Role purpose:

It is the responsibility of all those involved with rugby in Hong Kong to provide a safe environment for children and young people to enjoy the game. The Hong Kong China Rugby (“HKCR”) strongly believes that the welfare of all children and young people is paramount; that all children and young people have an equal right to protection from harm; and that all forms of discrimination, prejudice, oppressive behaviour and language are unacceptable.

The Child Safeguarding Officer (CSO) for the Hong Kong China Rugby and Rugby Body will work alongside the Social Welfare Department to implement the Hong Kong China Rugby Safeguarding Policy properly. Being the contact point and the responsible person on behalf of the organisation, the CSO is expected to attend relevant trainings arranged, implement the Child Safeguarding Policy, ensure that the children engaged in the organisations’ activities are well-protected to avoid child protection incidents.

Role responsibilities:

1 Child abuse prevention

• Consider possible child abuses that may take place at your club and what prevention measures can be put in place to prevent these from happening
• Implement agreed protection measures
• Educate organisation’s members on the HKRU Child Protection Policy, especially on acceptable behaviour. Ensure all relevant staff / volunteers have signed the Child Protection Policy and adhere to its standards

2 Safeguarding Guidelines

• Make sure the facilities of the club are up to the Child Safeguarding Policy standard and safe for children
• Confirm the use of children’s information, photographers, video etc. are appropriate in publicity and media
• Impose additional policy to cater to the needs of the club, for example, on tours and transportation

3 Identifying and reporting

• Keep the incidents register up to date
• Report incidents and suspected cases according to the Safeguarding Incident Reporting Instructions and club guidelines
• Contact HKRU Medical Department for further information and assistance if necessary

4 Enforcement

• Enforce discipline and / or suspension to an individual when necessary as agreed by the club Child Safeguarding Committee and the HKRU

5 Recruitment

• Request the new staff and volunteers to make a declaration in the form of signing the Child Safeguarding Policy, confirming their suitability to work with children and young people
• Conduct reference checks for new staff
• Make sure that the new staff have completed a Sexual Conviction Record Check with the Hong Kong Police