Appendix K
Appendix K — Disciplinary & Safeguarding References
Safeguarding contacts and key policies. If unsure whether an issue is a safeguarding issue, treat it as one.
Handbook pages 84, 85, 86
“If unsure whether an issue is a safeguarding issue — treat it as one and seek advice immediately.”
Safeguarding
- Child protection is everyone's responsibility
- Children have the right to express their views
- Never ignore concerns or handle them within an age group alone
- Escalate immediately through Club safeguarding processes
Welfare & conduct
- Provide a safe, inclusive, supportive, respectful environment
- Place welfare ahead of competitive outcomes
Disciplinary matters may include abuse of officials, players or volunteers; repeated misconduct; disrepute; safeguarding breaches. Handle through the appropriate Club process — not informal arrangements.
Complaints & concerns: operational concerns follow the escalation route in The GHA Way. Safeguarding, welfare, discrimination or serious misconduct follow the relevant Club procedures. Also read Appendices B, C and D.
Caroline Norwood — Child Protection Officer
07735 203551 · caroline.norwood94@hotmail.com
Peter Mathieson — Assistant Child Protection Officer
07826 080117 · carnwath.mathiesons@ntlworld.com
Faye Henderson — Scottish Rugby Head of Safeguarding
0131 346 5056 · Faye.henderson@sru.org.uk
Key policies & references
- Our Policies — gharugby.co.uk/our-policies
- Club Code of Conduct
- Complaints & Resolving Conflict Procedure
- Disciplinary Process
- Player Welfare — gharugby.co.uk/our-club/player-welfare
- Child Protection Policy (Oct 2021)
- Minis & Youth Rugby Info — gharugby.co.uk/gha-minis
“Protecting players and volunteers is more important than protecting reputations or avoiding difficult conversations.”
Still not sure?
Ask the assistant and it will answer from this handbook, citing the sections it used.
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