emailed all members 26/1/24
IMPORTANT - All referees and Match Observers and Coaches
LADS is clear with all clubs that they need to take the lead on providing support to Match Officials where common showers (hygiene areas.. eg toilets) are within their premises. These are now rare in clubhouses but a risk to safeguarding does exist. Beware and take action, please.
If in doubt stay OUT of shared areas. Put your tracksuit on, have a drink with the coaches in the clubhouse, collect any outstanding expenses, and go home to shower.
See the end of the message for RFU guidance and obligations.
Where shared showers etc are in play ensure that the HOME team appoints a person to ensure that you are separated from players where safeguarding issues would apply. If they will not offer this service let the Hon. Secretary know and the club will be reminded of their responsibilities.
IF an incident does occur you are encouraged to make a voluntary admission to LADS, via the Safeguarding Officer (Chris Maltby) who will advise on actions and help with the support required to deal with the incident. It is 100% recommended you let LADS know prior to any club/CB or RFU issues being raised.
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER Chris Maltby
T: 01244 335509 M: 07831 845689
chris@maltbysofchester.co.uk
26/1/24
Hi All,
I hope you are well.
I have been asked to communicate to all referees societies and federations on the issue of match officials in the age-grade game and the use of showers or hygiene spaces. This is a significant safeguarding issue and therefore you must share it with your members.
Match officials must not share cleaning or hygiene spaces (such as showers) with age-grade players, regardless of sex. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes all players under 18 years of age, regardless of if they are playing in the adult or age-grade game (which includes Colts rugby).
We recognise there may be occasions when match officials attend new clubs, and therefore please can we encourage match officials to take the lead in managing the logistics associated with changing spaces and showers to ensure privacy and separation.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, or RFU Safeguarding (cc’ed).
Thank you for your kind assistance in this extremely important matter.
Adam
Dr Adam J White
Honorary Secretary
Rugby Football Referees Union
+44(0) 7375 640772 | RFRU.co.uk