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Guidance
There are a number of principles that
should be followed within the sport of rugby union when the activity involves
physical contact.
Physical contact in rugby should always be intended
to meet the child's needs. NOT the adults. Coaches should only use physical
contact if their aim is to:
- Develop skills or techniques.
- To treat an injury.
- To prevent an injury or accident occurring.
- To meet the requirements of the game.
Coaches should seek to explain the nature and reason for
the physical contact to the child reinforcing the teaching or coaching skill.
Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should always ask the child for
permission.
As part of the welcome of a new player and their parents to
the BRFC Junior Section it should be explained about any physical contact that
will be required as part of the activities undertaken by their age group. Young
people should be encouraged to voice their concerns they have if any physical
contact makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Contact should not
involve touching genital areas, buttocks, breasts or any other part of the body
which might cause the child distress or embarrassment. Physical contact should
always take place in an open/public environment and not in secret or out of
sight of others.
Specific Situations
Physical
Punishment
Any form of physical punishment of a child or young person
is unlawful by any coach or member of the administrative staff of BRFC Junior
Section, as is any form of physical response to misbehaviour unless by way of
restraint. It is particularly important that all adults understand this both to
protect their own position and the overall reputation of the BRFC Junior
Section in which they are involved.
Contact as part of
coaching
There are specific circumstances with the sport of rugby which
will require coaches to come into physical contact with the young people within
their age group from time to time in the course of teaching them the skills for
their age group. Examples of activities where safe practice is critical e.g.
the introduction/development of scrummaging. Coaches should be aware of the
limits within which contact should be properly take place, and of the
possibility that such contact could be misinterpreted.
It should be
recognised that physical contact between an adult and a young person which may
occur during legitimate coaching may be misconstrued or misunderstood by other
young people, parents/guardians or other adults. Touching young participants,
including well intentional informal and formal gestures such as putting a hand
on a young person shoulder or arm can if repeated regularly, lead to questions
being raised. As a general principle all coaches should not make gratuitous or
unnecessary physical actions Coaches should ensure that their teaching
techniques do not include any of these actions.
Responding to
distress and success
There may be occasions where a distressed young
person needs comfort and reassurance which may include physical comforting such
as a caring parent would give. Physical contact may also be required to prevent
an accident or injury and this would be wholly appropriate. A young person or
coach may wish to mark a success or achievement with a hug or other physical
gesture. Coaches and administrative members of the BRFC Junior Section should
use their discretion in such cases to ensure that what is (and what is see by
others) normal and natural does not become unnecessary and unjustified contact,
particularly with the same young person over a period of time. It must also be
remembered that what to an adult may seem appropriate may not be viewed in the
same light by a young person.
Sports Science and
medicine
There may be some roles with rugby where physical contact is
and/or a requirement of the role, particularly sports science or medicine.
These tasks should only be undertaken by properly trained or qualified
practitioners. This guidance does not seek to replace the specific guidance and
codes of practice developed for those professionals and reference should be
made to the appropriate body for that discipline. |
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