Advice for parents

Scottish Rugby is committed to safeguarding. All our member rugby clubs are required to have a Child Protection / Safeguarding Policy in place and appoint a Child Protection Officer. All Youth Coaches and volunteers in regulated work should be members of the PVG Scheme and Scottish Rugby ask for full compliance in this area.

A few things to consider when your child is joining any sports club:

• Does the organisation have a Child Protection Officer – do you know who they are and how to contact them? Is it easy for your child to find out who this is too?
• Does the club have a Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy – is it on their website?
• Does the club ensure that all appropriate coaches/volunteers join the PVG Scheme?
• Have their coaches/volunteers gone through Child Protection and Safeguarding training?
• Do they take details from you on joining – medical/allergy information, next of kin, any special requirements, consent forms for things like photos of your child?
• Do they have trained First Aiders?
• Do they have social media policy for contacting young people?
• Does your child enjoy their time at the club?
• Are they happy to take parental feedback/answer your concerns?

It is also really important for parents to support their children:

• Remember children play for their fun, not yours
• Applaud all good play
• Never ridicule a child for losing or making a mistake
• Praise your child’s efforts, win or lose
• Focus on the performance and not the result
• Children learn best from good role models!
• Don’t use bad language or allow others on the touchlines to use it either
• Respect the decisions of the match officials

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgi1ole4BB0

You can find further information, topics, resources, and advice on areas around child wellbeing and protection in sport on Children 1^st advice and information page.