Safeguarding at Bournemouth Rugby

At Bournemouth Rugby, the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of everyone involved — especially children, young people, and vulnerable adults — is our top priority. We believe every participant has the right to enjoy rugby in a safe, positive, and supportive environment, free from abuse or neglect of any kind.

All coaches, managers, volunteers, and staff share a collective responsibility to protect players and promote their welfare. We are committed to working in partnership with parents, carers, schools, local authorities, and safeguarding agencies to maintain best practice across the club.

We recognise that some participants may be particularly vulnerable due to previous experiences, communication needs, disability, or other personal circumstances. Bournemouth Rugby adopts a player-centred, inclusive, and coordinated approach, ensuring equal protection for every participant regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

- We adhere fully to the RFU Safeguarding Policy, procedures, and guidance.

- All staff, coaches, and volunteers complete mandatory safeguarding training and hold a valid RFU DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check where appropriate.

- Our safeguarding procedures and training are regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory standards and best practice.

- We promote a culture where everyone — players, parents, coaches, and supporters — understands their role in keeping others safe and modelling the positive values of respect, inclusion, and teamwork.

If you have a concern about the welfare or safety of a child or vulnerable adult, please contact:

Club Safeguarding Officer
Sian Reid – 📞 07746 717715

Assistant Safeguarding Officer
Paul Harding – 📞 07737 975008

You can also speak with the CB Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Team.

All members working with children or vulnerable adults in Regulated Activity must complete an RFU DBS check in line with RFU Regulation 21.

The following behaviours are not acceptable and will be treated seriously:

- Working alone with a child.
- Consuming or supplying alcohol while responsible for children.
- Smoking in the presence of children.
- Humiliating or physically contacting children inappropriately.
- Engaging in intimate or sexual relationships with a child through a position of trust.
- Making or sharing sexually explicit comments or materials.

Changing facilities are supervised by two DBS-checked adults of the appropriate gender to ensure safe and private access for players.

Bournemouth Rugby ensures that all Mini, Youth, Academy, and Senior coaches, as well as volunteers, board members, and staff, receive appropriate safeguarding and behaviour management training.

We run and support regular RFU Safeguarding Courses throughout the season to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
All club events and tours — domestic or overseas — must comply with RFU safeguarding regulations and be supported by a clear risk assessment and safeguarding plan.

Bournemouth Rugby follows the RFU Head Injury and Concussion Guidelines and the Graduated Return to Play Protocol using the SCAT tool.

Coaches and pitch-side medical staff are vigilant in identifying head injuries. Any player suspected of a concussion is immediately removed from play, assessed, and monitored. Parents or guardians are informed, and the player only returns to play once cleared through the RFU-approved protocol.

For younger players, full contact is gradually introduced, and a cautious, safety-first approach is always applied.