Community game update March 2018
RFU's GDPR toolkit for clubs, referee societies and Constituent Bodies currently in trial and due for release very soon
For info: CBs & Clubs
Rugby clubs, referee societies and Constituent Bodies use individuals’ data in almost everything they do. This includes obtaining and using data about players, referees, administrators, other volunteers, employees and website users.
On 25th May 2018, the UK will adopt new laws to bring into effect the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR builds on existing data protection law to give individuals more rights in relation to their data, and places an increased onus on all organisations, whether commercial companies or not-for-profit organisations such as rugby clubs, to secure individuals’ data.
In simple terms, GDPR will help protect our players, members and clubs by ensuring better governance and transparency around management of data. Organisations holding personal data will need to give more information to people about what they do with those people’s data, why, and for how long. They must also keep the information secure. One safe way to store and use data is through the RFU’s Game Management System (GMS). If you store data in other ways, you will need to think carefully about how this data is secured.
The RFU has created a toolkit to help clubs, referee societies and CBs in the following ways:
• to understand what the new data protection laws require;
• to provide practical steps to achieve compliance; and
• to signpost to further resources to help achieve compliance.
Further information about the GDPR can be found on the Information Commissioner's Website.
The toolkit will be divided into five sections:
1. A summary of the practical steps you can take now
2. Data governance
3. Collecting and using data
4. Data security
5. Other rights for individuals
The toolkit will also provide practical examples of policies and procedures that a club, referee society or CB will need to have in place.
The toolkit is currently being trialled by a small number of clubs, referee societies and CBs, and will then be hosted on EnglandRugby.com. An email will be sent to clubs, referee societies and CBs with a link to view or download the toolkit, when it is available.
For any general queries relating to data protection, please contact the RFU Legal Helpline on 0330 303 1877. The RFU is not able to give specific legal advice to clubs, referee societies or other bodies.