• It is Ilkeston Rugby Club policy that children in age groups U12 and below do not usually use club changing rooms to get changed. Changing in and out of rugby clothing should be done at home. If changing rooms are required then this should be done with permission from coaches in the relevant age group and those changing rooms should be clearly identified.
• Adults and children must never use the same facilities to shower or change at the same time. Where 17-year-old children are playing in the adult game they should be offered separate changing and shower facilities.
• Adults must only enter changing rooms when absolutely necessary due to poor behaviour, injury or illness and when waiting for another adult could result in harm to a child.
• Adults must only ever enter the changing rooms by themselves in an emergency and when waiting for another adult could result in harm to a child. If children need supervising in changing rooms, or coaches or managers need to carry out a range of tasks in that environment this must involve two individuals cleared to work in Regulated Activity of the same gender as the children.
• For mixed gender activities separate facilities should be available. If the same facilities must be used by adults and children on the same day a clear timetable should be established.
• No pressure should be placed on children who feel uncomfortable changing or showering with others, if this is the case they should be allowed to shower and change at home.
• Where a disability requires significant support from a parent; or carer, the person concerned, and their parents should decide how they should be assisted to change or shower. Before any assistance is offered by another person, appropriate consent should be given by a parent.
• If for some reason changing rooms are required by a team, then these should be clearly identified.

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