Codes of Conduct
Players Code of Conduct
A good player is a self-disciplined person. If you lose your temper you will not play to your potential and you may say or do something you will later regret.
Accept the referee’s decision and never argue, without the ref there would not be a game.
Concentrate on your own game – remember, everyone else is trying their best too
Encourage and co-operate with your teammates. Don’t be selfish – remember, it’s a team game.
Respect the opposition. Applaud them after the game.
Play to the rules and spirit of the game. Never encourage anyone to break the rules.
If you are a spectator, encourage your team but do not criticize.
Learn from your mistakes and defeats, do not sulk; enjoy your successes but do not gloat.
Have fun!
Volunteers Code of Conduct
Volunteers must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every player and treat everyone equally within the context of our sport.
Volunteers must place the well-being and safety of the player above the development of performance. They should follow all guidelines laid down by Rugby Football Union and be registered on the Rosslyn Park coaches’ database.
Volunteers must develop an appropriate working relationship with players based on mutual trust and respect.
Volunteers must not exert any undue influence to gain any personal benefit or reward.
Volunteers must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. Volunteers should make sure all Rosslyn Park players play according to the RPFC Players’ Code of Conduct.
Volunteers must ensure the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual.
Volunteers must, at the outset, clarify with players (and where appropriate their parents) exactly what is expected of them and what players are entitled to expect of their coach.
Volunteers must co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, physiotherapists, club officials’ etc.) in the best interest of the player.
Volunteers must always advocate the positive aspects of Rugby and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.
Volunteers must respect a player’s right to his or her own personal development, independence and self determination.
Volunteers must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Vo,unteers must abide by the RPFC Spectators’ Code of Conduct.
Above all, Volunteers should remember that we are doing all this for the benefit of the children. The game should be safe and played for fun.
Spectator Code of Conduct
All of us – parents, coaches, referees, helpers – do what we do for the benefit of the children and we must not forget this when supporting “our” team from the touchline. Abuse of players, other spectators, referees and coaches will, quite simply, not be tolerated. Bad behaviour by spectators spoils what should be an enjoyable atmosphere, sets a terrible example and ultimately turns people off the game.
Parents and Spectators should:
1. Remember that the prime reason we are here is so that the children can have fun
2. Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players irrespective of the team in which they play
3. Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to make a mistake – remember they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby
4. Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow parents/spectators: such behaviour can not only upset players it can also lead them to believe that it is the done thing. Set the right example!
5. Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘to win at all costs’
6. Encourage all players, shouting ‘for’, not ‘at’, the players
7. Encourage all players irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, whichever team they play for
On a slightly less formal note, read this and remember!
They stand on the field with their heart beating fast
The whistle has blown, the die has been cast
Mum and Dad cannot help, they stand all alone
A try at this moment would send the team home
It’s one against one, he must tackle but misses
There’s a moan from the crowd, some boos and some hisses
A thoughtless voice cries “take off the bum”
Tears fill his eyes, it’s no longer fun
If you’re ever tempted to shout or to groan
Remember it’s a child, who stands all alone
So open your heart and give them a break
It’s moments like this, a player you make
Keep this in mind, please do not forget
They’re only children, not adults yet!
(With thanks to Ray Watson of Beechholme FC)
