This summary is intended as a guide for people involved in the coaching, management and development of Rugby Union within the club environment. It should be read by volunteers, parents and professionals alike, and in particular a new coach. In it you are introduced to the concept of child abuse in sport, in all its forms and are given ways of both recognising warning signs and acting on concerns.

Abuse is a powerful and emotive term. Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults and often by those they know and trust. The coach often holds this trust and may be at risk of misusing their power over young players. It is widely recognised that there are four main areas of abuse which coaches and volunteers should be aware of:

EMOTIONAL ABUSE:

In general terms, emotional abuse occurs when adults persistently fail to show children due care, love or affection, where a child may be constantly shouted at, or threatened or subjected to sarcasm and unrealistic pressures.

NEGLECT:

In general terms, neglect as a form of abuse occurs when a child's essential needs for food, warmth and care fail to be met.

PHYSICAL ABUSE:

In general terms, this occurs when adults or even children, deliberately inflict injuries on a child or knowingly do not prevent such injuries. It also occurs when an adult gives alcohol, or inappropriate drugs, or fails to supervise their access to these substances.

SEXUAL ABUSE:

In general terms, girls and boys are abused by adults, both male and female, who use children to meet their own sexual needs.

There may, however be an increased risk within many sports, including Rugby Union, for abuse to occur which does not necessarily fit into these categories. The unique culture and traditions of Rugby along the so-called stereotypical behaviour, whilst common to many team sports, may give rise to unacceptable behaviour leading to situations where abuse may occur or coaches and/or young players are at risk.

Safeguarding the welfare of our players is paramount. As coaches and volunteers we have a moral and possibly legal responsibility to provide the highest possible standard of care when we welcome young players into the game of Rugby Union.

Whilst there are many ways in which the welfare of young players can be safeguarded, this document does not go into details and further guidance can be sought from the "RFU/RFUW Child and Young Player Protection Policy".

You are advised to become familiar with ways in which you and your club can:-

• UNDERSTAND WHAT CHILD ABUSE MEANS
• ENSURE GOOD PRACTICE IN THE COACHING OF YOUNG PLAYERS
• PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
• RECOGNISE ABUSE AND PROVIDE A STRUCTURE TO DEAL SYMPATHETICALLY WITH CONCERNS

Click here to download a copy of Child Protection: A Guide.

The RFU have produced a "Child Protection Guidance" booklet and is available from the RFU.