Mini
& Youth Codes of Conduct
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The
Good Player's Code
Players should be encouraged
to:
- 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.
- Understand
the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.
- Recognise
that every player has a right to expect their involvement in
rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
- Understand
that if an individual or group of players feel they are not
being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should
tell an adult either at the Club or School or outside of the
game.
- Play because
they want to do so, not to please coaches or parent.
- Remember
that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important
parts of the game.
- Be attentive
at all training and coaching sessions.
- Work equally
hard for themselves and their team - both will then benefit.
- Recognise
good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
- Be a sportsman
- win with dignity, lose with grace.
- Play to
the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees'
decision even if they appear to make a mistake.
- Control
their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents,
coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
- Treat
all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do
not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.
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The
Good Parent's Code
Club and Schools should
encourage parents and to:
- Be familiar
with the coaching and training programme in order that they
can ensure their child is fully involved and the coaches are
aware of their availability.
- Be familiar
with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the
coaching and training sessions in which their child participates.
- 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.
- Be involved
with Club and School activities and share their expertise.
- Share
concerns, if they have them, with Club or School officials.
- 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.
- Support
coaches in installing these values.
- Remember
that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that
of their parents.
- Encourage
young people to play - do not force them.
- Focus
on the players' efforts, rather than winning or losing.
- Be realistic
about the players' abilities; do not push them towards a level
they are not capable of achieving.
- Provide
positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game.
- Remember
that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the
players' and referee's performance and attitude.
- Always
support the Club and School in their efforts to eradicate loud,
coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
- Remember
young people learn much by example.
- Always
show appreciation of good play by all players both from their
own Club or School and the opposition.
- Respect
decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to
be a mistake, and encourage players to do likewise.
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The
Good Match Official's Code
Match Officials should:
- Recognise
the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.
- Provide
positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner
during games.
- Emphasise
the spirit of the game.
- Appreciate
the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
- Understand
the physical and behavioral development of players.
- Be a positive
role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be
positive and supportive.
- Look to
self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses.
- Recognise
that the safety of players is paramount.
- Explain
decisions - all players are still learning and parents will
understand the game better.
- Always
penalise foul play.
- Play advantage
whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
- Show empathy
for the age and ability of players.
- Be consistent
and objective.
- Be familiar
with the Good Spectator's Code and ensure that verbal abuse
from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is
dealt with by club officials immediately.
- Be aware
of, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies
and procedures.
- Officiate
to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves
updated on rule changes.
- Check
that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first
aider, ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate
equipment is available along with someone trained in its use
before starting play.
- Before
training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing
are in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game.
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The
Good Coaches' Code
Coaches of players
should:
- Recognise
the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.
- Understand
that most learning is achieved through doing.
- Appreciate
the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
- Be a positive
role model - think what this implies.
- Keep winning
and losing in perspective - encourage players to behave with
dignity in all circumstances.
- 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.
- Provide
positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner
to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
- Provide
rugby experiences which are matched to the players' ages and
abilities, as well as their physical and behavioral development.
- Ensure
all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate
first aid readily to hand.
- Avoid
the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system
which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
- Never
allow a player to train or play when injured.
- Ensure
good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
- Recognise
that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold
or unacceptable risk of injury.
- Develop
an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in
lifestyle management.
- Recognise
that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol or
for those under 16 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage
both.
- Ensure
that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date
and in line with RFU philosophy.
- Be aware
of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking
young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
- 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.
- Coach
to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves
updated on rule changes.
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The
Child Protection Codes Of Conduct
In the interest of
maintaining child welfare it is important to adhere to the following rules
when applicable:
- All rugby
coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every
young person with whom they work with and treat them equally
within the context of rugby union.
- All rugby
coaches must place the physical and emotional well being of
all young players above all other considerations, including
the development of performance.
- The relationship
that a rugby coach develops with the players with whom they
work must be based on mutual trust and respect.
- All rugby
coaches must ensure that all activities undertaken are appropriate
to the age, maturity, experience and ability of the young players.
- All rugby
coaches must encourage young players to accept responsibility
for their own behaviour and performance.
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The
Good Spectator's Code
Club and Schools should
encourage spectators to:
- Act as
positive role models to all players.
- Be familiar
with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidelines in relation
to verbal and emotional abuse.
- Respect
guidance from the Club or School with regard to spectator behaviour.
- Remember
children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for
that of spectators.
- Acknowledge
good individual and team performance from all players irrespective
of the team in which they play.
- Respect
match officials' decisions, even if they appear to be a mistake
- remember, they are volunteers proving an opportunity for players
to play rugby.
- Never
verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators:
such behaviour can create a negative environment for players
and their behaviour will often reflect this.
- Acknowledge
effort and good performance rather than 'to win at all costs'.
- Verbally
encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting 'for' not
'at' the players.
- Encourage
all players irrespective of their ability - never ridicule any
individual player, regardless of the team in which they play.
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