Junior Section Blandford Rugby Football Club
Good Practice Guidance for Match Officials

• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.
• Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during the game.
• Appreciate the needs of the players.
• Be a positive role model.
• Recognise that safety is paramount
• Explain decisions - most young players are still learning the rules and correct method of play.
• Never tolerate verbal abuse.

• Change in the same area as young players
• Shower with young players (if showers are available). Arrange a time with the coaches when you can have sole use of the showers.
• Be alone with young players at any time - if a young player enters the changing room which has been provide as your designated changing room either leave immediately or request that another adult to act as a chaperone.
• Administer first aid to any young player. The only exception to this will be if a BRFC Coach who is qualified to the appropriate First Aid level is acting as linesman, they will be allowed to provide initial first aid until the arrival of another suitably qualified First Aider. This will prevent any injury from becoming worse or life threatening.
• Allow any young player to continue playing if you have any doubts about their fitness.
• Tolerate bad language from any young player.
• Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players.
• Provide any young player with a lift unless the young person is accompanied by other young people and their parents are aware of the arrangements.
• Take a young player to their own 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.

• Verbal bullying by coaches, parents or spectators.
• Physical abuse by coaches, parents or spectators.
• Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person.
• Verbal abuse directed at any of the match officials by young people or adults.