Under 17
This process is for clubs with 17 year old male and female players who wish to play adult club rugby.
Why is the regulation and process changing?
There have been some significant updates to safeguarding requirements as defined by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) for children playing in adult sport in the UK. These RFU Regulation and process changes have been introduced to ensure our clubs are not putting themselves or their members at risk. The process will support our clubs in:
1. Aligning to the updated DBS requirements.
2. Safeguarding the 17 years old playing adult rugby.
3. Safeguarding the adults they are playing with/against and those organising the adult rugby.
4. Ensuring there is robust, consistent assessment and approval process for a 17 year old to play adult rugby.
There is evidence that in the past, 17 year olds have often been asked to play adult rugby to meet the needs of a team rather than the development needs of the player. This was often done without an appropriate assessment of the player’s physical and emotional development. In a number of cases this affected their transition to adult rugby and resulted in players leaving the game as they were playing outside their friendship groups and in an inappropriate adult environment.
What is the 2-stage process?
1. The Club must apply for and be approved by its Constituent Body (CB) to play 17 year olds in adult rugby. This is done by completing and submitting the Playing Adult Rugby – Club Approval form and process each season.
2. The Club must assess each individual 17 year old who wishes to play adult rugby and gain approval from its CB for the player to do so. This is done by completing and submitting the Playing Adult Rugby – Player Approval form and process. Once approved the individual can play adult rugby through to their 18th birthday.
April 2021
Under 16
Under 15
Under U14
Under 13