PURPOSE

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure all TVT representative players understand the standards expected of them while  participating in training, trials, tournaments, travel and other representative activities.

It provides a shared understanding of the behaviours and responsibilities that contribute to a positive team environment and uphold the reputation of Thames Valley Touch.

Representing TVT is a privilege and a responsibility.

PLAYER STANDARDS

All Thames Valley Touch Representative Players are expected to:

• Represent TVT with pride, respect and integrity.
• Treat teammates, coaches, managers, referees, opposition players and supporters with respect.
• Demonstrate commitment, punctuality and preparedness for training, games, tournaments and representative activities.
• Communicate appropriately and positively with teammates, coaches, management, officials and others.
• Support teammates and contribute positively to the team environment.
• Follow reasonable instructions from coaches and team management.
• Respect playing fields, facilities, equipment and tournament venues.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship, regardless of the result.
• Take responsibility for their behaviour, decisions and actions.
• Maintain appropriate conduct when travelling and participating in representative activities.
• Uphold the TVT values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Kaitiakitanga and Whakamanawa.

Every player has a responsibility to contribute to a team environment where people feel respected, supported, included and encouraged to give their best.

RESPECT & BEHAVIOUR

All players are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, positive and responsible manner when representing Thames Valley Touch.

Players are expected to:

• Treat teammates, coaches, managers, referees, opposition players, officials and supporters with respect.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship, regardless of the result.
• Use appropriate and respectful language and behaviour at all times.
• Listen to and follow reasonable instructions from coaches, managers and officials.
• Respect different abilities, backgrounds, opinions and perspectives.
• Support teammates and encourage others rather than criticising, excluding or discouraging them.
• Take responsibility for mistakes and learn from them.
• Never engage in bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threatening behaviour or deliberate misconduct.
• Respect the playing environment, facilities, equipment and property of TVT, venues and other teams.

Respect is expected at all times — on the field, on the sideline, at training, while travelling and online.

COMMITMENT & ATTENDANCE

Selection into a Thames Valley Touch representative team carries a commitment to the team, coaches, management and wider TVT programme. Players are expected to make every reasonable effort to fulfil their representative commitments.

Players are expected to:

• Attend scheduled training sessions, games, tournaments and representative activities.
  
• Arrive on time, prepared and ready to participate.
  
• Notify their coach or manager as early as possible if they are unable to attend a scheduled commitment.
  
• Communicate openly about injury, illness or circumstances that may affect their ability to participate.
  
• Make representative commitments a priority and avoid unnecessary absences where possible.
  
• Participate positively and give their best effort at training and competition.
  
• Complete any required player or team administration within the requested timeframe.
  
• Respect the time and commitment made by coaches, managers, teammates and whānau.

ATTENDANCE & COMMUNICATION

Consistent attendance and clear communication are important to team preparation, player development and team culture.

Where a player is unable to attend a scheduled commitment, the player and/or parent/guardian should communicate directly with the team coach or manager as soon as reasonably possible.

​​​​​​​Commitment isn't about being perfect — it's about communicating, being accountable and giving your best effort.

COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL MEDIA

Players are expected to communicate respectfully and responsibly when representing Thames Valley Touch, including in person, through team communication channels and online.

Players are expected to:

• Communicate with respect, honesty and consideration.
  
• Use appropriate language and behaviour in team chats, group messages and other communication platforms.
  
• Follow reasonable communication processes established by coaches and team management.
  
• Avoid sending messages, comments, images or content that could negatively affect teammates, coaches, officials, opposition or Thames Valley Touch.
  
• Never use social media or digital communication to bully, harass, threaten, intimidate or deliberately embarrass another person.
  
• Respect the privacy of teammates, coaches, managers and others involved in the TVT programme.
  
• Obtain appropriate permission before sharing photographs or videos of other players or team members where privacy may be a concern.
  
• Remember that online behaviour can affect the reputation of the player, their team and Thames Valley Touch.

SOCIAL MEDIA & REPRESENTING TVT

​​​​​​​Players are reminded that when they identify themselves as a TVT representative, their online conduct may reflect on the team and association.
Players should think carefully before posting, commenting, sharing or responding online and ensure their behaviour reflects the values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Kaitiakitanga and Whakamanawa.

​​​​​​​Think before you post. Communicate with respect. Represent TVT with pride.

TEAM CULTURE & SPORTSMANSHIP

Every player contributes to the culture of their representative team. Players are expected to create an environment where teammates feel supported, included, challenged and encouraged to develop.

Players are expected to:

• Players are expected to:
  
• Support and encourage teammates on and off the field.
  
• Celebrate individual and team achievements.
  
• Encourage others when things don't go as planned.
  
• Be willing to learn, accept feedback and learn from mistakes.
  
• Put the needs of the team alongside individual goals.
  
• Demonstrate positive body language and attitude, particularly during challenging moments.
  
• Respect opposition teams and acknowledge good play.
  
• Accept decisions made by referees and officials without inappropriate confrontation or abuse.
  
• Win with humility and respond to losses with resilience and respect.
  
• Contribute to a team environment built on trust, communication and whanaungatanga.

OUR TEAM CULTURE

TVT representative teams should be places where players feel safe to contribute, confident to communicate and supported to improve.
We encourage players to back themselves, support each other, take opportunities and give their best effort every time they step onto the field.

​​​​​​​One team. One culture. Everyone contributes.

TRAVEL & TOURNAMENT CONDUCT

Representative players are expected to conduct themselves appropriately when travelling, attending tournaments, staying at accommodation and participating in activities associated with Thames Valley Touch.

Players are expected to:

• Follow all reasonable instructions from coaches, managers and designated team leaders.
  
• Be punctual for departures, meetings, games, meals and other scheduled activities.
  
• Respect accommodation, venues, transport providers, facilities and property.
  
• Keep shared spaces clean and tidy.
  
• Treat teammates, opposition teams, tournament officials, volunteers and members of the public with respect.
  
• Remain with the team or in designated areas unless permission has been given by team management.
  
• Behave responsibly when travelling and representing TVT in the community.
  
• Follow any additional rules or requirements set by the tournament, accommodation provider, venue or transport provider.
  
• Take responsibility for personal belongings and equipment.
  
• Understand that the same TVT standards and Code of Conduct apply while travelling and attending tournaments.

ACCOMMODATION & TEAM TRAVEL

Where representative teams travel or stay away from home, players are expected to respect the rules and expectations established by team management and the accommodation provider.
Players must remain mindful that their behaviour affects not only themselves, but also their teammates, whānau, coaches, managers and the reputation of Thames Valley Touch.

​​​​​​​Wherever we travel, we represent TVT.

CONSEQUENCES & ACCOUNTABILITY

Thames Valley Touch is committed to addressing concerns in a fair, respectful and consistent manner. Where a player does not meet the expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct, the matter may be addressed by the appropriate coach, team management and/or TVT Committee.

ACCOUNTABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY

Players are expected to take responsibility for their behaviour and actions and to respond appropriately when concerns are raised.
Depending on the nature and seriousness of the concern, TVT may provide guidance, support, education or an opportunity for the player to address the behaviour and restore positive team relationships.

SERIOUS OR REPEATED CONCERNS

Serious or repeated breaches of the Code of Conduct may be referred to the Thames Valley Touch Committee for further consideration.
Depending on the circumstances, consequences may include a formal warning, additional conditions being placed on participation, temporary suspension from activities, or removal from the representative programme.
Any action taken will consider the nature and seriousness of the behaviour, the circumstances involved, whether the behaviour is repeated, and the impact on others and the wider TVT programme.

IMPORTANT

Nothing in this Code of Conduct prevents Thames Valley Touch from taking appropriate action where behaviour may breach TVT policies, competition rules or other applicable requirements.

​​​​​​​Accountability is about learning, taking responsibility and protecting a positive environment for everyone.

PLAYER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By participating in the Thames Valley Touch Representative Programme, players and their parent/guardian acknowledge that they have read and understood the TVT Representative Player Code of Conduct.

Players agree to uphold the standards and expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct and to represent Thames Valley Touch with respect, pride, commitment and integrity.

Players and their parent/guardian understand that failure to meet the expectations outlined in this Code of Conduct may result in the matter being addressed in accordance with the TVT Representative Programme requirements and applicable TVT policies.

PLAYER & PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT

By completing the representative player registration, the player and parent/guardian confirm that they have:

• Read and understood the TVT Representative Player Code of Conduct.
  
• Discussed the expectations with the player where appropriate.
  
• Agreed to support the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct.
  
• Agreed to communicate appropriately with TVT coaches, managers and officials.
  
• Understood that representing TVT is both an opportunity and a responsibility.

REPRESENT WITH PRIDE.
RESPECT THE GAME.
SUPPORT YOUR TEAM.
GIVE YOUR BEST.