Aylesford Bulls RFC Safeguarding Policy Statement (Updated August 2025)
Aylesford Bulls RFC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children involved at the club from harm. We confirm adherence to the RFU Safeguarding Policy, including its procedures, practices, and guidelines, and endorse the Policy Statement contained therein.
Definition of a Child
A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18 participating in any rugby union activity. Where a 17-year-old male plays in the adult game, every reasonable precaution must be taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
________________________________________
Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy
• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All participants, regardless of age, gender, ability, disability, race, faith, size, language, or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse or harm.
• All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm, or poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly, and appropriately.
• Working in partnership with statutory agencies, parents, carers, and children is essential for safeguarding.
• Children have the right to expect support and development from appropriately recruited, vetted, and managed individuals.
________________________________________
Club Responsibilities
• Aylesford Bulls RFC ensures a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for children in rugby.
• All club members share responsibility for safeguarding.
• The club complies with the RFU Code of Conduct, including those for Coaches, Spectators, and Officials.
• The club enforces its Photographic Policy and complies with RFU Cyber Guidance.
Reporting via the Club’s Speak Up App
To make reporting easier and more accessible, Aylesford Bulls RFC encourages all members, parents, volunteers, and players to use the Speak Up App for raising safeguarding concerns or incidents.
• The app provides a confidential and secure platform for reporting.
• Reports are automatically directed to the Club Safeguarding Officer for appropriate action.
• You can report anonymously if preferred.
📱 Scan the QR code below to access the Speak Up App:
Safeguarding Contacts
• Club Safeguarding Officer: Jayne Ashdown-Denney jayne.ashdowndenney@aylesfordbulls.com
07842 962825
• If the incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer, contact:
Club Chairman: Tony Merlini
tony.merlini@me.com
07916314529
All concerns must be reported to the RFU Safeguarding Team and the CB Safeguarding Manager.
________________________________________
DBS and Safer Recruitment
• All individuals with regular supervisory contact with children must be DBS cleared.
• DBS disclosures are valid for 3 years and must be renewed accordingly.
• Individuals awaiting DBS clearance may only work with children under active supervision by a DBS-cleared adult.
• All adults must complete RFU online safeguarding awareness training in the same season as their DBS application.
________________________________________
Unacceptable Practices
The following are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:
• Working alone with children.
• Consuming or providing alcohol while responsible for children.
• Smoking in the presence of children.
• Humiliating or physically contacting children inappropriately.
• Engaging in physical games or intimate relationships with children.
• Making or sharing sexually explicit comments or materials.
________________________________________
Changing Facilities
• Supervised by two DBS-checked adults of the appropriate gender.
• Adults must not change at the same time or in the same facilities as children.
________________________________________
Training and Support
• Coaches and team managers will receive appropriate training.
• The RFU’s “Managing Challenging Behaviour” Policy is adopted and circulated.
• Clubs must complete an annual safeguarding audit via GMS by 24 October 2025.
________________________________________
Events and Tours
All events held on club premises must comply with this policy. A Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated where appropriate.
Aylesford Bulls RFC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children involved at the club from harm. We confirm adherence to the RFU Safeguarding Policy, including its procedures, practices, and guidelines, and endorse the Policy Statement contained therein.
Definition of a Child
A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18 participating in any rugby union activity. Where a 17-year-old male plays in the adult game, every reasonable precaution must be taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
________________________________________
Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy
• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All participants, regardless of age, gender, ability, disability, race, faith, size, language, or sexual identity, have the right to protection from abuse or harm.
• All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm, or poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly, and appropriately.
• Working in partnership with statutory agencies, parents, carers, and children is essential for safeguarding.
• Children have the right to expect support and development from appropriately recruited, vetted, and managed individuals.
________________________________________
Club Responsibilities
• Aylesford Bulls RFC ensures a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment for children in rugby.
• All club members share responsibility for safeguarding.
• The club complies with the RFU Code of Conduct, including those for Coaches, Spectators, and Officials.
• The club enforces its Photographic Policy and complies with RFU Cyber Guidance.
Reporting via the Club’s Speak Up App
To make reporting easier and more accessible, Aylesford Bulls RFC encourages all members, parents, volunteers, and players to use the Speak Up App for raising safeguarding concerns or incidents.
• The app provides a confidential and secure platform for reporting.
• Reports are automatically directed to the Club Safeguarding Officer for appropriate action.
• You can report anonymously if preferred.
📱 Scan the QR code below to access the Speak Up App:
Safeguarding Contacts
• Club Safeguarding Officer: Jayne Ashdown-Denney jayne.ashdowndenney@aylesfordbulls.com
07842 962825
• If the incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer, contact:
Club Chairman: Tony Merlini
tony.merlini@me.com
07916314529
All concerns must be reported to the RFU Safeguarding Team and the CB Safeguarding Manager.
________________________________________
DBS and Safer Recruitment
• All individuals with regular supervisory contact with children must be DBS cleared.
• DBS disclosures are valid for 3 years and must be renewed accordingly.
• Individuals awaiting DBS clearance may only work with children under active supervision by a DBS-cleared adult.
• All adults must complete RFU online safeguarding awareness training in the same season as their DBS application.
________________________________________
Unacceptable Practices
The following are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:
• Working alone with children.
• Consuming or providing alcohol while responsible for children.
• Smoking in the presence of children.
• Humiliating or physically contacting children inappropriately.
• Engaging in physical games or intimate relationships with children.
• Making or sharing sexually explicit comments or materials.
________________________________________
Changing Facilities
• Supervised by two DBS-checked adults of the appropriate gender.
• Adults must not change at the same time or in the same facilities as children.
________________________________________
Training and Support
• Coaches and team managers will receive appropriate training.
• The RFU’s “Managing Challenging Behaviour” Policy is adopted and circulated.
• Clubs must complete an annual safeguarding audit via GMS by 24 October 2025.
________________________________________
Events and Tours
All events held on club premises must comply with this policy. A Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated where appropriate.
