EVERYONE HAS A ROLE IN KEEPING RUGBY SAFE
SAFEGUARDING & PARTICIPANT WELFARE
Every player, coach, match official, employee, volunteer and participant deserves a safe, respectful and inclusive rugby environment, free from abuse, harassment, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.
Content last reviewed: November 2026
Safety first — do not wait
If anyone is in immediate danger, call UAE Police on 999. To report child abuse or violence, call the Ministry of Interior Child Protection Centre on 116111. Do not use a Union reporting route instead of emergency services.
Safe rugby starts with respect
Safeguarding places the welfare, dignity and safety of participants at the centre of every activity. It applies to training, matches, travel, changing rooms, digital communication and every rugby event.
What do we stand for?
These principles apply to everyone participating in or working with UAE Rugby activities.
Participant welfare first
The welfare and safety of children, young people and adults at risk is the primary consideration in every decision.
Respect and dignity
Everyone is treated fairly and respectfully, without discrimination based on sex, nationality, ethnicity, religion, language, disability or playing ability.
No tolerance for abuse
Physical, emotional or sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, neglect and exploitation are not accepted in person or online.
Report without delay
Concerns are raised promptly with the appropriate people, prioritising safety without waiting for certainty or complete evidence.
Responsible privacy
Information is shared only where necessary to protect people, respond to concerns and meet legal obligations.
No retaliation
No person should be punished, intimidated or disadvantaged for raising a safeguarding concern in good faith.
When should you speak up?
You do not need complete proof before raising a concern. A reasonable worry about a person’s safety or someone’s behaviour is enough to report.
Sudden behaviour changes
Unusual fear, withdrawal, anger, anxiety or a noticeable fall in participation.
Injuries or worrying explanations
Unexplained injuries, inconsistent explanations or repeated injuries that cause concern.
Inappropriate adult behaviour
Deliberate isolation, private messaging, secret gifts or repeated breaches of professional boundaries.
Bullying, harassment or discrimination
Insults, threats, exclusion, humiliation or unwanted behaviour in person or online.
Basic needs being neglected
A lack of supervision, medical help, water, rest or safe travel and accommodation arrangements.
Direct or indirect disclosure
Any words, message or behaviour suggesting that a person feels unsafe or is asking for help.
If someone tells you about abuse
Listen calmly, take the information seriously and help the concern reach the appropriate people without delay.
Listen
Give the person time to speak without interrupting or pressing for additional details.
Reassure
Explain that they did the right thing by speaking and that it is not their fault, without making promises you cannot guarantee.
Do not investigate
Do not ask leading questions, confront the person accused or attempt to verify the account yourself.
Record and report
Record the information accurately using the original words, then report it to the appropriate person or authority promptly.
Speak up. Your concern will be taken seriously.
You may report any worrying behaviour, even if you are unsure whether it amounts to abuse. Share the essential facts only. Do not investigate or confront the person who is the subject of the report.
Make the situation safe
If there is immediate danger, contact Police or Child Protection before any other organisation.
Record the facts
Write down what you saw or heard, when and where it happened, using the person’s own words where possible.
Report without delay
Contact UAE Rugby or the appropriate statutory authority. Do not delay while attempting to collect more evidence.
Protect privacy
Discuss the concern only with the people and authorities who need the information to protect participants and respond appropriately.
If something feels wrong, tell someone you trust
You will not be in trouble for asking for help. Speak to a parent, guardian, trusted coach or safeguarding contact. If the first person does not help, keep telling until someone listens and acts to keep you safe.
CHILD PROTECTION 116111 ↗Safer everyday practice
Clear rules and open environments protect children and adults at risk, while also protecting coaches, staff and volunteers.
WORLD RUGBY PASSPORT ↗Work in an open environment
Avoid being alone with a child. Keep coaching and conversations visible to others and use another responsible adult where possible.
Maintain professional boundaries
Never use physical punishment or humiliation, and avoid unnecessary private relationships or messaging with young players.
Use safe digital communication
Use approved official channels and group communication, including a parent or guardian in child-related messages.
Use appropriate, explained contact
Physical contact should be limited to safe coaching, preventing injury or responding to injury, with the reason explained and consent respected.
Keep changing areas safe
Respect privacy, announce entry and prohibit photography or phone use in changing rooms.
Plan travel and accommodation
Confirm supervision, rooming, consent, communication and emergency arrangements before teams and young players travel.
Policies, training and reporting
Use these official sources for the latest policy, safer-practice guidance, learning and reporting channels.
UAE Rugby Safeguarding Policy
Access UAE Rugby governance documents and adopted policies.
OPEN RESOURCE 02World Rugby Safeguarding
International safeguarding policy and information on making a report.
OPEN RESOURCE 03World Rugby Passport
Safeguarding Essentials and online learning for people working in rugby.
OPEN RESOURCE 04Safer Practice for Coaches
World Rugby guidance for coaches working safely with children and young people.
OPEN RESOURCE 05Child Safety in the UAE
Official reporting routes, child-rights information and Wadeema’s Law.
OPEN RESOURCE 06MoI Child Protection Centre
The federal hotline for reporting child abuse or violence: 116111.
OPEN RESOURCESpeak early. You do not have to handle it alone.
If the matter is not an emergency and you wish to contact UAE Rugby, send a brief description of the concern and a safe way to contact you. Avoid sending images or highly sensitive details in the first message unless they are necessary for immediate protection.
This page provides general safeguarding information and does not replace emergency services, statutory authorities or the adopted safeguarding policy. Information may need to be shared with Police or child/adult protection agencies to meet legal obligations and keep people safe.
