Warminster RFC

WARMINSTER RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB SAFEGUARDING POLICY 2026-2027

Safeguarding Policy Statement

At Warminster RFC, safeguarding is everybody's responsibility. We are committed to creating an environment where children and young people feel safe, welcome, valued and heard. We believe that every child has the right to enjoy rugby in a safe, positive and inclusive environment. Guided by the Core Values of Rugby: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship, we will work together to promote wellbeing, prevent harm and respond appropriately whenever concerns arise. The welfare of children is paramount in all decisions and actions taken by the Club.

Purpose

This policy sets out the Club’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children involved in rugby union. It applies to everyone involved in the Club, including players, coaches, volunteers, officials, committee members, parents, carers and spectators. For the purposes of this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18.

Safeguarding Framework

Warminster RFC adopts and will comply with RFU Regulation 21, the RFU Safeguarding Children Policy, the RFU Safeguarding Handbook and relevant legislation and statutory guidance. These documents provide the detailed safeguarding standards, procedures and requirements that underpin this policy.

Safeguarding Through Rugby's Core Values

TEAMWORK

What We Ask Of Our Members:

• Help create a safe environment; report concerns; support others; recognise safeguarding is shared responsibility.

What The Club Will Do:

• Promote awareness; provide guidance; work with England Rugby and agencies; review safeguarding arrangements.

RESPECT

What We Ask Of Our Members:

• Treat everyone with dignity; value diversity; listen to children; and encourage everyone to share good practice and raise concerns.

What The Club Will Do:

• Foster openness; take concerns seriously; promote positive behaviour; communicate expected standards.

ENJOYMENT

What We Ask Of Our Members:

• Help make rugby enjoyable; encourage participation; support positive experiences.

What The Club Will Do:

• Create a safe, welcoming environment; prioritise safeguarding and welfare; celebrate positive contributions.

DISCIPLINE

What We Ask Of Our Members:

• Follow policies and codes; take responsibility; raise concerns.

What The Club Will Do:

• Respond appropriately to concerns; apply procedures fairly; take action where risks arise.

 

 

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

What We Ask Of Our Members:

• Demonstrate honesty, fairness and kindness; be a role model; challenge poor behaviour.

What The Club Will Do:

• Promote rugby values; support volunteers and officials; maintain a safe environment.

 

Listening to Children and Young People

We are committed to listening to children and young people, taking their views seriously and supporting them to speak up when something concerns them.

Club-Specific Safeguarding Considerations

Warminster RFC will regularly consider safeguarding matters relevant to its facilities, activities and location. The club operates dedicated rugby facilities at Folly Lane, Warminster. While there are no public rights of way through the site and no shared facilities, the club entrance is open and unguarded and appropriate supervision of children is expected at all times. Mini and Youth rugby operates on site. The clubhouse contains a licensed bar. The club uses Spond and WhatsApp for communication and may occasionally undertake UK tours and overnight stays where parents remain present. Travel to fixtures is facilitated locally but transport arrangements remain the responsibility of parents and carers.

Safer Recruitment, Training and Support

The Club is committed to ensuring that individuals working with children are appropriately recruited, vetted, trained and supported in accordance with RFU requirements.

 

 

Reporting Concerns

Club Safeguarding Officer: Nick Martin, 07966 929189, warminsterrfcsafeguarding@gmail.com

The Club Safeguarding Officer named above is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns within the Club. If a concern involves the Club Safeguarding Officer, concerns may be raised with the Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager (Julie Fisher, julesrugby@gmail.com), the RFU Safeguarding Team (via their online reporting form), Wiltshire’s Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub, MASH (0300 456 0108 or 0300 456 0100 if out of hours) or the Police. If a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services immediately on 999.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, following significant safeguarding incidents, or following changes to RFU safeguarding requirements.

Adoption

Club Name: Warminster RFC

Date Adopted: September 2026

Review Date: September 2027

Chairperson: Rob Rowbotham

Chairperson (Minis & Youth): Steve Bidgood

Club Safeguarding Officer: Nick Martin