Safeguarding and DBS Checks

  • February 24, 2020

For the attention of all members who wish to officiate at matches involving players under the age of 18

The RFU have declared, starting next Season (2020/21), that all Match Officials who wish to officiate U18’s matches must be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.

***  “DBS Checking of Forms” sessions on 17th & 19th March postponed due to  Coronavirus outbreak ***

The Society is organising this service through the RFU and the timetable and procedures are outlined below.

  • DBS checks must be through the RFU – DBS check from a different organization will not count
  • Applications have to be seen and verified by an approved person:
    • Members wishing to be checked will be emailed the relevant documents after this “launch”
    • You will need to bring selected documents from those listed on the Application Form <click here>  to one of the special DBS meetings (see timetable below)
    • You will be asked to sign an agreement <click here> that you will comply with the Society’s Safeguarding Policies and Protocol
    • You will need your RFU reference number available on GMS (if you don’t have this then it will be provided for you)
    • RFU Checks are free
    • Confidential information will not be kept and destroyed securely
  • Please indicate by return email, to Safeguarding.madrefs@gmail.com whether or not you wish to proceed with a DBS check, using one of these options in the Subject Line (other than your name, nothing else is required at this stage)

<Your Name> – I wish to have a RFU DBS Check

<Your Name> – I do NOT wish to have a DBS Check

<Your Name> – I already have a current RFU DBS Check

<Your Name> – I have a question / would like more information

We need an email from everybody, please – even those who do not wish to obtain a DBS

  • Play It Safe Course – Delivered by the RFU
    • Attendance at the Play it Safe Course is voluntary and we shall ask nearer the time for your preferred date
    • The course is free
    • Travel expenses will be paid to the driver at 15p per mile per person in the car – up to a maximum of 45p
    • Refreshments provided – bacon butties, tea and coffee
  • The Play It Safe Course will be offered every 12 months

DBS Timetable

Monday 24th February 2020
  • Launch
    • Email to all members outlining the proposals
    • Website launch of the Programme
    • Match officials to respond to email to confirm whether or not they wish to be DBS-checked
Tuesday 3rd March
  • Society Meeting, Sedgley Park RUFC
    • Short presentation by Carol Baker, Lancashire Safeguarding Officer
    • DBS forms & policies sent out
To be advised
  • DBS checking of forms, Preston Grasshoppers RFC
    • Tea/coffee provided
To be advised
  • DBS checking of forms, Manchester Rugby Club
    • Tea/coffee provided
Tuesday 31st March
6:30 – 7:30 pm
  • Society Meeting, Sedgley Park RUFC,
    • DBS checking of forms – last opportunity
Saturday 16th May

10 am – 1 pm
  • Play it Safe Course,  Leigh RUFC – 3 hours
    • Bacon butties, tea/coffee provided
Sunday 14th June

10 am – 1 pm
  • Play it Safe Course, Leigh RUFC – 3 hours
    • Bacon butties, tea/coffee provided