When working with young people, officials are expected to adopt the following guidance:

• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.
• Provide verbal feedback in a positive way during games.
• Appreciate the needs of the players.
• Be a positive role model
• Recognise that safety is paramount.
• Explain decisions - most young players are still learning.
• Never tolerate verbal abuse.

Officials must not:

• Change in the same area as young players.
• Shower with young players - agree a timetable with the coaches and referees.
• Be alone with young players at any time - if a young player comes into the dressing room, ensure another adult is present.
• Check studs without the coach being present.
• Administer first aid.
• Allow a young player to continue playing if there are doubts about their fitness.
• Tolerate bad language from young players.
• Engage in any inappropriate contact with young players.
• Give a lift to a player unless there are other young people or adults in the car and the parents are aware.
• Take a young player to their home.
• Overtly criticise young players or use language which may cause the player to lose confidence or self-esteem.
• Make any sexual, sexually suggestive or sexually explicit remarks to young players.

Officials must always:

• Recognise that the safety of young players is paramount.
• Explain decisions - all young players are still learning.
• Always penalise foul play.
• Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
• Show empathy for the age and ability of young players.
• Be consistent and objective.
• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.
• Provide positive verbal feedback, in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.
• Emphasise the spirit of the game.
• Appreciate the needs of the young players before the needs of the sport.
• Understand the physical, social and psychological development of young players.
• Be a positive role model. You set an example, and as such, comments you receive should be positive and supportive.
• Look to self-improvement (e.g. participation in the Entry Level Referee Award or Referee Education).
• Report, in writing, to the Club or CB Safeguarding Officer and/or Society Secretary, behaviour by adults which they feel contravenes RFU Child Protection Policy, such as:

• Verbal bullying by coaches/parents/spectators.
• Physical abuse by coaches/parents/spectators.
• Inappropriate or aggressive contact by an adult to a young person.
• Verbal abuse directed at the official by young people or adults.