Technology is moving very fast in this area. There are now many different ways for people to communicate. On-line communication can be by email, instant messaging or social networking sites.

The risks posed by such methods of communication arise from a variety of issues: the privacy provided, the wide range of content that can be transmitted, including content of a violent, sexual or hateful nature, the ease with which images can be forwarded onto others and the difficulty in knowing truly who you are communicating with.

In sport, there are additional risks: inappropriate pressure can be exerted by adults, particularly coaches, on children or inappropriate criticism of a child’s performance. An official position or role within a club, such as coach, can carry with it a level of authority, and engender a level of trust, that facilitates the control of a child.

Against this background, a club needs to establish rules covering how adults connected with that club communicate with children connected with that club.
It is therefore recommended that:
• When communicating verbally, where possible Club Officials and coaches should speak to the parent of a child
• Club Officials and coaches should not communicate with individual children by text, messaging or on-line at any time, on any matter, unless there is an immediate risk to the welfare of that child which can be lessened by such contact
• If a club or coaches needs to communicate club-related information direct to children (such as training or match details), they should use means that include the parent and avoid any one-to-one communication with a child. If replying to an email/message from a child the parent should be copied in to the response

Coaches and Club Officials should not communicate directly 1 to 1 with children through social networking sites such as Facebook nor any messaging/communication service.
Coaches should not be “friends” with the children they coach.

It is impossible to address every issue or cover every scenario a club or coach might encounter when communicating with children and it is appreciated that different ages will need to be treated differently. However, in all cases the above guidelines should be considered when determining the most appropriate method of communication in any given circumstances.

For further guidance and advice contact a member of Ilkeston Rugby Club’s Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Officer: Rich Hunter 07791 733696 or richhunter2343@gmail.com
Safeguarding Assistant: Andy Evans 07770 303167 or chairman@ilkestonrugby.com
Policy reviewed 2024