RFL Safeguarding Resource

24 25
Scenarios
Two: Jenny is a fairly new volunteer at the club and seems to have fitted in really well. Several children flock around her and she seems to get on
with all the younger children. At first, she declared an interest in becoming a Team Manager, she was given the application form, reference request
safer recruitment process.
Concerns:
Jenny was originally keen to take on a role, but when asked for references and to complete a DBS she changed her mind and has said she does
not want to do this. This may be a coincidence.
Scenarios
Three: You are the coach of the U11’s and train next to the U9’s team. Steve is their coach and father to Charlie who is on the
team. Steve is unlike you in many ways, the most important thing for you is that you do not shout and swear at the children –
you praise and encourage them. You hear Steve shouting Charlie’s name a lot and he seems to be encouraging him quite well
– you wish he would do that with t
know whether you should mention it to the CWO – if the parents are not complaining, why should you?
Should you do anything?
It is important that in a scenario like this that you refer your concerns
to the CWO. All adults have the responsibility to protect children. Just
because parents have not identified your concerns, or appear to be
happy with it, does not make it right. You are a qualified coach and know
that this approach to coaching is wrong.
for parents) to get their views of their experiences. Often parents may
be intimidated by the coach and feel that as no one else is complaining,
they shouldn’t. As a coach you have a responsibility not to ignore this,
but to be proactive.
Do you need to do anything?
her to the Safeguarding Team if she wishes to speak to someone in
confidence.
There may be innocent reasons why Jenny does not want to complete
the safer recruitment process, such as having a conviction (relevant or
not) from a long time ago. She may be worried that the club will find out
about this and wants it ‘left in the past’. She may not be able to complete
an online application; she may be illiterate or computer illiterate and find
the whole process too daunting.
Until safer recruitment has taken place, Jenny should not be allowed to
supervise children unless she is being monitored and supported by a
club volunteer with a DBS.
The CWO should have a conversation with Jenny and try and find
out why she is reluctant, Jenny can be referred to the DBS process
If Jenny has approached the club with the wrong intentions, you
will have put in place safeguards for the children and prevented an
inappropriate volunteer from working directly with children.
He appears to favour his own son, which is not good for the child or
the team. You can report in confidence to the CWO and the RFL have
a whistle blowing policy should you have any concerns. By letting
the CWO know your observations, they should be able to monitor the
coach’s training sessions informally and identify areas for improvement.
They may hold a listening session with the children (and perhaps one
reassure Jenny if it relates to a previous conviction. The CWO can direct