Safeguarding

Gilfach Goch RFC is committed to ensuring that rugby is a safe, inclusive, and positive experience for everyone involved—children, young people, and adults alike. Safeguarding is a core part of how we operate as a community rugby club, and it relies on the awareness and actions of every member, volunteer, coach, parent, and visitor.

What Safeguarding Means in Sport

Safeguarding is the process of protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, neglect, and poor practice. In a sporting environment, this includes creating a culture where everyone feels:

•Safe and supported

•Respected and valued

•Confident to speak up with concerns

•Included regardless of age, ability, gender, or background

Why Safeguarding Matters

Sport offers huge benefits—teamwork, confidence, fitness, friendships—but it also brings environments where adults and young people work closely together. Strong safeguarding measures help ensure:

•A safe physical environment

•Appropriate behaviour from adults and peers

•Transparent and accountable coaching practices

•Quick and responsible responses to any concerns

Safeguarding at Gilfach Goch RFC

As a community club welcoming players of all ages and genders, safeguarding underpins everything we do. This includes:

•Following WRU safeguarding standards and good‑practice guidance

•Ensuring all coaches and volunteers behave appropriately and responsibly

•Promoting respect, inclusion, and welfare in all club activities

•Managing DBS checks for all relevant volunteers and team staff

•Ensuring policies are accessible and visible to parents, players, and volunteers

Everyone's Responsibility

While Gilfach Goch RFC appoints a designated Safeguarding Officer to coordinate processes such as DBS management and referrals, safeguarding is shared across the entire club community. Every member has a role in:

•Creating a positive and respectful environment

•Being alert to signs of poor practice, mistreatment, or unsafe behaviour

•Reporting concerns promptly and appropriately

•Supporting and modelling safe behaviour, both on and off the pitch

What Safe Practice Looks Like

•Clear communication between adults and young people

•Transparent coaching methods and appropriate boundaries

•Respect for physical and emotional wellbeing

•Safe changing facilities and travel arrangements

•Awareness and management of online communication

•A zero‑tolerance approach to bullying, discrimination, or harassment

If You Have a Concern

Gilfach Goch RFC promotes a culture where concerns—big or small—can be raised without fear or judgement. Anyone can speak up, including players, parents, volunteers, or visitors. Concerns might relate to:

•Behaviour from a coach or volunteer

•Peer‑to‑peer issues such as bullying

•Unsafe equipment or facilities

•Something a child says or discloses

Concerns should be raised with the club Safeguarding Officer or, if necessary, directly with the WRU or relevant authorities.