West Wicklow Rugby Football Club Safeguarding Policy

Aligned with IRFU Governance Guidelines

1. Policy Statement

West Wicklow Rugby Football Club (WWRFC) is committed to providing a safe, positive and enjoyable environment where children and young people can participate in rugby free from abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination and exploitation. 

The welfare of every child is our primary concern. All children have the right to be treated with dignity, listened to, respected and protected regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, family status or social background. 

WWRFC recognises its responsibility to safeguard all children involved in club activities and is committed to promoting best practice in line with: 

● Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children ● Children First Act 2015 

● Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance 

● IRFU Safeguarding Policies and Regulations 

● Any applicable legislation and regulations. 

2. Scope

This policy applies to: 

● Committee members 

● Coaches 

● Volunteers 

● Match officials 

● Team managers 

● Parents and guardians 

● Players under 18 years of age 

● Visitors acting on behalf of the club 

It applies to all club activities including: 

● Training sessions 

● Matches 

● Tours 

● Camps 

● Social events 

● Fundraising events 

● Online communications 

● Travel organised by the club

3. Principles

WWRFC will: 

● Place children's welfare first. 

● Promote a culture of respect and inclusion. 

● Ensure all adults understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

● Recruit volunteers safely. 

● Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns. 

● Work in partnership with parents and guardians. 

● Encourage children to have a voice in matters affecting them.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Club Committee 

The committee is responsible for: 

● Implementing this policy. 

● Supporting safeguarding officers. 

● Ensuring safeguarding is considered in club decisions. 

● Reviewing safeguarding annually. 

Club Welfare Officer (CWO) 

The CWO will: 

● Promote safeguarding within the club. 

● Be a point of contact for children and parents. 

● Support coaches and volunteers. 

● Assist in implementing safeguarding procedures. 

Designated Liaison Person (DLP) 

The DLP is responsible for: 

● Receiving child protection concerns. 

● Making referrals where appropriate. 

● Liaising with Tusla, An Garda Síochána and the IRFU when necessary. ● Maintaining confidential records. 

Coaches and Volunteers 

All coaches and volunteers must: 

● Put children's welfare first. 

● Follow the club's Code of Conduct. 

● Complete required safeguarding training. 

● Maintain appropriate boundaries. 

● Report concerns immediately. 

● Never ignore allegations or disclosures.

Parents and Guardians 

Parents are expected to: 

● Support club safeguarding policies. 

● Respect coaches, volunteers and officials. 

● Keep emergency contact information up to date. 

● Inform coaches of relevant medical conditions. 

● Encourage positive behaviour. 

Young Players 

Players are expected to: 

● Respect teammates, opponents and officials. 

● Follow coaches' instructions. 

● Report anything that makes them uncomfortable. 

● Treat everyone fairly. 

● Avoid bullying or abusive behaviour.

5. Safe Recruitment

The club will ensure appropriate recruitment procedures including: 

● Garda Vetting where required. 

● Suitable references where appropriate. 

● Safeguarding training. 

● Appropriate induction. 

● Role descriptions. 

No individual should begin regulated work with children until the appropriate checks have been completed.

6. Codes of Behaviour

All adults involved with WWRFC must: 

● Be positive role models. 

● Treat children equally. 

● Use positive language. 

● Never ridicule or humiliate players. 

● Never use physical punishment. 

● Never engage in inappropriate physical contact. 

● Respect privacy in changing areas. 

● Never communicate with children through private social media accounts. 

Children are expected to: 

● Respect teammates and coaches. 

● Play fairly.

● Refrain from bullying. 

● Respect club property. 

● Support an inclusive environment.

7. Anti-Bullying

Bullying in any form will not be tolerated. 

Examples include: 

● Physical bullying 

● Verbal abuse 

● Social exclusion 

● Online bullying 

● Discrimination 

● Intimidation 

Any incident will be investigated promptly and dealt with appropriately.

8. Photography and Social Media

The club recognises that photographs and digital media are valuable but must be used responsibly. 

The club will: 

● Obtain appropriate parental consent where required. 

● Avoid identifying children by full name alongside images. 

● Use images that promote rugby positively. 

● Remove inappropriate content promptly. 

Adults should not communicate individually with children through personal messaging services except where authorised and transparent.

9. Changing Facilities

The club will: 

● Respect children's privacy. 

● Encourage independent changing where appropriate. 

● Avoid adults entering changing rooms unnecessarily. 

● Ensure supervision arrangements are appropriate.

10. Transport

Parents remain responsible for transporting their own children unless alternative arrangements have been agreed. 

Where club transport is organised: 

● Appropriate supervision ratios will apply. 

● Parents will be informed in advance. 

● Emergency contacts will be available.

● Drivers must be appropriately licensed and insured. 11. Approval

This policy has been approved by the Club Committee. All members of West Wicklow Rugby Football Club are expected to uphold the principles of this policy and contribute to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for everyone.

11. Responding to Safeguarding COncerns

All concerns will be taken seriously. 

Concerns may include: 

● A child making a disclosure. 

● Suspicious injuries. 

● Concerning behaviour. 

● Allegations against an adult. 

● Online safety concerns. 

Anyone receiving a concern should: 

1. Stay calm. 

2. Listen carefully. 

3. Reassure the child. 

4. Avoid asking leading questions. 

5. Record the facts. 

6. Report immediately to the Club Children's Officer or Designated Liaison Person. If a child is in immediate danger, An Garda Síochána or emergency services should be contacted immediately. 

12. Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will only be shared with those who need to know. 

Records will be stored securely and in accordance with GDPR requirements.

13. Training

WWRFC will ensure that relevant volunteers complete: 

● Safeguarding 1 

● Garda Vetting 

● Additional IRFU safeguarding training where appropriate 

Refresher training should be completed as required. 

14. Complaints

Anyone may raise concerns about poor practice or breaches of this policy. Complaints should be made to: 

● Club Welfare Officer 

● Club Chairperson 

● Designated Liaison Person 

Where appropriate, complaints will be referred to the IRFU or statutory authorities.

15. Equality and Inclusion

WWRFC is committed to providing an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 

Discrimination, harassment and exclusion will not be tolerated.

16. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or IRFU guidance changes.