News

Skewen RFC response to allegation of intimidation and harassment

Some time ago the committee of Skewen RFC received complaints from a number of sources involved within the club, in relation to the conduct of a parent of a child playing in one of the club’s junior teams. The complainants felt harassed and intimidated by the parent’s use of social media and community comments to personally attack them. Following an extensive investigation, involving all parties, the committee upheld the complaint, and because of the damage to and the animosity caused within the specific junior section a decision was made to ban the parent from all club activities.

 It was also felt that it would not be in the child’s best interest to be involved at a time when the animosity was continuing. To this end a decision was made to not include the child in club activities on a temporary basis whilst all efforts were being made to repair the damage caused.

We are saddened to have had to make this decision as we are aware of the negative effect this may have on everyone and are disappointed that animosity created outside of club activities has had such a negative effect on the child and our junior rugby set up.

As a committee we have a responsibility to support and thank the many volunteers involved within the club at all levels, junior and senior, players, coaches, managers and committee alike, who voluntarily give up their own time for the benefit of all the children in our junior section who commit to the club’s ethos. 

Skewen RFC does not condone bullying, intimidation or harassment in any form, whether it be physical, verbal or through the misuse of social media and community comments.

There is a responsibility for everyone involved in the game to ensure that respect and discipline remains a central theme in the minds of children starting out on their rugby journey. 

It's extremely important that all adults involved with Skewen RFC take responsibility for their actions and understand the negative effect their behaviour can have, and the consequences it can create, not only for themselves but also for their children and the other children who enjoy the positive environment that Skewen RFC strives to provide.

As a committee it is now our considerable task to repair this damage and to ensure that all the children and volunteers who participate in playing and promoting rugby football for Skewen RFC can do so in a positive and friendly environment.

Finally, we wish to thank all those who have taken the trouble to find out what this issue is really about and who have expressed their continued support for Skewen RFC.