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Member Protection Policy

The ARU’s Member Protection Policy reiterates Australian Rugby’s commitment to ensuring that every person involved in rugby is treated with respect and dignity, and is safe and protected from harassment, discrimination, bullying, abuse and other unfair or inappropriate conduct.

The Member Protection Policy is comprised of four sections:

  1. Policy statements regarding child protection, anti-discrimination and harassment, pregnancy and gender identity;
  2. Child Protection Requirements including a summary of relevant state legislation and recommended screening process for those states and territories that do not have specific child protection legislation;
  3. Procedures including step-by-step guide to all dispute resolution procedures: complaints procedure, mediation procedure, child abuse investigation procedure, conduct committee and appeals procedure, and summary of disciplinary measures; and
  4. Reporting documents and forms.

Download the ARU Member Protection Policy PDF.

Child Protection Requirements

Child Protection is about keeping children safe from abuse and protecting them from people who are unsuitable to work with children. The Club subscribes to the practices and procedures stated by the State Government of NSW to ensure compliance with these and provide a safe environment for the Children. To assist our Club, all relevant Child Protection Requirements are summarised in the ARU’s Member Protection Policy.

Insurance

It is compulsory for all teams competing in competitions managed by the ARU and / or member unions to participate in the ARU National Insurance Scheme. At the beginning of each rugby season, the club receives information and booklets about the ARU’s insurance scheme from Gow Gates, the ARU’s Insurance Broker. Insurance levies are calculated on a per team basis and the Club is levied accordingly.

The ARU Sport Injury and Liability Insurance Scheme provides a basic level of insurance for players, members and officials associated with club rugby. All clubs affiliated with the ARU and / or the various State Unions and their affiliated unions are automatically covered under the plan from March 1, for a period of 12 months.

The ARU Insurance coverage includes up to $20m Public Liability for the Club and $3000 maximum payment for non-medicare expenses for individuals. This insurance does not seek to replace the need for Private Medical Insurance and/or Life Insurance.  The NSW/SRU recommends that ALL players consider individual coverage as required for their circumstance.

Claim forms are available for the ARU Office or Gow-Gates or from the ARU website. You can also contact Robert Lawson from Gow-Gates on 8267 9999 in need.

For further information visit www.rugby.com.au/communityrugby

Serious Injury Protocol and Reporting

The Serious Injury Protocol outlines the process to be followed in the event of a serious injury to a players head or neck (i.e. suspected spinal injury) or fatality.  The protocol ensures that each stakeholder is aware of their responsibility and is underpinned by the supprot of the ARU Serious Injury Case Manager to provide support for the injured player, their family and club during these difficult times.

A Serious Injury Report must be completed for the following match or training related injuries:

  • Any head or neck injury that results in the player being treated at an emergency department, hospital or after-hours medical centre, or
  • Any injury that results in the admission of a player into hospital.

The completion of these reports provides valuable information in relation to the nature, cause, and extent of serious injuries in the game, and allows the ARU to provide strategies to reduce the impact of injuries and improve the management of injuries in the game.

ARU Serious Injury Protocol

The protocol is to be followed in the event of a serious injury to a player’s head or neck (i.e. suspected spinal injury) or fatality is as below:

  1. Provide immediate on-field medical care and arrange suitable transportation (i.e. ambulance) to the hospital for the injured player.
  2. Club representative to phone the ARU Serious Injury Case Manager (SICM) on the ARU Hotline 1800 036 156 in the event of a serious injury (i.e. suspected spinal injury or fatality). This number is a call back service and your details will be passed on to the SICM who will call you back ASAP. Please have all details of the incident ready to pass on to the SICM.
  3. SICM to establish initial contact with designated hotline caller to ascertain current status.
  4. SICM notifies ARU General Manager (GM) of Community Rugby or designate of situation.
  5. SICM or GM notifies designated representative responsible for zone/region/state union (e.g. New South Wales Country Rugby – Executive Officer).
  6. Designated representative responsible for zone/region/state is to establish one point of contact with the club/zone to coordinate situation (e.g. President /Executive Officer).
  7. SICM or GM to notify ARU Media Manager.
  8. SICM, GM and representative responsible for the zone/region/state to establish a process of support as required.

Download the Serious Injury Report and complete the details if required.

ARU Serious Injury Case Manager

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has appointed a Serious Injury Case Manager (SICM), to assist the club in managing traumatic injuries. The SICM is your first point of contact in the event of a serious injury to a player’s head or neck (i.e. suspected spinal injury) or fatality and will provide a link between the club and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

Club Responsibilities

Provide immediate on-field medical care and arrange suitable transportation (i.e. ambulance) to the hospital for the injured player.

  1. Phone SICM on the ARU Hotline 1800 036 156 in the event of a serious injury (i.e. suspected spinal injury or fatality), who in turn notifies ARU nominee.
  2. Phone zone/regional/governing affiliate administration.
  3. Accurately record any details and persons associated with the injury.
  4. Notify next of kin in the case of a serious injury to a players head or neck.
  5. In the case of a fatality, the Police will notify the next of kin.
  6. Monitor players/match officials (referees, touch judges)/club officials (coaches, managers, runners, trainers, physiotherapists etc) for team debrief and/or personal counselling.
  7. Complete the Serious Injury Report and provide copies within 48 hours of the injury occurring to:

(1)  Australian Rugby Union:
ARU Fax (02) 8005 5681 or email communityrugby@rugby.com.au
(2)  State Union

ARU Medical and Safety Recommendations

The ARU and the International Rugby Board (IRB) encourage Clubs and Schools to take recommended measures to ensure that the game is both safe and enjoyable to play. The following medical and safety recommendations are in the interest of player safety and include relevant information on Injury Management (Medical Requirements for Player Care and Management of Serious Injuries) and Safety Requirements.

For further information visit www.rugby.com.au/policies