Code of Conduct

Parent & Spectator Code

• Never force a child to play rugby.
• Always remember: children play for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules/laws. Make it clear that cheating is just a way to get an unfair advantage by dodging the rules
• Teach your child that victory isn’t everything – playing as well as you can is just as important. On any day, no more than half the teams can win, so defeat is no disgrace.
• Never yell at a player for making a mistake. Never sneer or use sarcasm – you’ll make the player feel like a total failure. Remember: they're not playing for your benefit.
• Applaud good play – by either team. Back up the referee: don’t publicly question their fairness or ability. Children learn best by a good example.
• Encourage your child to improve their skills through coaching.
• Stay off the pitch. Coaches and referees are qualified to be there. They have worked hard to earn their qualifications. If you want to get involved in mini/junior rugby, join them and learn how. Otherwise don’t interfere.
• Don’t abuse anyone – especially the referee. Like the coaches, they are volunteers and are unpaid. He/she has given up their spare time. If you abuse him/her, they might not return. And how can your child play rugby without a referee?

Players’ Code

• Play for fun - not just to please your parents or coach.
• Play by the rules - no rules – no game. Don’t cheat.
• Don’t argue with the referee - they won’t change their decision, and might penalise your team again – for arguing.
• Control your temper - and your mouth.
• Never give up - the game’s not lost until it’s won.
• Be a good sport - recognise good rugby – even when it comes from the other team.
• Be fair - don’t chuck your weight about.
• Improve your skill - you’ll play and feel better
• Don’t be selfish - co-operate with your team and the referee and your opponents. Without them, you have no game.
• Don’t show off - even when you’ve scored.
• Be proud of being a member of your Club - dress smartly whenever you represent our Club. Ensure you are mud-free when entering the Clubhouse. No boots inside the Clubhouse.

Officials Code

Match Officials are an integral part of the development of young players. They have a responsibility to ensure that games are managed in such a way as to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of the players.

Match Officials should:

• Develop an appropriate working relationship with players, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part
• Emphasise the spirit of the game.
• Follow all guidelines laid down by the WRU.
• Hold the appropriate and valid qualifications.
• Explain decisions – all young players are still learning.
• Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
• Always penalise Foul Play.
• Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances.
• Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by Club Officials immediately.

Coaches Code

Coaches have a responsibility to ensure that all youngsters are given the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment where the emphasis is on:

FUN - ENJOYMENT - SKILL DEVELOPMENT.

SUNDAY IS FUN DAY

Coaches should:

• Be a positive role model - look and act the part.
• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. Most learning is achieved through participating.
• Players develop at different times and in different ways - make allowances for their physical, emotional and mental maturity and development.
• Appreciate the needs of the player before the needs of the sport. Don’t over play the better players - include everyone.
• Winning isn’t everything - teach your players to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their ability. Encourage each player to reach his or her potential.
• Never abuse, yell, criticise or ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a game. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during both coaching sessions and games.
• Make sure players develop an understanding of the rules and laws of the game, that they respect opponents, team-mates, coaches and officials.
• Never question an official’s judgement, honesty or ancestry.
• Ensure players and parents behaviour is appropriate and in keeping with the spirit of the game and the expectations of the Club.
• All Coaches must remember that they have a duty of care for all youngsters with whom they are working. Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or unacceptable risk of injury. Coaches must also remember they are in a position of trust and should avoid situations where this position is compromised.