WELCOME TO OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB. Mini and Junior Rugby at Old Colfeians

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1 WELCOME TO OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Mini and Junior Rugby at Old Colfeians PLAYERS' and PARENTS PACK Contents 1. Welcome letter 2. Club Social Membership form 3. Rugby at Old Colfeians 4. Safeguarding Children Policy 5. Kit and Protective Equipment Policy 6. Equity Policy 7. Anti Bullying Policy 8. Website, Social Media and Communications Policy 9. Youth Discipline Policy 10. Photographic Policy 11. Club 200 form

2 WELCOME TO OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Mini and Junior Rugby at Old Colfeians Dear Parent & Player Welcome to a new season at Old Colfeians Rugby Club. For those of you not familiar with the club, Old Colfeians Senior Club was formed in 1928 and has had many successes in its time. The mini and junior sections are relatively new now in their eleventh year. They have in their own right been an amazing success story. We have over 300 children aged 6-17 and from many different schools turning up each week to take part in the game of rugby. We have recently seen a player progress from joining us as a mini aged 7 to playing for the first XV and England U23s. We start this season with a Coaching Coordinator in place to reinforce our belief in quality coaching and a new Colts team that will help bridge the gap between juniors and seniors. We had a busy summer as school out reach programme got into fill swing with two mini-tag festivals held at the ground. More details on all our sections and activities are available on the OCRFC website. Rugby is just one aspect of the Old Colfeians Social Club. The facilities are there for you to use and enjoy and we encourage you to consider joining as a social member. Apart from the opportunity to apply for international rugby tickets there are many social events throughout the year to enjoy. More benefits are being introduced later this year. During the summer work has continued on the clubhouse and the bowls pavilion and there is new decking outside providing the ideal spot to sit with a drink after a busy Sunday. The rugby club is run by volunteers and it is thanks to their enthusiasm, dedication and love of the game that we have such a happy, inclusive club. If you are interested in helping out further details can be found in the attached or please do speak to your age group s Manager. We look forward to meeting you over the next few weeks. Yours in rugby Phil Andrews Minis Chair Mary-Jane Moore Juniors Chair

3 OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB MINI / JUNIOR CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM. We are very pleased to welcome you to Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club. To ensure that we have the correct contact details for you please insert the information requested and return this form with the correct payment to your child s team manager. Parents or guardians need to sign the form before it is returned. CONTACT DETAILS Player s Name:. Home address:. Postcode: Date of Birth. Gender. Male Female School.. RUGBY EXPERIENCE Has the player played mini / junior rugby before?...yes No If yes, where have you played Primary school.... Secondary School... Club (please name).. Other (please specify).... MEDICAL/ BEHAVIOURAL INFORMATION Please give details of medical information that our managers, coaches, or Club officials should be aware of e.g. Epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, allergies/ ADHD, Aspergers etc. This information will be treated confidentially and shared only with those needing to be aware of this information in order to safeguard your child. PTO

4 PARENT / GUARDIAN CONTACT DETAILS AND AGREEMENT. Please insert the information below to indicate the person(s) who should be contacted in the event of an accident or incident and who would like to be informed about Club / team activities. Parent / guardian address (if different from the above).. Contact number Home. Mobile By signing and returning this form, I acknowledge and accept that rugby is a contact sport and that whilst the Club will endeavour to minimise any risk, there will always remain a risk of injury. I agree to my son / daughter / child in my care, taking part in the activities of the Club. I understand that in the event of any injury or illness all reasonable steps will be taken to contact me, and to deal with that injury / illness appropriately. I understand that from time to time, photographs and videos may be taken of games that include my child. I have no objection to such photos or videos being included as attachments to s circulated within the club, used on the club website, or social media, or in advertising for the club or news reports in the local press and that all reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety of the child at all times. I am aware of and have read and accept the contents of the Club s Welcome Pack and in particular I accept, on behalf of myself and my child, and confirm that my child and I will abide by the Club s policies and Codes of Conduct that underpin the way the Club is run. Signature of parent / guardian.. Print Name.Date VOLUNTEERS Would you be prepared to help as a volunteer for the club? Would you be interested in.. Is there another way that you could help the club?... Please do not write here, for official use only. Sub Paid? Y / N Amount Date RFU registration completed Y / N Date Photo ID Y/N

5 Rugby at Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club There is a strict structure in place for Youth Rugby. The RFU (Rugby Football Union), the governing body, maintains control over the development of the game, its players and how it is played. For example, the RFU limits the number of fixtures to be played, provides laws and guidelines which lay down the ages at which tackling can be introduced. Minis Rugby (U7s - U12s) Mini Rugby is designed to introduce children to the basics of the game in a safe environment, and in line with their physical abilities and at their own pace letting them run, chase, throw, catch and learn teamwork. Boys and girls play together and on an equal footing throughout the Minis. The Club runs teams based on school years note that this relates to the child s age on the 1st September and the child remains in that age group for their whole youth rugby career. A summary of how the age groups are structured is detailed below. Age on 1 st Sept School Year Rugby Age Group 5 & 6 1 & 2 U6s & 7s 7 3 U8s 8 4 U9s 9 5 U10s 10 6 U11s 11 7 U12s Under 6s, 7s & 8s These age groups play non-contact tag rugby. The main aim is to develop the basic skills such as passing backwards, catching a pass, and running into space and of course, scoring tries! The players wear a belt with 2 velcro tags. A tackle is made when the opposition pull one of the tags off the ball carriers belt and calls Tag! Once the ball carrier has been tagged, they must attempt to stop immediately and pass the ball to a member of their own team before reclaiming their TAG and then both players can continue with the game. There is no contact tackling, scrums, lineouts or kicking. Under 6 s are permitted to train with the U7 s, but, are not allowed to play games until their 6th birthday. Under 9 - Under 12s U9 rugby introduces full contact tackles for the first time. Team size and length of game increases. More of the complexities of rucking, kicking, mauling, scrums and lines outs are added each year, teams get bigger and so do the pitches. Juniors and Colts Rugby (U13s - U18s) 1 Age on 1st Sept School Year Rugby Age Group 12 8 U13s 13 9 U14s U15s U6s U17s U18s Structured for the U13 s to U18 s, the players evolve into a15 aside full contact games, putting into practice the skills and techniques taught through the mini development programme. There are some key issues relating to scrimmaging and lineouts that are not permitted at the youngest age groups and some that remain until adult rugby only.

6 The Playing Season There will be training or competition every Sunday morning between 1st September and 30th April (weather and pitch conditions permitting) except for Christmas and Easter. The Fixtures and weekend training schedules are arranged and published in advance- see the OCRFC website for details. Short notice changes will be advised by the managers. Sunday Morning Coaching sessions Minis coaching is on Sunday mornings between a.m and p.m, with lots of breaks built in. Coaching involves rugby handling skills, moves, non-contact games and contact games for the older groups. Juniors coaching is on Sunday mornings between am and 12.00pm At Sunday morning coaching, age groups may occasionally combine for practice matches. This will be at the discretion of the two coaches concerned who will always bear in mind the RFU regulations and the safety of the children safety will always be our paramount concern. Parents must ensure that players attendance has been entered into the managers weekly register and in the Minis - that either they, or a suitable responsible adult is present at all times. Sunday Fixtures All age groups play club fixtures and rugby festivals against other Kent, South East and visiting clubs. Fixtures are arranged at a county fixtures meeting and between individual clubs. There are also competitive tournaments, usually towards the end of the season, such as the Kent Festival and the Young Colfeians Festival At U14 s and above the teams compete in league and cup formats. Parents should ensure that they know whether there is a match or training on any given date. Also if your child has been chosen to play in a game and then becomes unavailable, you should let the coaches or managers know as soon as possible so that team selections can be made. Kit The Club shop has a range of Club kit. There is also a range of adult sizes available so that you can show your support for your players! Each player should have a playing shirt, boots, shorts and mouthguard. The shop is also on line at this link: Some of the teams have items of sponsored kit supplied for competitive fixtures. If you would like to sponsor a team, or the Club please speak to your Manager. Mouthguards There are a range of products available. The wearing of mouthguards is compulsory from under 9 upwards. We strongly recommend gumshields at all ages. Orthodontic mouth guards are also available where these are fitted to the wearer personally. Winter Clothing it is essential that parents ensure that players have proper winter clothing with them every Sunday (even our spring can be cold and wet!) There is always a degree of standing around especially at Festivals. All players should be aware that muddy kit and boots are not allowed in the Club house, so, it would be a good idea to have a kit bag and some clean clothes to change in to. Registration, Medical Consent and Subscriptions. All players are required to be registered with both the Club and RFU, the Club will inform the RFU of all registered players. Registration forms will be available from the team Manager. However, at the beginning of the season we hold an annual registration session on the 1st two Sundays of the season, where members are also required to pay a Club membership fee. Details of up to date membership fees can be found on the website for 2014/2015 the fee is 70 per player, with a discount of 10 for a sibling. Parent Social membership is 72 (form is in the welcome pack and available ffrom the team Manager). The subscriptions are used for the upkeep of the Club pitches as well as the provision of equipment.

7 As part of the membership process, all players are required to complete a medical form. A new form must be completed every season to provide the manager and coaching staff with up to date information on the player s medical and behavioural conditions and the consent to obtain medical assistance should the players be injured or taken ill. You will also be required to provide details of the child s current school as part of the safeguarding/ child protection policy. RFU registration is only required once, unless the school or address change and a player must be de registered if s/he decides to leave the club. You will need to supply 2 passport photo s. Please note that if subscriptions are not paid then a player is not considered a member and will be refused access to the Club, as s/he will NOT be covered by the Club s insurance and therefore can not play as a matter of RFU regulations and Club Policy. Codes of Conducts Commitment from parents and players is required and we ask that players attend every session, as far as possible. We like all parents to get to know their age group managing and coaching team and let them know if their child will be absent on any Sunday; coaches cannot prepare the side properly for matches if only half the players turn up on training days. When the team comes off the field, we want our children to be able to say that was fun, we want to come back. Players are encouraged to support each other (even when mistakes are made), to applaud opponents and to play with passion but not aggression. This approach applies to all players, parents, coaches and spectators alike. This is why we have codes of conduct, based on RFU guidelines and which parents can interpret as Club Policy. We ask that you become familiar with them and lead by example in your conduct. Player Code of Conduct Play for fun not just to please your parents and coaches. Play to the Rules. Don t Cheat. Don t argue with the referee. Referees will not change their decision and they might penalise you or your team for doing so. Remember that the referee is a volunteer and that the game can not happen without them! Control your temper and your mouth. Lose your head and your team loses a player. Never give up. Always give your best. The game is not over until the final whistle. Be a good sport. Recognise good rugby and learn from it, even if it comes from the other side. Improve your skills. Work hard at training if you play better your team will do better. Don t be selfish. Co-operate with your team. Teams win, not individuals. Don t show off even when you ve scored. Be a team player encourage your team mates, play by example DON T put them down. Remember the opposition wear different colour shirts! Parent & Spectators Code of Conduct Never force a child to play rugby, always remember children should play for their enjoyment not yours. Applaud good play, from both sides children learn best by example. Have respect for the decisions made by the match officials by not publicly questioning the referee. Don t get into arguments with opposition parents it can lead to bad feelings between clubs and lost fixtures. Never go onto the field of play stay off the pitchotherwise you may face Club/RFU discipline. Never shout at a player for making a mistake. Never ridicule a player regardless of the team they play for. Teach your child that victory isn t everything playing as well as you can is the most important. There is no disgrace in defeat if you have tried your best. Rugby It s only a game! Recognise the value and importance of all officials - managers, coaches and referees: they are someone s Mum/ Dad and give their time so you can enjoy rugby. they give their time and resources freely to provide rugby for your child. Please encourage your child to listen and follow the coaching sessions. Parents must ensure that a child s presence has been entered onto the team Manager s weekly attendance register. Parents must let the Manager know if their child is leaving early/ being collected by another adult. In the Minis, parent must stay for the training session or game. This is both beneficial for the child and the Club Officials. If you are unable to stay, you must ensure that you have nominated a suitable adult to be responsible for your child and that this has been noted on the Manager s register. The Coach or Manager is not suitable for this role.

8 Volunteer Code of Conduct (Coaches have a separate code of conduct, please refer to the volunteer welcome pack, or the OC Resources webpage for details) Volunteering can be a rich and satisfying experience, it is also a tremendous responsibility. Good volunteering requires the ability to get the best out of all the players and to support their enjoyment of the game. Children come first - winning come second. Keep winning and losing in perspective. Treat each child as an individual- children have different strengths and need individual support. Be reasonable in your demands on a young players time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they may have other competing interests and education needs. Remember to reward effort as well as achievement. Players develop at different rates of pace, avoid over playing the talented player by using a squad system. Those less talented need and deserve equal time. The less capable player now may well be a future 1st XV player. Encourage the children to play for fun and enjoyment. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a game - mistakes and losing are valuable lifetime lessons. People react far better to positive feedback as opposed to criticism - always try to stress the positive. It s difficult playing the game without opposition and match officials, teach respect for the other participants. We want our players to say, 'our Coach was brilliant, he listened to what we had to say, we were taught something new, we want to come back next week'. That s all the talk over. Now its time to come and give it a try We look forward to seeing you.

9 Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club Safeguarding Children Policy CHILD SAFETY/WELFARE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE, IT IS NOT AN OPTION TO KEEP QUIET, OR TO TRY AND DEAL WITH THE INCIDENT WITHIN THE SQUAD. 1. Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club (OCRFC) acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults involved in OCRFC from harm. 2. OCRFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union s Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorses and adopts the Policy Statement contained in that document. 3. A child means anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. All Minis, Juniors and Colts players, together with any coach/volunteer under 18 are covered by this and related policies. 4. The Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Vulnerable People Policy are that: the welfare of the child or vulnerable adult (as appropriate) 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 and young people. children have a right to expect support, and personal and social development delivered by appropriately recruited, and vetted personnel and properly managed in relation to their participation in rugby union. 5. OCRFC 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, and harm and poor practice. OCRFC recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club. 6. OCRFC will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate. OCRFC will ensure its spectators, parents, members and officials are all aware of and will be deemed to have accepted, unless they make it known otherwise to the Safeguarding Officer, the Club Photographic Policy as set out in the club welcome pack and on the website. 7. OCRFC will endeavour to comply with the Guidance for Websites as set out on the RFU website and included in the welcome packs. With whom should you discuss your concerns? 8. OCRFC s Safeguarding Officer is Nikki Gare. Contact details: nicolagare@yahoo.co.uk, or If you witness, or become aware of the behaviours in para 11, or an incident where the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult has been put at risk (for example by emotional/physical bullying), you MUST, in the first instance, inform the Club Safeguarding Officer. If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer you should inform the Mini s or Junior s Chair who will then contact the CB Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Executive.

10 CHILD SAFETY/WELFARE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE, IT IS NOT AN OPTION TO KEEP QUIET, OR TO TRY AND DEAL WITH THE INCIDENT WITHIN THE SQUAD. 9. The Club Safeguarder will, where appropriate, and following discussion with the RFU/CB Safeguarding Manager, form a Safeguarding Committee to review reported incidents. The Committee will at all times act in accordance with the Club and RFU safeguarding policies and with the approval of the RFU/ CB Safeguarding Manager. 10. All members of OCRFC who have a regular supervisory contact with children, or a management responsibility for those working with children must: obtain an RFU Enhanced DBS ( ex-crb) check and as and when introduced be ISA-registered in accordance with the RFU ISA-registration Policy; and attend an RFU safeguarding (Play IT Safe) course. Banned Behaviour: 11. OCRFC requires all coaches, parents, players, or officials to comply with the Best Practice Guidance as issued by the RFU and OCRFC s own policies. In summary, the following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously by OCRFC and may result in disciplinary action being taken by OCRFC, the CB or the RFU: Working alone with a child, children, vulnerable adult, or adults. Consuming alcohol whilst responsible for children or vulnerable adults. Providing alcohol to children or allowing its supply. Smoking in the presence of children. Humiliating children, or vulnerable adults. Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult. Participating in, or allowing, contact or physical games with children or vulnerable adults. Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child or vulnerable adult developed as a result of being in a position of trust. Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material. 12. OCRFC will ensure 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 or vulnerable adults. 13. OCRFC will ensure that its coaches and team managers receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role. The RFU Managing Challenging Behaviour Policy has been adopted and circulated amongst the club workforce both, voluntary and paid. 14. Any events held on OCRFC 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 OCRFC must comply with the relevant RFU Regulations and Guidance relating to tours. 15. No player may play adult rugby (or train with adults) until he or she has reached their 18th birthday unless they fully comply with the relevant RFU regulations, in summary: Players who are 17 years old can play/train with seniors provided they have been assessed as capable of playing with adults. Where a 17 year old player is playing in the adult game it is essential that every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected. Agreement must first be obtained from OCRFC s Academy s Chair. These players need written parental permission in order to play / train. To play in the front row, players must be 18. The above applies to training as well as matches. If you have any questions about safeguarding please contact: Nikki Gare OCRFC Safeguarding Officer nicolagare@yahoo.co.uk Edited: 08/ 2014

11 Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club Kit and Protective Equipment Policy This sets out the Club s policy on protective equipment. Boots: Whilst it remains dry, trainers or Astro s are sufficient, especially for the Minis. But, in the wet players will need proper boots with aluminium rugby studs with a BSI kite mark. This is subject to the blades ban, see below. Blades and studs: There are increasing concerns from top level coaches in both rugby and football about the safety of the bladed style of boot- including increasing reports of not only terrible lacerations to opponents but also of ligament injuries to ankle, knee and hip joints to the wearers. Similarly, injuries can be caused by players using football rather than aluminium rugby studs. It is important to check the condition of studs, as damaged or worn studs may also result in injuries. With this in mind OCRFC Mini, Junior and Academy players should only wear good condition rugby studs. The Club bans the wearing of blades. Coaches and Managers are asked to make opposition teams aware of our policy in advance of fixtures and to ask them to respect our decision. Coaches and Managers are also asked to ensure the referee carries out a boot inspection before the beginning of each game. Coaches are asked to carry out a boot inspection at the beginning of each session. Please see at this link an article about the damage that can be done by blades: Gum shields: The Club strongly recommends gum shields be worn by all age. The wearing of mouth guards is mandatory for those in U9s and above. The dangers of not wearing mouth guards are not only to the player not wearing the mouth guard who will be exposed to the danger of damage to their teeth and gums as well as increased risk of concussion, but they also protect opposition players from cuts to their scalps, faces, arms etc. Other protective equipment: The wearing of other types of protective equipment by any player i.e. shoulder pads, forearm protector, mittens, hats etc is a personal preference, subject to the RFU requirements, set out below. Clothing: PLAYERS MUST NOT WEAR a) any item that is contaminated by blood. b) any item that is sharp or abrasive. c) any items containing buckles, clips, rings, hinges, zippers, screws, bolts or rigid material or projection d) jewellery such as watches, rings or earrings. e) full finger gloves. f) shorts with padding sewn into them. g) a single stud at the toe of the boot. It is important that children have adequate clothing to keep warm and dry at both training sessions and matches. A tracksuit or sweatshirt, hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket are recommended. Whatever protective equipment is worn it MUST be IRB approved (see the label for proof), be in good condition and be the correct size and fitting for the player who is wearing it. These principles are based upon the safety of our young players and we would ask all parents to support us in this matter. August 2014

12 Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club EQUITY POLICY. Old Colfeians RFC is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of the Club. 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. In this spirit, the Club agrees to, and expects it s members to: Respect 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. Everyone having the right to enjoy their rugby in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment or abuse. Reject any discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity. Respond to any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to the Club s disciplinary procedures. Edited: 08/ 2014

13 OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB ANTI BULLYING POLICY. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at Old Colfeians RFC The RFU and OCRFC have a sharing and 'telling' culture and anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the Club s Safeguarding Officer (Nikki Gare, /nicolagare@yahoo.co.uk). It is the responsibility of every adult working in rugby whether as a professional or volunteer, to ensure that all young people enjoy the sport in a safe, enjoyable environment. All OCRFC members, coaches, volunteers and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is and be aware of the OCRFC anti-bullying policy. Players and parents should be assured that they will be supported if bullying is reported. Main Signs and Symptoms of Bullying A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that s/he is being bullied. Children and young people have described bullying as: name calling. teasing. 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. Other Signs and Symptoms not wanting to attend training or club activities. changing their usual routine. beginning to be disruptive during sessions. becoming withdrawn anxious or lacking in confidence. loses possessions. becoming aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable. starting to stammer. has unexplained cuts or bruises. Bullying will not be tolerated. Edited: 08/ 2014

14 OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN, WEBSITE, AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY. Old Colfeians RFC (The Club) sets out below how we will contact our under 18 year old players and all coaches, managers and volunteers must follow this policy. This policy follows the RFU website guidance, available at this link: The Club regularly puts news items, updates and relevant material on the Club s website, Facebook and Twitter. These posts may include match reports and news items prepared by coaches, volunteers, parents or guardians which may make reference to individual displays of technical skills or sportsmanship. They may also include, on occasions, photographs taken by coaches, volunteers, parents or guardians consisting of action shots, team groupings or tour activities. Communication with individual children policy The Club adopts the RFU Guidance and Recommendations, and recognises that: 1) Club Officials, Managers and Coaches should not communicate with individual children by text, or on-line at any time, on any matter, unless there is an immediate risk to the welfare of that child which can be lessened by such contact. 2) When communication by phone is needed, where possible Club Officials and Coaches should speak to the parent of a child. Club Officials and Coaches may speak to individual children on mobile phones provided they have prior written consent from the child s parent, and from the child if old enough to understand. 3) If the Club needs to communicate Club-related information to children by (such as training or match details), it should use groups comprising addresses given by the parent. Such s should only come from specific designated individuals e.g. Managers and Head Coaches. Website and Social Media policy OCRFC is conscious of the need to act responsibly in its use of the website and social media and complies with the rules set out below, which follow the RFU website guidance (attached and available at the above link): 1) The Club is keen to highlight the achievements of its members and is aware that part of the enjoyment of a good performance involves reading about it. OCRFC therefore encourages members to post relevant material, subject to this policy. 2) The Club requires those accessing its social media forums (including Facebook and Twitter) to be above the minimum age required by the respective social media. 3) Photographs of U18s should only be taken and will only be used in accordance with the Club s photographic policy (available in the pack and on the Club s website). Photographs that are in any way inappropriate will not be permitted to appear. 4) At no time will a reference be made to an U18 s address or any other personal information, unless prior express written permission has been given by the parent. 5) Material involving U18s will be subject to review and editing by the team manager and those responsible for maintaining the website / social media sites and will be subject to this policy, the related RFU guidance and related Club policies. 6) Any links to third party sites are subject to this policy. The Club, when it becomes aware of inappropriate content, will remove content and/or these sites, however it cannot be held responsible for material appearing on third party sites. Concerns:

15 7) Any parent (or child) who has a concern about a reference to, or photographs of their child appearing on the Club s website is asked to make their feelings known to the team manager in the first instance, who will discuss the issue with Club s Safeguarder (Nikki Gare). 8) On receipt of a complaint about content, the content will be removed as soon as possible, and reinstated only once the complaint has been resolved. 9) The complaint will be discussed and investigated by the person maintaining the website/ social media site, the relevant team manager, and Safeguarder. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis and discussed with the relevant parent. A copy of this policy can be found on the Club s website and will be circulated to all teams and to those responsible for the website and social media sites. Edited: 08/ 2014

16 Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club Photographic Policy 1. Any parent/guardian who objects to their child being photographed should in writing notify the team Manager, otherwise it is presumed photographs may be taken and images used on the Club's website, related publications, or in press-releases. 2. Any adult wishing to take photographs, or videos of any Mini, Junior or Colts player, unless the team photographer, must first ask permission of the Manager of that age group; this is a requirement, not just a courtesy. 3. If any objections are made, no photographs can be taken. 4. Photography Guidelines: Only photograph children who are appropriately dressed for the activity taking place. The photograph or recording must focus on the activity rather than a particular young person and their personal details should never be revealed. Wherever possible, photographs/recordings should represent the diverse range of young people participating in rugby. Anyone taking photographs or video at any rugby event must have a valid reason for doing so. Managers may authorise, from time to time, the taking of head and shoulder photographs of players for the purpose of identifying children. All concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to the Club Safeguarding Officer (Nikki Gare, nicolagare@yahoo.co.uk/ ). Edited: 08/ 2014

17 OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB YOUTH DISCIPLINE POLICY Old Colfeians RFC is responsible for dealing with any act of indiscipline on the field of play by players, supporters and spectators, or by any Club member who at any time uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards any other member or visitor to the Club, or in any way brings the Club, or the game into disrepute. The Club s Youth Disciplinary Committee is responsible for dealing with offences arising in the Minis and Junior sections, whether committed by players or adults. Juniors includes any player under the age of 18 at the time of the offence, providing the player is playing in an U17 or U18 club match. Any player who has reached their 17th birthday and is playing in either a Colts, or adult match is classed as an adult and will be dealt with under the procedure outlined in the Senior Club s discipline policy. Offences that may be reported to the Youth Discipline Committee include: Player sent off (red card) by the referee Player sin-binned (yellow card) by a referee Breaches of the Club s policies relating to child protection, welfare and bullying- subject to confirmation from the RFU that the Club may deal with the matter internally. Breaches of the Club s codes of conduct relating to players, parents and spectators The Youth Disciplinary Committee will be made up of three Club officials drawn from the following: Senior Club Chairman/ Safeguarding Officer/Juniors Chairman/Minis President/Minis Chairman In the case of an offence by a player, the Committee must include at least the Safeguarding Officer. In the case of an offence within the Minis, at least one member of the Committee must be a Minis officer, and in the case of an offence within the Juniors it must include at least one Junior officer. The player or adult who is the subject of the disciplinary hearing may also have a representative present. In the case of a player, a hearing may not take place without the child being accompanied and supported by an adult, preferable a parent or guardian. Any relevant witnesses to the event will also be asked to attend. The Committee will follow the procedures and guidelines set out in the Club s main Discipline Policy (a copy of which can be seen on line or supplied upon request), and will be guided by the list of recommended sanctions for young players outlined in Appendix 3 at the end of the Disciplinary Procedures section in the RFU Handbook. Any player, spectator or parent subject to a ruling by the Committee may appeal against the decision, providing this is done in writing to the club Secretary within seven days of the of the discipline hearing. The decision will then be referred to the club s Senior Disciplinary Committee, which will be consist of Club officials who did not sit on the original Youth Disciplinary Committee (save in the case of a child for the Safeguarding Officer) and will hold its hearing within 14 days of the appeal being lodged. Edited: 08/ 2014

18 1. What is the 200 Club? It is a lottery of 200 numbers, for a monthly draw, which will raise much-needed funds for Old Colfeians Rugby Football Club (OCRFC). 2. What do I have to do? Simply complete an application and standing order form committing you to 5 a month and return it to your age-group manager or any committee member. (Entrants must be 16 years and over). 7. What do I do if I want to cancel my membership? Notify your bank that you wish to cancel your standing order. 3. What will happen once I submit my application and standing order form? Your form will be processed and you will be allocated your unique 200 club number. You will be entered for the draw, once we have received your first monthly payment. 4. What are the prizes? This depends on the number of participants in the 200 Club, but not less than 50% of proceeds are awarded as prizes. An indication of the number and amount of the prizes can be found on the OCRFC website. 5. Where and how will be prizes be drawn? A list of when the prizes will be drawn can be found on the OCRFC website. Each draw will be made at the clubhouse and a member of those present will be invited to draw the lucky numbers. 6. How will I receive my prize? If you are winner you can collect your prize on the day of the draw or you will be notified by and/or contacted by phone. Prize money can be issued in the form of a cheque or electronically transferred to your bank account.

19 200 Club Application and Standing Order Form I wish to become a member of the OCRFC 200 Club and have completed the bank standing order below: To: Name and address of bank Please pay the following standing order on my behalf*: Standing Order to Bank Old Colfeians RFC HSBC Plc Sort Code Account No Reference (Leave Blank) Pay immediately 5 Thereafter 5 on the first day of every month until further notice * This is in addition to any existing Old Colfeian Standing Order(s) Name: Block Capitals Account No Sort Code / / Signature Date Home Address Block Capitals Mobile/Home No Please return this form to your Manager.