Sevenoaks Rugby Club Code of Conduct

We are a family club that will not tolerate poor conduct.

Your Responsibility

Whether you’re a player, parent, volunteer, coach, staff member, spectator or patron, we want everyone to enjoy a safe and friendly environment. As a member, you’re expected to uphold the Core Values and abide by the Code - whether you're on the field, supporting from the sidelines, enjoying the clubhouse or representing the Club at away fixtures.

Your Commitment Matters

Our club's strength lies in the dedication and integrity of its members. By collectively upholding the Code of Conduct, we ensure that Sevenoaks Rugby Club remains a place where everyone can enjoy and excel in the sport we love.

Should you have any questions or need clarification on any aspect of the Code, or if you wish to report any concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to any of the Club’s Committee or the Club’s Safeguarding Officer.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your unwavering support of Sevenoaks Rugby Club.

Warm regards,

Mike Wooldridge

Club President and Disciplinary Officer

Examples of Good Behaviour and Poor Behaviour:

RFU SAFEGUARDING POLICY - Sevenoaks Rugby Football Club

  1. Sevenoaks Rugby Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children involved in Sevenoaks Rugby from harm.

  2. Sevenoaks RFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy and the procedures, practices and guidelines and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that document and any successor policy.

  3. A child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. However, where a 17 year old male player is playing in the adult game it is essential that every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected.

    The Key Principles of the RFU Safeguarding Policy are that:

    • The welfare of the child is, and must always be, paramount to any other considerations.

    • All participants regardless of age, gender, ability or disability, race, faith, culture, size, shape, language or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse or harm.

    • All allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly, fairly and appropriately.

    • Working in partnership with other organisations, statutory agencies, parents, carers, children and young people is essential for the welfare of children.

    • Children have a right to expect support, and personal and social development delivered by an appropriately recruited, vetted and managed in relation to their participation in rugby union, whether they are playing, volunteering or officiating in the community or professional areas of the sport.

  4. Sevenoaks RFC recognises that all children have the right to participate in sport in a safe, positive and enjoyable environment whilst at the same time being protected from abuse, neglect, harm and poor practice. Sevenoaks RFC recognises that this is the responsibility of everyone involved, in whatever capacity, at the club.

  5. Sevenoaks RFC will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate.

  6. The Club Safeguarding Officer is Andy Clark (07956 545 261, clarky63@icloud.com )
    If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child has been put at risk you must, in the first instance, inform the Club Safeguarding Officer. They will then inform the CB Safeguarding

  7. Manager and the RFU Safeguarding Team. If an incident involves the Club Safeguarding Officer you should inform the Junior Rugby Director Danny Jones and either the CB Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Team.

  8. All members of Sevenoaks RFC who work with children in Regulated Activity must undertake an RFU Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with RFU Regulation 21.

  9. Sevenoaks RFC will ensure that all its members, whether they are coaches, parents, players or officials will comply with the Best Practice Guidance as issued by the RFU. In summary, the following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously by the club and may result in disciplinary action being taken by the club, the CB or the RFU:

    • Working alone with a child.

    • Consuming alcohol whilst responsible for children.

    • Providing alcohol to children or allowing its supply.

    • Smoking in the presence of children.

    • Humiliating children.

    • Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child.

    • Participating in, or allowing, contact or physical games with children.

    • Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child developed as a result of being in a ‘position of trust.’

    • Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material.

  10. Sevenoaks RFC manages the changing facilities and arranges for them to be supervised by two DBS checked adults of the appropriate gender for the players using the facilities. Sevenoaks RFC ensures that all its coaches, parents, officials and spectators are aware that adults must not change at the same time, using the same facilities as children.

  11. Sevenoaks RFC will ensure that its coaches [and team managers] will receive the support and training considered appropriate to their position and role. The RFU “Managing Challenging Behaviour” Policy has been adopted and circulated amongst the club workforce both, voluntary and paid.

  12. Any events held on Sevenoaks RFC premises must comply with this Policy and if appropriate a Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected. Any tours, overseas or domestic, undertaken by Sevenoaks RFC must comply with the relevant RFU Regulations and Guidance relating to tours.


    Andy Clark, September 2019

Bullying in any form will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with the Club/RFU policy on bullying.

The Child Protection Officer of the Youth Section has been nominated as the person in charge of implementing the Child Protection Policy in the Youth Section. If any player, parent, guardian, coach or volunteer has any concerns about the behaviour of any individual associated with the Club they should contact the head coach/manager for a particular age group or the Child Protection Officer.

The Child Protection Officer have forms which they will record allegations of suspicious behaviour. There may be circumstances where allegations are about poor practice rather than abuse in which case the Club's existing disciplinary procedure may be used. Where there is any doubt advice will be sought from Social Services or the NSPCC.

It is acknowledged that feelings generated by allegations that a player may be being abused will raise concerns amongst coaches and parents. However it is important that any concerns for the welfare of the player should be reported immediately. The Club will fully support and protect anyone who, in good faith, reports his or her concerns about the possible abuse of a player.

If you have any concerns about this policy please do not hesitate to contact the Child Protection Officer.