, ENJOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, PARTICIPATION.

· Q

Links> Home Club Rules Equity Policy statement Code of conduct for club officials and volunteers Code of conduct for club Parents