RECOGNISING ABUSE IN RUGBY UNION  

In order to provide young people with the best possible experiences and opportunities in the sport of rugby union, it is imperative that everyone operates within an accepted ethical framework and demonstrates exemplary behaviour this not only ensures the game makes a positive contribution to the development of young people, safeguards them and promotes their welfare, but also protects all personnel from allegations of abuse or poor practice.

It is not always easy to differentiate poor practice from abuse.

It is not the responsibility of employees or volunteers in the sport of rugby union to determine whether or not abuse is taking place. It is their responsibility to identify poor practice and possible abuse and to act if they have a concern about the welfare of a child or young person. 

THE FOUR MAIN TYPES OF ABUSE 

1.  Emotional abuse:

 This occurs when individuals persistently fail to show young people due care with regard to their emotional welfare, when a young person may be constantly shout at, threatened or taunted, or be subjected to sarcasm and unrealistic pressures.

There may also be over-protection, preventing young people from socialising, or bullying to perform to high expectations. The young person may lose self confidence and may become withdrawn and nervous.

In a rugby situation, emotional abuse may occur when coaches, volunteers or parents:

• · provide repeated negative feedback
• · repeatedly ignore a young player’s efforts to progress
• · repeatedly demand performance levels above the young players’ capability.
• · over-emphasise the winning ethic.

2.   Abuse by neglect:

 This occurs when a young person’s essential needs for food, warmth and care both physical and emotional are not met.

In a rugby situation neglect may occur when:

• · young players are left alone without proper supervision.
• · a young player is exposed to unnecessary heat or cold.
• · a young player is not provided with necessary fluids for re-hydration
• · a young player is exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury. 

3.  Physical abuse:

This occurs when individuals including other young people, deliberately inflict injuries on a child or young person, or knowingly do not prevent such injuries.

• It includes injuries caused by hitting, shaking, squeezing, biting or using excessive force.
• It also occurs when young people are given alcohol, or in appropriate drugs, or there is a failure to supervise their access to these substances.
• In a rugby situation physical abuse may also occur when:
• · young players are exposed to exercise / training which disregards the capacity of the player’s immature and growing body.
• · young players are exposed to over-playing, over-training or fatigue.
• · young players are provided with or encouraged to take prohibited substances including performance-enhancing drugs. 

4.  Sexual abuse:

 Girls or boys can be abused by adults (both male and female) or other young people. This may include encouraging or forcing a child or young person to take part in sexual activity.

In a rugby situation sexual abuse may occur when:

• · an adult uses the context of a training session to touch young people in an inappropriate sexual way.
• · coaches, managers or volunteers use their position of power and authority to coerce young players into a sexual relationship.
• · coaches or managers imply better progression of the player in return for sexual favours.