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Codes Of Conduct
These codes of conduct should be studied by all members of the Rugby Club; they should take effect from the start of season 2003/2004 and should be used as the basis for discipline/organisation in each age group.
They are based on the Rugby Union Community Rugby suggestions, a copy of which can be found in the current Rugby Union Handbook.
All players and officials should be aware of the ‘Club Rules’; Coaches and age group officials should instil in their age group a sense of togetherness for the Club and the correct procedures for development both on and off the pitch.
Readers will notice that there are forms in the back which can be used for reference and as a help with codes of conduct. (eg: Parental consent).
Player’s Code
- Participate for the ‘fun’ of it, not just to please your parents or coach
- Play to the Laws of the Game
- Accept all the referee’s decisions
- Control your temper – you and your team will benefit
- Recognise all good play, whether by your team or by your opponents’ team – adopt a good sporting attitude
- Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t interfere with, bully, or take unfair advantage of any player
- Remember, as well as enjoyment the aims of the game are to improve your skills and feel good. Do not be a show-off
- Co-operate with your coach, referee, team mates, and opponents, for without them you do not have a game
- Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own
Parent’s Code
- Acknowledge the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give freely of their time and resources to provide rugby for children.
- Educate your child to play by the laws of the game
- Instil in children an understanding and enjoyment of the value of coaching
- Foster enthusiastic participation – do not force an unwilling child to play rugby
- Recognise that children play rugby for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature internationals!
- Emphasise respect for referees by not publicly questioning the referees honesty or decision-making – have you refereed without error?
- Encourage a child who has made a mistake during a game - never ridicule
- Applaud good play by your team and by the members of the opposing team – children learn best by example
- Teach children that honest effort is as important as victory so that defeat is accepted without undue disappointment
- Condemn bad behaviour and bad language
- Try not to shout continually and ‘at’ children – shout occasionally, and ‘for’ them
- Remember – it is only a game …..
Coaches' Code
- Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests and you should have an understanding of their lifestyle
- Teach your players that the Laws of the game should not be broken
- Avoid over-playing talented players. All players deserve equal playing time throughout the season
- Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment, and that winning is only part of it – you will influence their behaviour for good or bad. Never ridicule or issue a detrimental comment to children.
- Ensure equipment and facilities are safe and appropriate to the age and ability of players
- Develop team respect for the opposition as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches
- Ensure medical advice is followed in the case of injury – regardless of how the player feels. Always be aware of the player’s medical state and enquire if in doubt
- Gain respect with praise where deserved and set a good example in every way
- Improve players through good coaching – frequent matches and long training sessions do not guarantee success
- Make a commitment to keep up – to - date with sound coaching principles and attend education sessions where possible
Referee’s Code
- Behave and dress at all times in a manner and with an attitude in line with your responsibility
- Know the laws and regulations and apply them to match the skill of the players
- Vary the tone of your whistle to seek control with enjoyment rather than domination with ill-humour
- Play advantage whenever possible to allow the game to flow
- Ensure you are fit, even a 7 year old can run fast, keep up with the play. Be at the right place at the right time, to make the right decision.
- Explain your decisions – be consistent, objective and courteous
- Penalise deliberate foul play as being unsporting, thus helping retain the player’s respect for fair play
- Complement players on good play whenever praise is deserved. Always complement both teams at the end of the match
- Keep yourself informed of all law changes affecting the game
- Join your county Referees Society and become a qualified referee. The more you do, the easier it becomes
- Understand what motivates children
Club Officials and Volunteers
The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised below. All volunteers must :-
- Consider the well being and safety of participants before the development of performance
- Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect
- Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
- Promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg: Fair Play)
- Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance
- Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body (ie: the RFU) and the Club
- Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover
- Never exert undue influence over performers to obtain personal benefit or reward
- Do not condone rule violations or rough play.
- It is imperative that all officials and volunteers continually view the use of prohibitive substances with the highest vigilance and if necessary report any issue to the Chairman of the Club
- Encourage performers to value their performances and not just results
