COACHES’ CODE OF CONDUCT

       Those working with children in Rugby Union should:

• Be professional and maintain the highest standards of personal behaviour at all times.

• Be aware of situations, which can be misconstrued or manipulated by others.  For example, if the coach or official is alone with a child in the clubhouse, changing rooms or similar place, they are open to the possibility of allegations about their behaviour.

• Be vigilant and aware, of how actions can be misinterpreted.

• Not appear to favour or show interest in one child more than another.

• Be very aware that physically handling a player, perhaps to help develop a game skill, can be misconstrued by an observer or even by the player.

• Never swear or respond to sexual innuendo.

• Design and use training methods and training programmes, which are wholly appropriate to the individual player.

• Ensure that as far as possible, they are not alone when working with young players on an individual basis.  If this is unavoidable then the parents should be made aware of the situation for the sake of the coach or official.  This also means that children should not be alone in cars with a coach on a regular basis.  The presence of others is an insurance against false accusations.

• Conduct all dealings with children in a public environment in full view of others, in order that all behaviour can be observed.

• Report any concerns within the area of Child Protection (physical, emotional sexual or neglect), in confidence and without delay, to the Child Protection Officer who can give advice and take any necessary action.

• Not, at any time, discuss an allegation or suspicion with another person, other than the police, before the Child Protection Officer has been contacted.

• When reporting an allegation or suspicion, record information, including relevant details. This includes the nature of the allegation, background information of the parties involved, the period of time to which the allegation relates and the degree to which the information is known to be fact rather than opinion or hearsay.

• Be very aware not to expose young players to unnecessary cold or heat and unacceptable risk of injury

• Never leave young players without proper supervision

• Never expose young players to alcohol or other drugs.

• Be aware of the RFU/Young Player Protection policy.

 This code has been written to remind or inform coaches of their responsibilities and the minimum standards of behaviour commensurate with fulfilling them.  Each season every coach active in the section will be called on to warrant that they have read, understood and intend to abide by this code.

PLAYERS CODES OF CONDUCT

      PLAYERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO: 

• Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.

• Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.

• Recognize that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.

   PLAYERS SHOULD:

•  Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.

• 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 yourself and your team - both will then benefit.

• Recognize good play by all players on your team and by your opponents.

• Be a sportsman, recognize good rugby - win or lose.

• Play to the Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’ decisions.

• Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, or match officials is not acceptable.

• Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.

• Improve your skill

• Never give up

• Don't argue with the referee he won't change his decision, and might penalize your team again - for arguing.

• Play by the Rules, don’t cheat.

• Don't show off - even when you've scored, recognize the effort of the other players

• Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.

• Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.

• Recognize that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.