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Suttonians RFC: Codes of Conduct

FOR PLAYERS

 

  • Recognise and appreciate the efforts of coaches, match officials, parents and other players.

 

  • Understand and value the loyalty and commitment of adults and teammates.

 

  • Encourage all players and do not enter into any type of abuse/ bullying either on the pitch or off the pitch.

 

  • Inform a coach, adult or club official of any unacceptable treatment/abuse.

 

  • Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.

 

  • Play rugby for enjoyment, and because you want to.

 

  • Publicly accept officials’ judgements.

 

  • Be attentive and work hard at training and coaching sessions.

 

  • Use correct and proper language at all times; no swearing.

 

  • Ensure any injury pre-training/match is reported immediately to the coach.

 

  • Be a sportsman and win with dignity and lose with grace.

 

  • Follow and accept the rugby rules of the game do not question the referees decision discuss it later with the coach.

 

  • Control your emotions and do not verbally or physically abuse players, referees, parents or officials.

 

  • Do not bring the game of rugby into disrepute or disciplinary action may follow.

FOR SPECTATORS

 

All of us – parents, coaches, referees, helpers – do what we do for the benefit of the children and players of SRFC 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.

 

  • Members, Parents and Spectators should:

 

  • Remember that the prime reason we are here is so that all players and spectators can enjoy rugby  

 

  • 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 make a mistake – remember they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby

 

  • 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!

 

  • Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘to win at all costs’

 

  • Encourage all players, shouting ‘for’, not ‘at’, the players

 

  • Encourage all players irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, whichever team they play for

FOR COACHES

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  • Remember that as a coach of an "age grade team" you are to act in "loco parentis" and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.

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  • Lead by example - young people need a coach whom they respect.

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  • Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match.

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  • Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.

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  • Prepare young players for inter-class and inter-school activities.

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  •  Be reasonable in your demands on the players' time, energy and enthusiasm.

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  • Ensure that all players participate in matches. The "average" players require and deserve equal time.

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  • Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition. Winning is not the only objective.

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  • Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.

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  • Insist on fair play and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.

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  • Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.

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  • Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult-like competitions.

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  • Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play.

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  • Do not over burden younger players with too much information.

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  • Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people.

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  • Be aware of the effect you have on growing children.

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  • Never criticise the referee and touch judges during or after a match in front of players or spectators.

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  • Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed.

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  • Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.

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  • Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times.

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  • Be responsible and ensure you uphold the ethos of the game and the IRFU.

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  • Attend coaching courses.

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  • Support the Code of Ethics and all policies regarding Children in Sport.

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  • Ensure you and your players are proud of your team, club and efforts during the season.

FOR PARENTS

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  • Remember, young people play rugby for their enjoyment, not only yours.

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  • Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game.

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  • Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.

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  • Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.

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  • Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.

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  • Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.

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  • Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.

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  • Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of rugby. If the child is to play, he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement.

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  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from rugby.

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  • As a spectator do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players.

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  • Do not publicly question the referees' judgement and never their honesty.

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  • Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches.

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  • Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values.

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  • Remember you and your child's contribution to the Game of Rugby are very important to the IRFU and be proud of your contribution.

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  • Understand the value of team sport and the importance thereof.

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