Rugby is fun – it gives you the opportunity to make new friends, try out new activities and amaze yourself with what you can do!

But for a few children the fun is spoilt by adults who do or say things during sporting activities that hurt or frighten them. What these children are experiencing may be abuse. And they may feel they have no one to talk to about it. Or that no one will listen to them or believe what they say.

Is something worrying you? Don’t keep it to yourself

• Tell an adult you trust as soon as possible. This could be: a parent or someone else in your family; another member of staff at the club; a teacher or school counsellor; your doctor or school nurse.

Your club will have a Club Safeguarding Officer who will have a good knowledge of the RFU guidance on safeguarding children in rugby. The Safeguarding Officer is there for all children involved in rugby and makes the needs of these a priority. If you have a concern about yourself or another child, how you are being treated by others or something that is making you unhappy your Club Safeguarding Officer is there for you.

• Find out who they are and tell them about your worries.
• Make sure you are not alone again with the person who has tried to harm you.

ChildLine

ChildLine is the free, 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK. You can call about any problem, at any time – day or night. Call 0800 1111.

Think U Know

www.thinkuknow.co.uk offers age relevant guidance, videos, games and top tips for children of all ages