Codes of Conduct

INTRODUCTION 

 These codes are designed for the following reasons: 

To foster an element of enjoyment and satisfaction in Junior Rugby. 

To help adults understand that young people play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer groups. 

To improve the physical fitness of youth by encouraging participation in rugby by making it attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people. 

To constantly remind Administrators, Coaches, Referees and Parents that Rugby must be administered, taught and provided, for the good of those young people who wish to play the game. It is their game! 

ADMINISTRATOR'S CODE 

· Ensure that equal opportunities for participation in rugby are made available to all, irrespective of ability. 

· Do not allow the game to become primarily spectator entertainment. 

· Equipment and facilities must be appropriate to the maturity level of the young players. 

· Rules and length of schedules should take into consideration the age and maturity level of the young players. 

· Remember that play is done for its own sake.  

· Distribute the code of ethics to spectators, coaches, players, referees, parents and teachers. 

· Ensure that parents, coaches, spectators, sponsors, doctors and participants understand their authority and their responsibility for fair play in rugby. 

· Offer clinics to improve the standards of coaching and refereeing with emphasis on good technical skills. 

· Ensure adequate supervision is maintained at all games. 

· Behave in a manner to set an example for all participants. 

COACH'S CODE 

· You have responsibility for your team and its supporters. EXERCISE IT. 

· Be reasonable in your demands on the young players' time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time. 

· Teach your players that laws of the game are mutual agreements that no one should evade or break.

· Ensure that all players get a game. The 'just average' players need and deserve equal time. 

· Remember that young people play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or losing a game. 

· The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the maturity level of the players. 

· Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches. 

· Follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again. 

· Remember that young people need a coach they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example. 

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

· Encourage young people to develop basic skills and avoid over-specialization in positional play during their formative years. 

· Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would in teaching the basic skills. 

· Ensure that efforts for both skill improvement and good sportsmanship are rewarded by praise. 

· Remember that players are also students so be reasonable in your demands on their energy and enthusiasm. 

· Ensure that skill learning and free play activities have priority over highly structured competitions for very young people. 

· INSIST ON FAIR PLAY and do not tolerate foul play, fighting, or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player. 

· Discourage excessive talk on the pitch. 

· INSIST on a disciplined approach by players and mean what you say. 

· Set a good example by personal good behaviour. 

PARENT'S CODE 

· Do not force an unwilling youngster to participate in rugby. 

· Remember, young people are involved in rugby for their enjoyment, not yours. 

· Encourage your child always to play by the laws of the game. 

· Teach young people that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment. 

· Turn defeat into victory by helping young people work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game. 

· Remember that young people learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team. 

· Do not publicly question the referee's judgment and never his/her honesty. 

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

· Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for young people. 

SPECTATOR'S CODE 

· Remember that young people play organised sports for their own fun. They are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature eagles. 

· Be on your best behaviour. Don't use profane language or harass players, coaches or referees. 

· Applaud good play by your own team and the visiting team. 

· Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no games. 

· Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake during the game. 

· Condemn the use of violence in all forms. 

· Respect the referee's decisions. 

· Encourage players to play according to the laws. 

 · Remember the SCRFU Committee has the power to cite Players, Coaches and/or Spectators for behaviour that may bring the game of Rugby into disrepute. 

PLAYER'S CODE 

· Play for the "enjoyment", not just to please your parents or coach. 

· Play by the laws of the game of rugby. 

· Never argue with the referee's decision. Let your captain or coach ask any questions. 

· Control your temper - no "mouthing off". 

· Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team's performance will benefit and so will your own. 

· Be a good sport. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or by your opponent. 

· Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player. 

· Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a show-off or always try to get the most points. 

· Co-operate with your coach, team-mates, referee and opponents, for without them you don't have a game.