Code of Conduct

(A) THE GOOD COACHES' CODE Coaches of players should:
(a) Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.
(b) Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
(c) Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
(d) Be a positive role model think what this implies.
(e) Keep winning and losing in perspective encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
(f) Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake, (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
(g) Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
(h) Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
(i) Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
(j) Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
(k) Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
(l) Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union.
(m) Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule and law changes.

(B) THE GOOD PLAYER'S CODE Players should be encouraged to:
(a) Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administration in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
(b) Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.
(c) Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
(d) Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parent.
(e) Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
(f) Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.
(g) Work equally hard for themselves and their team both will then benefit.
(h) Recognise good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
(i) Be a sportsman win with dignity, lose with grace.
(j) Play to the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees' decision even if they appear to make a mistake.
(k) Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
(l) Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.

(C) THE GOOD PARENT'S CODE Club and Schools should encourage parents and guardians to:
(a) Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the coaching and training sessions in which their child participates.
(b) Be aware that the Club or School has a duty of care to ensure the safety of players and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport players to away games.
(c) Share concerns, if they have them, with Club or School officials.
(d) Be familiar with the Good Coaches' Code contained in the RFU Continuum. In particular, be aware that:

coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players; and

coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
(e) Support coaches in installing these values.
(f) Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.
(g) Encourage young people to play do not force them.
(h) Focus on the players' efforts, rather than winning or losing.
(i) Be realistic about the players' abilities; do not push them towards a level they are not capable of achieving.
(j) Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game.
(k) Always support the Club and School in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
(l) Always show appreciation of good play by all players both from their own Club or School and the opposition.

(E) THE GOOD SPECTATOR'S CODE Club and Schools should encourage spectators to:
(a) Act as positive role models to all players.
(b) Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidelines in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
(c) Respect guidance from the Club or School with regard to spectator behaviour.
(d) Remember children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for that of spectators.
(e) Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players irrespective of the team in which they play.
(f) Respect match officials' decisions, even if they appear to be a mistake remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby.
(g) Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators.
(h) Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting 'for' not 'at' the players.
(i) Encourage all players irrespective of their ability never ridicule any individual player.

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