Child Safeguarding & Online Safety

Our commitment

RugbyDiva is a community for girls' rugby and is used by children and young people. We are committed to creating a safe online environment. We apply a "safeguarding-first" approach to design decisions, privacy, content and contact between users.

Who this applies to

This policy applies to everyone using RugbyDiva — parents, guardians, players, club managers, coaches, staff and volunteers. Clubs using the platform are also expected to follow their own governing-body safeguarding requirements (for example, the RFU's Safeguarding Policy in England).

Designated Safeguarding Lead

RugbyDiva's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is [Insert name/role placeholder]. You can reach them at hello@rugbydiva.com. Concerns about a child will be referred to the DSL and, where appropriate, to statutory agencies.

Appropriate behaviour

Everyone using RugbyDiva should:

• Treat children and young people with respect, fairness and kindness.
• Communicate openly and transparently, using the platform's messaging rather than private channels where possible.
• Keep interactions rugby-related and age-appropriate.
• Respect children's privacy and never seek out or share their personal contact details.
• Model the values of the game — teamwork, respect and enjoyment.

Prohibited behaviour

The following is strictly prohibited and may lead to account removal and a report to the authorities:

• Any form of abuse, grooming or sexualised communication involving a child.
• Requesting or sharing a child's personal contact details, location or images outside the platform's intended features.
• Private, secret or one-to-one contact with a child outside the rugby context.
• Bullying, coercive, threatening or humiliating behaviour towards a child or adult.
• Using the platform to arrange unauthorised meetings with children.
• Sharing content that sexualises, exploits or endangers children.

Protecting young users online

Accounts and profiles

Children under 18 cannot create an account without a parent or guardian completing and approving it. Parents control player profiles and can remove them at any time.

Privacy by default

Children's personal details are never shown in public club searches or public pages. Player data is visible only to the parent/guardian who created it and to authorised club managers and coaches for the team the child joins.

Photos and videos

Uploading images or videos of children requires appropriate consent. Team memories are private by default. See our Photo & Video Policy.

Contact between users

Messaging is limited to the connections and team contexts the platform supports. We encourage parents to be involved in any communication involving their child.

Reporting a concern

Everyone has a duty to report concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing. You can:

• Use our Report a Concern form to tell us about safeguarding worries, inappropriate content, bullying or unwanted contact.
• Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead at hello@rugbydiva.com.
• If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

You do not need to be certain — if something worries you, report it. It is always better to share a concern than to stay silent.

How reports are handled

• Safeguarding reports are treated as a priority and acknowledged as soon as practicable.
• The DSL reviews the concern and decides on the next steps, which may include restricting or removing access, preserving evidence and referring to the police, children's social care or the relevant governing body.
• We will act to protect the child first, including taking precautionary measures while a concern is looked into.
• Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis and in line with UK safeguarding guidance and data protection law.
• Where appropriate, we will let the person who reported know the concern has been looked at (without sharing confidential details).

Clubs' responsibilities

Clubs are responsible for their own safeguarding arrangements, including DBS checks for coaches and volunteers, safer recruitment and following their governing body's policy. RugbyDiva supports clubs but does not replace these duties. See our Club & Coach Terms.

Whistleblowing

Adults who have concerns about the conduct of another adult towards a child can report without fear of retaliation. Reports can be made anonymously through the Report a Concern form.

Last reviewed: [Insert date]