Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct
Also see Rugby's Core Values
The Good Players Guide
Players are encouraged to:
- Understand, and play within, the laws of the game
- Respect opponents, spectators and team-mates alike.
- Play with pride and passion, to never give up but never try to "win at all costs".
- Eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
- Act as role models for younger players.
- Respect match officials' decisions, even if they appear to make a mistake - remembering that they are volunteers, providing an opportunity for you to play rugby.
- Be involved with club activities.
- Adopt appropriate standards of behaviour at all times.
- Respect dress codes laid down before and after matches.
- Enjoy their rugby, keeping winning and losing in perspective.
The Good Spectator's Guide
Spectators are encouraged to:
- Act as positive role models to all players.
- Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Safeguarding Children in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
- Respect guidance from the Club with regard to spectator behaviour.
- Remember that children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for that of the spectators.
- Acknowledge good individual and team performances from all players irrespective of the team in which they play.
- Respect match officials' decisions, even if they appear to make 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 "win at all cost".
- Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting 'for' not 'at' the player.
- Encourage all players irrespective of their ability - never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team in which they play.
The Good Parent's Guide
Parents are encouraged to:
- Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can ensure their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their abilities.
- Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the coaching and training sessions in which their child participates.
- Be aware that the Club has a duty of care to ensure the safety of players and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport players to away games
- Be involved with the Club activities and share their expertise
- Share concerns, if they have them, with Club officials.
- Be familiar with the Good Coaches' Code contained in the Rugby Continuum. In particular be aware that:
- coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.
- coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective. encouraging players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
- Support coaches in instilling these virtues
- Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents
- Encourage young people to play - do not force them.
- Focus on players' efforts, rather than winning or losing
- Be realistic about the players' abilities; do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving.
- Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the games.
- Remember that persistent negative messages will adversely affect the players' and referee's performance and attitude.
- Always support the Club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
- Remember young people learn much by example.
- Always show appreciation of good play by all players from both their own Club and the opposition.
- Respect decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to make a mistake, and encourage players to do likewise
