Parent / Guardian Information

As a parent you will no doubt want your son/daughter to enjoy their involvement in rugby union in a safe and enjoyable environment…

The Burnham on sea RFC Parent Information pack –

As a parent you will no doubt want your child / children to enjoy their involvement in rugby union in a safe and enjoyable environment where there are opportunities to learn, develop rugby skills and also have lots of fun.

This guide aims to answer some of the questions you may have if you are considering Burnham rugby club for your child / children.

Child welfare –

The Club’s primary concern as your child / children participates in Club activities is their safety and wellbeing. In addition to the key aspects set out in this introduction, and in line with RFU guidelines, we have adopted four key policies to ensure your child’s safety and wellbeing is protected:

  • Health and Safety
  • Child Protection
  • Codes of Conduct
  • Equity

These can all be viewed in full at http://www.rfu.com


Cost –

  • Individual child membership – £95 which includes family membership to the club
  • Additional children – £35 each


Try-out sessions –

We recognise that if your child has never tried rugby before you may not initially wish to commit to membership. We therefore offer two ‘try-out’ sessions without any obligation.


FAQ’s –

When is training?

We train Sunday mornings in between matches from 10.00 till 12.00

When are the matches?

Matches are on Sunday mornings

What kit do we need to buy?

For training the only essential kit we recommend your child is:

– A pair of studded rugby or football style boots

– Any form of sports shorts and shirt are fine for training

– As part of your membership fee your child will receive a Club match shirt and a sponsored contact Top. Match shorts and socks can be bought from the club

– Children in the under 9’s and older groups must wear a gum shield (mouth guard) in contact games and training.

NB – Please ensure your child is appropriately dressed for the weather.

What happens if there is an accident?

The Club has documented procedures with which all coaches are familiar. A first-aider is always present and as a parent you will be present and contactable. The Club also has a Welfare Officer and Deputy who oversee all aspects of the players’ welfare and are in attendance at the Club on Sunday mornings.

How does the Club manage any issues, which may arise – i.e. bullying?

There are identified procedures laid down by the RFU which we must follow. Also see ‘What the Club expects of me?’ which is below. If you have a concern relating to the welfare of your child then you can always speak with the Club Safeguarding Officer.

Are the adults helping with the teams checked and trained?

We adhere to the requirement of the RFU that all adults who have regular supervisory con-tact with young people undertake Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure.

How are away matches organised?

The Club organises fixtures in line with the requirements of the RFU Continuum which can be located on http://www.rfu.com and the RFU structured season. In practice we liaise with the Clubs the adult teams play to arrange games for the younger groups.

In terms of transport to away fixtures the Club is usually dependant on parental help.

Is the Club affiliated to the RFU?

Yes.

What does the Club expect from me?

The Club encourages input from parents from coaching through to administration. The general expectation is that:

  • It is essential that a parent or designated adult remains throughout the session. For safety/welfare reasons you cannot drop off your child and depart the Club grounds during the sessions.
  • Adhere to the codes of conduct within the Club, in particular the Parents Code of Conduct. This highlights the positive aspects of being a part of the Club and supporting both your own child and all the other young people within the Club.


The Club would like you to:

  • Become involved in the Club as much as possible. This provides your child(ren) with the support to enjoy their rugby.
  • Support the coaches by ensuring your child(ren) enjoys their rugby and plays within the laws of the game. It is crucial to develop a positive relationship with the coaching team and to support them. If an issue does develop then manage this through the Club Safeguarding Officer.


What does the Club expect from my child?

There is a guide for young people which can be found at http://www.rfu.com.

This details the Club’s expectations which include:

  • Fair play
  • Listening to the coaches
  • Adhering to the codes of conduct
  • Adhering to the laws of the game and rules of the Club
  • Having fun and enjoying playing rugby


What can we expect from the Club?

  • A friendly welcome and an opportunity to meet new friends and watch rugby
  • Opportunities to be involved in all aspects of Club life and use your own expertise
  • Opportunities for your son/daughter to have fun and develop their game as much as they want to
  • A safe environment
  • Qualified coaches and responsible volunteers
  • Relationships based on trust, honesty and respect where your son/daughter is valued and listened to and where their welfare is paramount
  • Child Safeguarding Policy available for you on request
  • Clear lines of communication with you about your child, fixtures, training and events


Communication –

The Club will need to ensure you can be contacted if required so we will ask you for your contact details at registration. It is part of the rugby philosophy that you are involved in your child’s rugby development. Please ensure that you build a relationship with the coach and support the Club by completing all paperwork required.

For any other questions never hesitate to contact your child’s Coach or anyone involved on the Committee.