When refereeing young players match officials should

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

·        Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games

·        Appreciate the needs of the players

·        Be a positive role model

·        Recognise that safety is paramount

·        Explain decisions – most young players are still learning

·        Do not tolerate verbal abuse

Officials should not

·        Change in the same area as young players

·        Shower with young players – agree with the coaches a timetable

·        Be alone with young players at any time – if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present

·        Check studs without the coach being present

·        Administer first aid

·        Allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness

·        Tolerate bad language from young players

·        Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players

·        Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware

·        Take a young player to your home

·        Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem

·        Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in fun

Officials must always

·        Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Welfare Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy

o       Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators

o       Physical Abuse by coaches/parents/spectators

o       Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person

o       Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults

REMEMBER:

“The welfare of all young people is paramount”