Codes of Conduct
We would like all parents to get to know their age group coach and let him or her know if their child will be absent on Sunday, whether there is a fixture or merely coaching. Coaches cannot prepare the side properly for matches if only half the players turn up on training days.
When the team comes off the field, we want our children to be able to say" That was fun, we want to come back". Players are encouraged to support each other (even when mistakes are made), to applaud opponents and to play with passion but not aggression. This approach applies to all - players, parents, coaches and spectators alike. This is why we have codes of conduct, based on RFU guidelines and which parents can interpret as club policy. We ask that you become familiar with them and lead by example in your conduct.
Players Code of Conduct
- Play for Fun - not just to please your parents and coach(es)
- Play to the Rules. Don't Cheat
- Don't argue with the referee. Referees will not change their decision and they might penalise you or your team even more. Remember that the referee is a volunteer and that the game can not happen without him!
- Control your temper - and your mouth. Loose your head and your team looses a player.
- Never give up. Always give your best. The game is not over until the final whistle.
- Be a good sport. Recognise good rugby and learn from it, even if it comes from the other side.
- Improve your skills. Work hard at training - if you play better your team will do better.
- Don't be selfish. Co-operate with your team. Teams win, not individuals
- Don't show off - even when you've scored
- Be a team player - encourage your team mates, play by example DON'T put them down. Remember the opposition wear different colour shirts!
Parent & Spectators Code of Conduct
- Never force a child to play rugby, always remember children should play for their enjoyment not yours.
- Encourage your child to play by the rules. Make it clear that cheating is not good or acceptable.
- Applaud good play, from both sides - children learn best by example.
- Have respect for the decisions made by the match officials by not publicly questioning the referee.
- Don't get into arguments with opposition parents - it can lead to bad feelings between clubs and lost fixtures.
- Never go onto the field of play - Stay off the Pitch.
- Never shout at a player for making a mistake. Never ridicule a player regardless of the team they play for.
- Teach you child that victory isn't everything - playing as well as you can is the most important. There is no disgrace in defeat if you have tried your best. Rugby - "It's only a game"!
- Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They are someone's Mum or Dad, they give their time and resources freely to provide rugby for your child. Please encourage your child to listen and follow the coaching sessions.
- Parents must ensure that a child's presence has been entered onto the weekly attendance register with the team manager. They should also ensure that the manager is aware that the child is leaving.
- Whilst it is not a rule, we would prefer a parent to stay for the training session or game. This is both beneficial for the child and the club officials. If you are unable to stay, you must ensure that you have nominated a suitable adult to be responsible for your child and that this has been noted on the managers register. The coach or manager is not suitable for this role as he or she may have other roles in the event of an incident.
Coaches code of Conduct
- Coaching can be a rich and satisfying experience, it is also a tremendous responsibility. Good Coaching requires the ability to get the best out of all the players.
- Children come first - winning come second. Keep winning and losing in perspective.
- Treat each child as an individual.
- As a coach be reasonable in your demands on a young players time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they may have other competing interests and education needs.
- Remember to reward effort as well as achievement.
- Players develop at different rates of pace, avoid over playing the talented player by using a squad system. Those less talented need and deserve equal time. The less capable player now may well be a future 1st XV player.
- Encourage the children to play for fun and enjoyment. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a game - mistakes and losing are valuable lifetime lessons.
- People react far better to positive feedback as opposed to criticism - always try to stress the positive.
- Its difficult playing the game without opposition and match officials, teach respect for the other Participants.
- We want our players to say, 'Our Coach was brilliant, he listened to what we had to say, we were taught something new, we want to come back next week'.