Policy & Integrity

Rugby is a sport that can have a positive influence on children and assist in developing valuable qualities such as leadership, confidence and self-esteem. Rugby clubs across Wales have a key role in providing opportunities for children to be empowered so that they develop these qualities. Coaching is a key aspect of this development and clubs need to understand their responsibility for promoting and delivering good coaching practice, which will ultimately provide a positive rugby experience.

Safeguarding is a key component of the Welsh Rugby Union’s drive to support the work of our volunteers in our communities and clubs across Wales. We understand how important it is to constantly evolve our policies, procedures and practice to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable people in our game.

The WRU are committed to working hard alongside our clubs to strengthen all aspects of our safeguarding activities so that children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in rugby union continue to enjoy the sport within a safe and positive environment.

The WRU have been awarded Level Three of the NSPCC National Safeguarding Standards for safeguarding children in sport.

WRU Safeguarding Unit

For all DBS related queries or concerns please email dbs@wru.wales

Clive Chard
Safeguarding Manager

cchard@wru.wales
02920 822330

The Welsh Rugby Union are committed to promoting positive behaviour, and working with parents and volunteers to ensure that we create a safe and positive environment for children to learn, develop and have fun through their experiences in rugby.

It is vitally important that volunteers in Welsh rugby understand their safeguarding responsibilities in relation to the children that they interact with in the rugby environment. Sport provides a great opportunity for young athletes to develop their life skills, and rugby in particular as a team sport is an example of how positive role models can influence and shape the behaviour of others.

There is a responsibility for everyone involved in the game to ensure that respect and discipline remains a central theme in the minds of children starting out on their rugby journey. It is important that children, parents, coaches, volunteers and any other people involved in the game understand the rugby culture and ethics and treat people with respect so that everyone enjoys the ‘Welsh Rugby Experience’.

There are a number of clubs who promote positive behaviour through the use of ‘Respect Boards’ and some have posted their Codes of Conduct not only on notice boards, but also on permanent boards outside their club or changing rooms.

It’s extremely important that adults understand the effect that their behaviour can have, and coaches in particular are in a position of trust and responsibility and can heavily influence the thinking and behaviour of the children they coach.

There are Codes of Conduct for Players, Parents, Spectators and Coaches and these should be placed in a prominent place so that all volunteers and visitors are able to view these and understand the expectations in terms of behaviour of everyone at the club.

Referees and Officials play an integral part of every game of rugby played, ranging from the international stage to community and age grade spheres. They have a pivotal role in ensuring that Wales’ national sport, and arguably chief love continues to thrive week in, week out. There is a need for all adults to understand that we must promote positive behaviour towards Referees, and set good examples for children to follow.

WRU Coaches Code of Practice

The WRU have launched their Coaches Code of Practice to support coaches at all levels of the game across Wales, to safeguard and develop safe environments within Welsh Rugby.

The Coaches Code of Practice provides information to coaches in the community and performance pathway, on what good practice looks like, through the Key Principles of Good Coaching Practice.

It also provides them with information about their personal and professional responsibilities as role models in a position of trust and enables them to safeguard children and adults at risk by recognising poor practice and abuse.