The Old Caterhamians Rugby Football Club considers that it has a moral obligation to ensure that its coaches, administrators, volunteers and club members provide the children and young players, for whom they are responsible with the highest possible standard of care.

1.1 It is the responsibility of every adult working in the rugby union, whether as a professional of a volunteer, to ensure that all young people can enjoy the sport in a safe enjoyable environment.

1.2 The club recognises it has a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all young people involved in the game by protecting them from physical, emotional or sexual harm and from neglect or bullying of any kind.

1.3 The club is resolute in meeting its obligation to ensure that it provides playing opportunities for young people to do so to the highest possible standards of care. The policy and procedures apply to all those who are subject to the jurisdiction of the RFU/RFUW whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.

1.4 The members of the club recognise that they have a responsibility:

1.4.1 To safeguard and promote the interests and well-being of young people with whom they are working.
1.4.2 To ensure that all adults who work with young people are aware of their role and responsibilities and that training opportunities are made available to them.
1.4.3 To take all reasonable practical steps to protect young people from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment.
1.4.4 To respect young peoples' rights, reasonable wishes and feelings.
1.4.5 To take all reasonable steps to ensure that individuals involved in the game are aware of situations which may compromise their responsibility or position.

1.5 Procedures laid down in this policy will:

1.5.1 Offer safeguards to the young people with whom we work, and to our professional members of staff and volunteer coaches and club members.
1.5.2 Help to maintain the professionalism and the safeguards of good practice which are associated with the RFU/FRUW.

It is recognised that any procedure is only as effective as the ability and skill of those who operate it. The club is therefore committed to the effective recruitment, and appropriate training for all our professional staff, coaches, volunteers and club members. This will enable them to work together with parents/carers and other organisations to ensure that the needs and the welfare of young people remain paramount.

This policy is to be applied to all young players who are under 18 years. Within the RFU regulations, a player is permitted to play in the adult game when he/she reaches their 17th birthday. However, those responsible for the management of adult teams which include 17 year old players must, at all times, be mindful of their safety and well being.