When refereeing young players match officials should
� Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players
� Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games
� Appreciate the needs of the players
� Be a positive role model
� Recognise that safety is paramount
� Explain decisions - most young players are still learning
� Do not tolerate verbal abuse
Officials should not
� Change in the same area as young players
� Shower with young players - agree with the coaches a timetable
� Be alone with young players at any time - if a young player comes into the dressing room ensure another adult is present
� Check studs without the coach being present
� Administer first aid
� Allow a young player to continue playing if you have doubts about their fitness
� Tolerate bad language from young players
� Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players
� Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware
� Take a young player to your home
� Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self esteem
� Make sexually explicit remarks to young players even in fun
Officials must always
� Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Welfare Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which you feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy
o Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators
o Physical Abuse by coaches/parents/spectators
o Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person
o Verbal abuse directed at you by young people or adults
REMEMBER:
"The welfare of all young people is paramount"
