The objective of playing rugby is to have fun, and that means being warm, safe and properly kitted out. Set out below are some key points regarding safety:

Gumshields / Mouthguards

Teddington RFC insist that all players wear properly fitted mouthguards/gumshields for training and matches. A dental fitting and modifications service is available - please ask your Lead Coach or visit our dental provider for more information and to book your home visit.

Players can only play without a gumshield if their parents have given written permission that indemnifies the Club from any resulting injury.

Boots and Studs

Worn, chipped studs and jagged edges can cause serious injury to players, particularly from Under 9's upwards. Boots must be examined regularly and missing studs replaced. Only studs conforming to BS 6366 (1983) will be allowed. All aluminium studs are recommended and they can be bought from the Club Shop. Plastic studs must not be used, although moulded rubber studs will be allowed in U6, U7, and U8's. The safety of blade type studs is under review and parents are advised not to purchase boots with these types of studs until their position in the game is confirmed.

Severe Weather

Players will not enjoy their rugby, may get injured and may be put off the game if they are inadequately prepared for the cold and wet winter days. Players must come with adequate equipment to cope with the likely weather conditions. This includes hats, gloves, waterproof top and tracksuit bottoms. And don't forget a half time snack and drink! Appropriate clothing can be bought from the Club Shop.

Tetanus Injection

All Mini rugby players should have a preventative course of tetanus injections - see your GP or Practice Nurse.

Injuries

We all hope that no player gets hurt. If, unfortunately they do, first aid will be administered at the site and parents/carers notified. If, in the opinion of the first aid provider the child needs hospital treatment, appropriate arrangements will be made. If a parent/carer is unavailable, the Club will ensure the child is accompanied and the parent/carer notified as soon as possible. The Club has a fulltime Physiotherapist and a Personal Physical Development Advisor available to help with injury prevention, injury management and rehabilitation.

When concussion is sustained the player will be removed from the field and irrespective of age, will have a compulsory 21 days off rugby.

Medical or Other Conditions

Parents / Carers must notify coaches of any condition, eg asthma, diabetes, attention deficit disorder, epilepsy, that could affect a player during a session.

Responsibilities

Coaches and assistants cannot act "in parentis loco" and cannot take legal responsibility for players whose parents/carers leave them during training sessions, matches or festivals. If a parent does leave, they must appoint another parent to be responsible for this child. They must notify their Lead Coach of their absence and identify their stand-in carer.

Teddington Rugby Policy On Nuts

There are a number of children at the club who are allergic to nuts, (not just peanuts). There is a tremendous risk to children who are allergic to nuts, which can arise from even the smallest taste of peanut butter or a piece of nut. The consequences are life threatening in many cases and require immediate intervention with medication, hospitalization or even life support. We want to do all we can to eliminate the possibility of such an occurrence at a club event. We need your help to do this. · We ask all parents and players to assist us in creating a "NUT FREE ZONE" at all club events. · We therefore ask that no foods containing nuts or nut products be brought to club events under any circumstances. Your understanding and support in helping us to provide a "NUT FREE ZONE" at club events is greatly appreciated. If you require any clarification on this matter, please contact the youth chairman or minis chairman.

The Club will keep written records of attendance, parental consent and accidents.
The Club will publish, on its website, a written procedure for dealing with accusations or suspicions of child abuse.
The Club will promote fair play and playing within the spirit of the Laws of the Game and the letter of the Continuum.