Section 1
Privacy Policy (POPIA-Aligned)
Last updated: 16 April 2026
Royal Rovers Football Club ("the Club", "we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting the personal information of players, parents, guardians, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and website visitors. This policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information in accordance with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013) — "POPIA".
1.1 Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information when you interact with the Club or this website:
- Identification: name, surname, date of birth, ID number (where required for team registration)
- Contact: email address, phone number, physical address, emergency contact
- Player-specific: age group, position, medical conditions relevant to play, prior club history
- Parent/guardian: name, relationship to player, contact details, consent signatures
- Website use: IP address, browser, pages viewed (via hosting-provider logs)
- Enquiry forms: the information you voluntarily submit via contact, sponsorship or trial forms
1.2 Why We Collect It
- To register, insure and field players in competitions
- To communicate about training, fixtures, events and emergencies
- To process sponsorship, supporter and volunteer enquiries
- To comply with legal, safeguarding and regulatory obligations
- To improve our website, communications and member experience
1.3 Lawful Basis
We process personal information on one of the following lawful bases recognised under POPIA:
- Consent — freely given by you (or your parent/guardian if a minor)
- Contract — necessary for club membership, registration and participation
- Legitimate interest — balanced against your rights (e.g. running the club safely)
- Legal obligation — where required by law or regulatory bodies
1.4 How We Protect Your Information
- Stored on password-protected systems with access limited to authorised club officials
- Never sold, rented or shared with third parties for marketing purposes
- Shared only with competition organisers, insurers or authorities where required for participation or safety
- Retained only as long as necessary — registration data typically 5 years after leaving the club
1.5 Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Withdraw consent (subject to contractual obligations)
- Object to processing for direct marketing
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa (inforegulator.org.za)
1.6 Information Officer
For privacy enquiries, data access requests, or complaints, contact:
Email: royalroversofficial@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +27 61 231 7764
Section 2
Safeguarding & Child Protection Statement
Our commitment: Every child and young person involved with Royal Rovers FC has the right to protection from harm, to be treated with respect, and to enjoy football in a safe environment.
2.1 Our Responsibilities
- To create an environment that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all players under 18
- To ensure all coaches, managers and volunteers working directly with minors are vetted appropriately
- To respond promptly and seriously to any concern about a child's welfare
- To train staff in recognising and reporting signs of abuse, neglect or inappropriate conduct
- To maintain a culture where players feel safe to speak up about anything that worries them
2.2 Reporting a Concern
If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a player at Royal Rovers FC, contact our designated Medical & Welfare Officer directly via:
All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and, where appropriate, escalated to the South African Police Service, Department of Social Development, or ChildLine South Africa (08000 55 555).
2.3 Coach & Volunteer Screening
All individuals in regular direct contact with players under 18:
- Are required to provide SAPS criminal background clearance
- Are briefed on the Club's safeguarding expectations before engaging with players
- Are never alone with a minor out of sight of other adults during club activities
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in all communication
2.4 Governing Legislation
This policy is aligned with:
- Children's Act 38 of 2005 (as amended)
- Sexual Offences Act 32 of 2007
- Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998
- SAFA Safeguarding Guidelines (where applicable)
Section 3
Code of Conduct
Every member of the Royal Rovers community — players, parents, coaches and supporters — is expected to uphold the Club's standards on and off the pitch.
3.1 Players
- Attend training punctually, prepared and with the right attitude
- Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, match officials and match venues
- Play fairly within the laws of the game at all times
- Take care of kit, equipment and facilities
- Represent the Club with pride — in person, online and in the community
3.2 Parents & Guardians
- Support your child's participation and enjoyment of the game
- Respect coaches' decisions and avoid sideline coaching during matches
- Use appropriate language around all players and officials
- Communicate any concerns directly and constructively with club staff
- Help foster a positive environment for every child, not just your own
3.3 Coaches & Volunteers
- Put the safety, welfare and development of players first
- Deliver structured, age-appropriate sessions aligned to the Club's philosophy
- Model professionalism, preparation and respect in every interaction
- Maintain safeguarding standards at all times
- Continue to develop as coaches through training, reflection and collaboration
3.4 Breaches
Breaches of this Code will be addressed fairly and proportionately by the Club Director or Technical Director. Serious or repeated breaches may result in suspension or termination of membership.
Section 5
Club Governance
Royal Rovers Football Club is led by a club director and supported by a technical and operational team structured as follows:
- Club Director / Head Coach
- Technical Director
- Youth Development Coordinator
- Team Coaches (U10 – U17)
- Goalkeeper Coach
- Fitness & Conditioning Coach
- Team Managers / Administrators
- Medical & Welfare Officer
Registration & Affiliation: The Club operates within the greater Hartbeespoort football community. Formal affiliation details with regional football bodies will be published as they are confirmed.
Transparency: We commit to publishing policy updates, governance changes and any material changes to how member information is handled on this page.