Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy -Be a Kaitiaki for our Tamariki

Why Safeguarding Matters

Every child and young person has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported when they play sport. As a club, we are responsible for:

• Creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe. (Safeguarding)

• Preventing harm from occurring in our environments, being a safe club. (Safeguarding)

Respond appropriately and intervene early when concerns arise (Protection)
Safeguarding isn’t about blame — it’s about protecting potential by putting in the safeguards needed to prevent harm and knowing what to do if harm has happened.

What Safeguarding Looks Like

At our club, we: Follow the Safe Kids Safe Club Guidelines and align with the expectations of Canterbury Rugby Union (CRU) and NZR in how we look after children in our care

• Treat everyone with respect and fairness and in line with our club values and code of conduct

• Use positive language and encouragement and reinforce our expectations with all members of our club

• The Safety and Wellbeing of the child and young person is our primary consideration

• Keep communication open — children and parents can speak up at any time

• In our environments we will act early with individuals and teams when concerns arise

Anyone can and should report suspected child abuse or neglect concerns to our statutory agencies, the New Zealand Police and Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children.

Anyone with a concern about the health, safety and wellbeing of children can make a Report of Concern based on facts or a genuine belief to statutory agencies.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the Police on 111.

If we are worried, we will contact our Provincial Union Community Rugby Manager for advice and to decide on a response. Our Advisor at CRU is Michael Sheat (michael.sheat@canterburyrugby.co.nz).

Roles and Responsibilities 

When Something Goes Wrong

Recognising Concerns

You might notice a child:

•  Seems withdrawn, anxious, or fearful, talks about being hurt or treated badly by an adult in their life or at the club, shows changes in behaviour or performance.

• You see behaviour in adults which doesn’t reflect the club values or follow the Safe Kids guidance  

Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, say something, speak to your Club JAB Delegate or your CRU Community Rugby Manager.

How to Respond if Concerns are raised with you

Keep calm and listen

Don’t investigate, get the best understanding you can and then seek advice.

Reporting & Response Flow

You notice or are told about a concern
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Tell the Club JAB Delegate/CRU Community Rugby Manager and record your concerns on the template they can provide
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Together record decision making and help decide next steps – may contact NZR Safeguarding team, Oranga Tamariki, or Police. Ensure it is clear who and when the parent or caregiver is being communicated with.
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Club supports the child and ensures safety

Good Practice Reminders

✅ Always meet with young players in open, visible spaces
✅ Keep communication professional (no private messaging of children or young people rule of two online to)
✅ Gain parent consent for travel, photos, or media use
✅ Encourage children’s voices in decisions that affect them
✅ Keep learning — do annual safeguarding refreshers

Our Club Promise

Parklands Rugby Football Club is a community-led and volunteer-run organization that is dedicated to promoting the sport of rugby among young players in the east of Christchurch. Being a Junior-only rugby club allows us to focus specifically on the needs and requirements of our young players, supporting them in both their social and rugby development.

We are committed to:

• Safe, fun, inclusive sport for every child

• Speaking up about concerns

• Working together to protect children’s wellbeing

If in doubt, speak out

Contact our Club JAB Delegates:

Aaron Winder - president@parklandsrugby.co.nz

Matt Stock - rugby@parklandsrugby.co.nz

Safe Kids Safe Club guidance can be found at Safety and Welfare | NZ Rugby