Here at Featherstone Lions, we understand that parents and guardians place a great deal of trust in our coaches and volunteers.
All of our coaches, assistants and volunteers are recruited in line with our safer recruitment policy and are DBS checked - this is to the same standard as Teachers and other Childcare Professionals.
These DBS checks are mandatory for anyone wishing to volunteer to work with children within the club and is a sign of our commitment to providing a safe environment for your child.
Featherstone Lions Rugby League Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child, young person and vulnerable adult who has been entrusted to its care and is committed to working to provide a safe environment for all of its members. A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18 involved in any club football activity. A vulnerable adult is anyone who may be unable to take care of himself or herself or be unable to protect himself or herself against significant harm or exploitation. Featherstone Lions ARLFC has adopted the Rugby League Safeguarding Policy revision 2022 and are implementing it throughout the club.
A copy of the full formal document ‘Rugby League safeguarding Policy’ is held by the Club Child Welfare Officers and is available upon request.
Or can be downloaded from our website www.featherstonelions.co.uk
We ask all visitors, players, coaches and volunteers adhere to their appropriate code of conduct.
Here at Featherstone Lions we operate a no bullying policy and encourage everyone to ‘Speak Out’ about any concerns within our club.
Our Child Welfare Officers can be contacted directly
Lions - Leecowdell@googlemail.com 07934700633
Lionesses - catherinebell@sky.com 07551513557
The key principles of the RFL Safeguarding Policy are that: −
The child’s welfare is, and must always be, the paramount consideration − All children, young people and vulnerable adults have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender, special needs, disability, class or social background, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, colour or political persuasion. − All suspicions and allegations of abuse or poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
We acknowledge that every child or young person or vulnerable adult who plays or participates in rugby league should be able to take part in an enjoyable and safe environment and be protected from poor practice and abuse. This is the responsibility of every adult involved in our club.
Featherstone Lions Rugby League Club has a role to play in safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults by protecting them from physical, sexual or emotional harm and from neglect or bullying. It is noted and accepted that the RFL Safeguarding Policy and related regulations applies to everybody in rugby league whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. This means whether you are a volunteer, match official, helper, coach, club official or medical staff.
We endorse and adopt the RFL’s Safeguarding Policy on recruiting volunteers and staff and will follow the recruitment procedures as set out in that policy and summarised below:
Develop a job description or role profile
As a minimum meet and chat with applicants and where possible conduct interviews before appointing
Applicant to complete a self declaration form
Request and follow up two references before appointing
Apply for an RFL DBS Enhanced Disclosure where appropriate in line with RFL policy
All current Featherstone Lions Rugby League Club members with direct access to children, young people and vulnerable adults will be required to complete a DBS Enhanced disclosure via the RFL DBS unit
It is accepted that the RFL aims to prevent people with a history relevant and significant offending from having contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults and prevent them having the opportunity to influence policies or practice with children or young people. This is to prevent direct sexual or physical harm to children or young people or vulnerable adults and to minimise the risk of grooming within rugby league.
Featherstone Lions Rugby League Club promotes its own speak out policy in line with the RFL’s Whistle Blowing Policy. Any adult or young person with concerns about a colleague can speak out without fear of repercussion by contacting the clubs welfare officers.
Featherstone Lions Rugby League Club has appointed a Club Welfare Officer (CWO) in line with the RFL’s role profile. The CWO will take part in training as defined in the RFL’s Safeguarding Education and Training Strategy. The CWO is the first point of contact for all club members and parents/carers regarding concerns for the welfare of any child or young person or vulnerable adult. The CWO will be familiar with the procedures for referring any concerns and will play a proactive role in increasing an awareness of poor practice and abuse amongst club members.
We acknowledge and endorse the RFL’s Anti Bullying Policy. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all players or parents/carers should be able to tell and to know that bullying will be dealt with promptly. Incidents need to be reported to the CWO and in the case of serious bullying or adult on child bullying to the RFL Safeguarding Team.
The RESPECT Code of Conduct for coaches, players, officials, parents/carers, officials and coaches has been implemented by Featherstone Lions Rugby League Club.