All players, coaches’ officials, parents and supporters of both the Senior and Junior Club should adhere to the following Codes of Conduct as appropriate (based on/adapted from the RFU Codes of Conduct).
PLAYER’S CODE
Players should be encouraged to:
• Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administration in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
• Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.
• Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
• Understand that if an individual or group of players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should access the Complaints Procedure
• Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parent.
• Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
• Train regularly to meet the demands of the game
• Take a responsibility for your own health and fitness
• Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions
• Be on time for all training events and games
• Work equally hard for themselves and their team – both will then benefit.
• Recognise good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
• Be a sportsman – win with dignity, lose with grace.
• Play to the IRB Laws of the game and accept, without question, all referees’ decision even if they appear to make a mistake.
• Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
• Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player
• Promote the Club positively in all that you do
• Access the physiotherapy support at the Club
• Pay your Membership on time and in accordance with the requirements of the Club
MATCH OFFICALS CODE
Match Officials should:
• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.
• Emphasise the spirit of the game
• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport. Understand the physical and behavioural development of players.
• Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be positive and supportive.
• Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses.
• Recognise that the safety of players is paramount.
• Explain decisions where appropriate to do so
• Always penalise foul play.
• Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
• Show empathy for the age and ability of players.
• Be consistent and objective.
• Be familiar with the Good Spectator’s Code and ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.
• Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies and procedures.
• Officiate to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes.
• Check that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first aider, ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is available along with someone trained in its use before starting play.
• Before training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game
COACHES’ CODE
Coaches of players should:
• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players
• Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
• Be a positive role model – think what this implies.
• Keep winning and losing in perspective – encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
• Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
• Provide rugby experiences which are matched to the players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioural development.
• Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.
• Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
• Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
• Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.
• Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
• Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol or for those under 16 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.
• Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.
• Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
• Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union.
• Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes.
• Display good organisational and time keeping skills.
SPECTATOR’S CODE
Club should encourage spectators to:
• Act as positive role models to all players.
• Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidelines in relation to verbal and emotional abuse
• Respect guidance from the Club with regard to spectator behaviour
• Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players irrespective of the team in which they play.
• Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to be a mistake – remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby.
• Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators: such behaviour can create a negative environment for players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
• Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘to win at all costs attitude’.
• Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting ‘for’ not ‘at’ the players.
• Encourage all players irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team in which they play.
