Our Policies - Codes Of Conduct

Fair Play Codes

These codes are designed:

- to ensure the emphasis on enjoyment and skill development is maintained throughout the Mini/Midi & Junior Sections;

- to ensure that adults involved with the club are aware of their roles and responsibilities;

- to ensure that the players are taught and encouraged in a caring and safe environment where they can enjoy their sport and fulfil their aspirations;

The current club guidelines are as follows:

The Coach's Code

Coaches have responsibility to ensure that all players are given the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment with emphasis on: FUN, ENJOYMENT & SKILL DEVELOPMENT.

Coaches Should:

1. Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players.

2. Appreciate the needs of each individual player before the sport.

3. Be a positive role model for the players.

4. Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage players to do the same.

5. Respect all referees and the decisions that have been made and ensure players do the same.

6. Teach players the meaning of "fair play" and set them a good example. Rugby is a potentially dangerous game, which relies on each participant playing in the spirit of mutual respect.

7. Always provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging way, both in coaching sessions and during games.

8. Plan the sessions they deliver during the season; starting and finishing on time.

Coaches Must:

1. Coaches working with players up to the age of 12 must follow the guidelines laid down by the RFU Continuum.

2. Coaches working with young players age 13+ must be aware of the Under 19 and Under 15 Law variations, including those that apply to cross border matches.

3. Provide experiences that match young player's age and ability, as well as their physical and mental development.

4. Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in Rugby are made available to all players.

5. Ensure that players are coached in a safe environment; marking out an area within which to coach/train, ensuring that equipment used is in safe and good repair, ensuring adequate access to first aid.

6. Never join in with contact games or drills with young players.

7. Avoid the overplaying of "star" players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.

8. Ensure that players are supervised on and off the pitch.

9. Never allow a player to play or train when injured.

10. Recognise that players should not be exposed to extremes of heat or cold, or unacceptable risks of injury.

11. Recognise that it is illegal for players under the age of 18 to drink alcohol.

12. Ensure that knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.

13. When arranging residential tours at home or abroad, be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures with regard to young people.

14. Be aware of, and abide by, both the Club's own Child Protection Policy and procedure to be followed in the event of any concerns raised by a player or parent/guardian and the policies and procedures outlined in the RFU Child Protection Guidance Booklet which is available on request from the Club's Child Protection Officer Shelia Gibson.

15. Not in any circumstances put yourself in a position where you could be suspected of or accused of any behaviour which might be said to constitute emotional, physical or sexual abuse of any young child associated with the club.

The Parent's Code

Parents are an integral part of the Rugby Club and, whether involved in administration or as spectators, are instrumental in ensuring that the young players enjoy their involvement both with the club and the sport of Rugby. Parents are therefore encouraged to:

1. Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order to ensure that their child is involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.

2. Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing sessions in which their child participates.

3. Be familiar with the Coach's Code, with particular emphasis on the recognition of fun and enjoyment for young players and maintaining perspective with regard to winning and losing.

4. Be aware of the duty of care that the club has and, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of groups of players, especially where numbers are large and transport to away venues is needed.

5. Be involved with club activities and share your expertise.

6. Share any concerns you have with Club Officials.

Parents Should:

1. Not force an unwilling young player to participate in Rugby.

2. Remember, young players are involved in Rugby for their own enjoyment.

3. Focus on the young player's efforts not on winning or losing.

4. Be realistic about young player's abilities and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on a player to attain a level above their capability.

5. Provide positive feedback both in training and during games.

6. Support the club in efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.

7. Encourage young players to always play by the laws.

8. Remember that young players learn best by example; show your appreciation of good play both by your team and by members of the opposing team.

9. Respect decisions made by match officials and encourage young players to do the same.

10. Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees; they give of their time and resources free to provide recreational activities for young people.

The Player's Code

Young players should recognise that many people in involved in the Rugby Club and with Rugby Union are working to provide a safe and enjoyable environment in which they can develop their skills as players and have fun. Players are therefore encouraged to:

1. Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators who all assist in providing them with the opportunity to play and enjoy the game of rugby.

2. Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team-mates.

3. Recognise that every player has the right to expect their involvement with the club and in the game of rugby to be free from all types of abuse.

4. Understand that if any individual players have any concerns about their treatment, then they have the right to tell an adult either at the rugby club or outside of the game.

Players Should:

1. Play the game of rugby because they want to and not because or pressure from coaches, parents or their peer group.

2. Remember that fun, enjoyment and development of their skills are the most important parts of the game.

3. Be prompt and attentive at all training sessions and games.

4. Work equally hard for themselves and their team and then both will benefit.

5. Recognise good play from all members of their own team and the opposition.

6. Remember it's important to have fun and to play to the best of their ability, not to win or lose.

7. Keep to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee's and any other match official's decisions.

8. Never, never verbally or physically abuse any of their team-mates, opponents or match officials.

9. Treat all players as they themselves would like to be treated.

The Match Official's Code

Match Officials have a responsibility to ensure that games are managed in accordance with the RFU laws of the game and to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of all players.

Match Officials Should:

1. Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players.

2. Provide positive feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.

3. Appreciate the needs of young players before the needs of the sport.

4. Understand the physical, social and psychological development of young players.

5. Be a positive role model.

6. Look to self-improvement by taking one of the RFU Referee courses e.g. Mini/Midi or National 15-a-side.

Match Officials Must:

1. When working with players up to the age of 12 must officiate to the rules laid down in the RFU Continuum and must keep themselves updated on rule changes.

2. When working with players aged 13+ must officiate according to the Under 19 and Under 15 Law variations and keep themselves updated on relevant changes.

3. Recognise that safety of young players is paramount.

4. Adequately explain decisions to encourage young players to be aware of the laws of the game.

5. Always penalise foul play.

6. play advantage whenever possible to allow the game to flow.

7. Show empathy for the age and ability of young players.

8. Be consistent in your decisions and objective at all times.

9. Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club official