RFU Safeguarding information updated

  • September 16, 2026

Introduction

Building on the “Safeguarding Awareness’ session at the pre-season meeting held at Sedgley Park on 8th September, here are some follow-up notes.  The slides used can be downloaded from here.

We start the 26/27 season with:

  • A new safeguarding framework: RFU Regulation 21
  • The RFU Safeguarding Policy
  • The RFU Safeguarding Handbook

Together, these set the standards, guidance and procedures for safeguarding in rugby across England.

Updated Regulation 21 provides a clearer framework for safeguarding, DBS compliance and risk management, with stronger expectations for early reporting, safer recruitment, supervision, accountability and compliance.

Built around rugby’s Core Values, the revised Safeguarding Policy commits to safe, positive and inclusive environments for all children in the game. It emphasises listening to children, reporting concerns, promoting positive behaviour, and ensuring everyone understands their safeguarding role.

The Safeguarding Handbook is a new RFU safeguarding resource for clubs, referee societies, Constituent Bodies, volunteers and everyone involved in rugby union in England. It brings together key procedures, expectations and practical guidance to help create safe, respectful and inclusive rugby environments.

The overall message is simple: safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Regulation 21 – What’s Changed?

The updated Regulation 21 places greater emphasis on early reporting, safer recruitment, DBS compliance, accountability and creating environments where children and adults at risk can participate safely and enjoy rugby. While many of the principles will feel familiar, there are some important changes and clarifications for clubs, volunteers and the wider game.

Key highlights include:

  • Clearer expectations around reporting concerns. Failing to pass safeguarding concerns to the RFU Safeguarding Team, or discouraging someone from reporting a concern, is now specifically identified as a breach of the regulations.
  • DBS requirements tightened up to include anyone aged 16+ working in regulated, or other eligible, roles must now apply for a DBS check within 4 weeks of starting.

England Rugby Learning

If you haven’t already, please register with the new England Rugby Learning platform – How do I register for England Rugby Learning?

This is where you will find the Introduction to Safeguarding e-learning module, which is a pre-requisite to starting a DBS application. Together with the Headcase e-learning, it is recommended for all match officials.

Links are also provided here, for those who want to learn more about the updated Regulation 21 and the new RFU Safeguarding Policy, which is available on the main Safeguarding web page  under Further Safeguarding Information.

Andrew Lord

Safeguarding Officer

Manchester & District Rugby Union Referees’ Society

15th September 2026