The RFU have produced a 'Child protection guidance'
booklet
- a summary of its message is given below.
This document 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 the 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
Generally, 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 children alcohol, or inappropriate drugs, or fails to supervise
their access to these substances.
SEXUAL ABUSE
In general terms, boys and girls are abused by adults, both male and
female, who use children to meet their own sexual needs.
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