Under normal circumstances. it is the responsibility of parents, not the club, to transport their child to and from the club and, nominated meeting points and away fixtures. If parents make arrangements between themselves, this is a private arrangement and at the parents’ discretion. If parents make arrangement between themselves and a coach, then this is also a private arrangement and at the parents’ discretion. However, the guidelines below should be taken into account.

If a club hires a coach from a reputable commercial coach company it is entitled to assume that the company provides properly maintained and insured vehicles and properly licensed drivers. However, children must never travel unaccompanied. A member of the club must travel with the children and that adult’s contact details must be readily available to any person who has reason to contact them.

If the club formally arranges transport (as opposed to facilitating travel arrangements between parents) then the club should take the following under guidance (this would also be good practice for facilitating private travel arrangements instigated by parents, mentioned above):
• Drivers have a valid driving licence and recruitment procedures, including vetting criteria have been followed and appropriate insurance and breakdown cover has been arranged where appropriate.
• The vehicle is suitable for the number of passengers and has operational safety belts and appropriate child car seats .
• Parents give their consent and have the driver’s contact details, with the driver having easy access to parents’ contact details including mobile phone numbers .
• No child is left alone in the car with the driver, unless it is the adult’s own child. If, in extenuating circumstances, this situation arises the child should sit in the back of the car if possible.
• The children involved are happy with the arrangement and adults are alert to any signs of disquiet.
In the event of a late collection of children, coaches and volunteers should: attempt to contact the parents, wait with the child, preferably in the company of others, notify the CSO/ club official and remind parents of their responsibility to collect their child promptly.

Safeguarding Officer: Rich Hunter 07791 733696 or richhunter2343@gmail.com
Safeguarding Assistant: Andy Evans 07770 303167 or chairman@ilkestonrugby.com
Policy reviewed 2024