1. Tynedale Rugby Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of
all children involved in Tynedale RFC from harm.
2.Tynedale RFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy
and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement
contained in that document and any successor policy.
3. A child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. However,
where a 17 year old male player is playing in the adult game it is essential that every
reasonable precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected.
4. The Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy are that:
• The welfare of the child is, and must always be, paramount to any other considerations.
• All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size,
shape, language or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm.
• All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken
seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately.
• Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents, carers,
children and young people is essential for the welfare of children.
• Children have a right to expect support, and personal and social development delivered by
an appropriately recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in rugby
union, whether they are playing, volunteering, or officiating in the community or
professional areas of the sport.
5. Tynedale RFC recognises that all children have the right to participate in sport in a safe,
positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse,
neglect, harm and poor practice. Tynedale RFC recognises that this is the responsibility of
everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club.
6. Tynedale RFC will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of
Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate.
7. The Club Safeguarding Officer is Rod Wallace.

Tynedalerfusafeguarding@gmail.com
Mobile: 07816913262

If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child has been put at risk
you must, in the first instance, inform the Club Safeguarding Officer. They will then inform
the CB Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding Team. If an incident involves the
Club Safeguarding Officer, you should inform the Chair of Governance and either the CB
Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Team.
8. All members of Tynedale RFC who work with children in Regulated Activity must
undertake an RFU Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with RFU
Regulation 21.
9. Tynedale RFC will ensure that all its members, whether they are coaches, parents, players
or officials will comply with the Best Practice Guidance as issued by the RFU. In summary,
the following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously by the club and may result in
disciplinary action being taken by the club, the CB or the RFU:
• Working alone with a child.
• Consuming alcohol whilst responsible for children.
• Providing alcohol to children or allowing its supply.
• Smoking in the presence of children.
• Humiliating children.
• Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child.
• Participating in, or allowing, contact or physical games with children.
• Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child developed as a result of being in a
‘position of trust.’
• Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material.
11. Tynedale RFC manages the changing facilities and arranges for them to be supervised by
two DBS checked adults of the appropriate gender for the players using the facilities.
Tynedale RFC ensures that all its coaches, parents, officials and spectators are aware that
adults must not change at the same time, using the same facilities as children.
12. Tynedale RFC will ensure that its coaches [and team managers] will receive the support
and training considered appropriate to their position and role.
13. Any events held on Tynedale RFC premises must comply with this Policy and if
appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected. Any
tours, overseas or domestic, undertaken by Tynedale RFC must comply with the relevant
RFU Regulations and Guidance relating to tours.

Signed
John Austin – Chair of Governance
October 2025