CODE OF CONDUCT GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Participants in the game of Rugby League include:

All Players, Coaches, Sports Trainers, Club Officials, Volunteers, Parents/Carers and Spectators. Participants are encouraged and expected to:

» Show positive acts of sportsmanship, discouraging all instances of foul or illegal play, or acts of violence, both on and off the field.

» Demonstrate the greatest levels of respect, protecting the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability / disability, sexual orientation, cultural background or religion.

» Lead by positive example, and condemn the use of recreational and performance enhancing drugs and doping practices; their use endangers the health of players and is contrary to the concept of fair play.

CODE OF CONDUCT – PLAYER

» Be a good sport. Respect all good play whether from your team or the opposition and shake hands with, and thank, the opposition players and officials after the game – win, lose or draw.

» Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit.

» Always respect the Referee’s decision.

» Never become involved in acts of foul play.

» Honour both the spirit and letter of the competition rules and live up to the highest ideals of ethics and sportsmanship; avoid gamesmanship, and respect the traditions of the game.

» Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, sledging, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash-talking, taunting or other actions that are demeaning to other players, officials or supporters.

» Care for and respect the facilities and equipment made available to you during training and competition.

» Safeguard your health; don’t use any illegal or unhealthy substances.

» Recognise that many Officials, Coaches and Referees are Volunteers who give up their time to provide their services. Treat them with the utmost respect.

» Do not bet or otherwise financially speculate, directly or indirectly, on the outcome or any other aspect of a Rugby League match or competition in which you are involved.

CODE OF CONDUCT – COACH

» Actively discourage foul play and/or unsportsmanlike behaviour by players.

» Seek to maximise the participation and enjoyment of all players regardless of ability; avoid the tendency to over-use a talented player; treat all players as equals, regardless of their talent.

» Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured players. Follow the advice of a physician and/or sports trainer to the letter when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence training or playing.

» Teach players that an honest effort and competing to the best of their ability is as important as victory.

» Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with players at all times.

» Maintain a thorough knowledge of the Laws of the Game and keep up with current coaching methods; maintain or improve your current accreditation level.

» Always consider the health, safety and welfare of the players.

» Teach young players to realise that there is a big gap between their play and the professional game; do not coach them as if they are professionals.

» Ensure that your coaching reflects the level of the competition being played; do not be a “win-at-all-cost” coach.

» As coach, conduct yourself at all times in a manner, and in all situations, that shows leadership, respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for all those that are involved in the game – the players, officials, the fans, the parents, the referees and the media.

Remember that junior players participate for pleasure and mateship. Your coaching should create a positive environment that is fun, safe, and inclusive.

CODE OF CONDUCT – MATCH OFFICIALS

» Place the safety and welfare of the players above all else; be alert to minimise dangerous physical play, fair or foul, especially in junior matches.

» Accept responsibility for all actions taken.

» Avoid any form of verbal contact with coaches, team officials, parents and spectators during play.

» Be impartial! Also, be consistent, objective and courteous.

» Avoid any situation which may lead to a conflict of interest, both on and off the field.

» Maintain an appropriate level of fitness for the standard of game at which you are officiating.

» Condemn all and every instance of unsportsmanlike, foul or unfair play.

» Set a good example by the way you dress, speak and act towards players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.

» Show concern and caution towards sick and injured players.

» Officiate to the age and/or experience of the players. Referees are the key to the successful application of the Safeplay. 

CODE OF CONDUCT – TEAM & CLUB OFFICIALS

» Uphold the integrity of the game of Rugby League at all times.

» Always act in a sportsmanlike manner, respecting opposition players, team and club officials and spectators.

» Make decisions in the best interests of the game of Rugby League.

» Place the safety and welfare of players as the top priority.

» Accept responsibility for all decisions made.

CODE OF CONDUCT – PARENT/SPECTATOR

» Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators.

» Respect the Referee’s decisions – don’t complain or argue about decisions during or after a game.

» Behave! Unsportsmanlike language, harassment or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.

» Encourage players to play by the rules and to respect opposition players and officials.

» Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake – respect their efforts.

» Understand that sport is part of a total life experience, and the benefits of involvement go far beyond the final score of a game.

» Participate in positive cheering that encourages the players in the team you are supporting; do not engage in any cheering that taunts or intimidates opponents, their fans or officials.

» Remember that all participants are involved in the game of Rugby League for their own 6 enjoyment, not yours!

» At all times, follow the directions of the Ground Manager and/or other duty officials.

» Never arrive at a Junior League game under the influence of alcohol, never bring alcohol to a Junior League game and only drink alcohol, if it is available, in a responsible manner in the designated licensed area. Children learn from positive experiences and positive examples of best practice