Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct – Coaches / Managers  

• Be a leader – you have the biggest influence in relation to your players and supporter’s attitudes towards the referee and the opposition. 
• Ensure your philosophy matches that of your players - fun and development are the foundation for them playing the game 
• Be reasonable on the demand on player’s time, energy and enthusiasm 
• Teach your team to play within the rules of the game 
• Ensure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards and that you use drills and  training methods that are both safe and effective for your player’s needs. 
• Positively reinforce the actions of players. 
• Give all players the opportunity to participate in the game. 
• Insist on sportsmanship, fair play and discipline. 

Code of Conduct – Parents / Carers

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.
• Discourage unfair play and arguing with referees or officials.
• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
• Never force your child to take part in sport.
• Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all.
• Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
• Publicly accept referees’ and officials’ judgements.
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
• Use correct and proper language at all times.
• Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

Code of Conduct – Exec Members and Liaisons: 

• Create pathways for club members to participate not just as players but also as referees, coaches, and volunteers.
• Ensure that rules, equipment, length of games and training schedules are modified to suit the age, ability and maturity level of players.
• Ensure quality supervision and coaching for referees.
• Help coaches and officials highlight appropriate behaviour and skill development, and help to improve the standards of coaching and officiating. 
• Ensure that everyone involved in rugby emphasises fair play
• Distribute a code of conduct to players, coaches, officials and parents and 

encourage them to follow it.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game, regardless of their gender, ability or cultural background.

Code of Conduct – Players: I will:

• not argue with an official. If I disagree with a decision I will inform the captain, coach or manager during a break or after the competition.
• control my temper. I understand that verbal abuse of officials and other players, or deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted behaviour in rugby.
• work equally hard for myself and my team.
• treat all players in my sport as I like to be treated. I will not bully or take unfair advantage of another player.
• co-operate with my coach, team mates and opponents.
• display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat.
• participate for my own enjoyment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches.
• respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• thank the opposition and officials at the end of the game.
• comply with anti-doping policies.
• use appropriate language with players, coaches, officials and other spectators.
• present myself and act in an appropriate way at pre-game and after-match functions.