St Ives RFC
Alexandra Road St Ives Cornwall
(01736) 795346
RFU Codes of Conduct
THE GOOD COACHES CODE
IN RUGBY UNION, COACHES OF YOUNG PLAYERS SHOULD:
Recognise the importance of fun and
enjoyment when coaching young players. 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 young players to
behave with dignity in all circumstances.
Respect all referees and the decisions they make (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 young players, both during coaching sessions and games.
IN RUGBY UNION, COACHES OF YOUNG PLAYERS MUST
Provide experiences, which are matched
to the young players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and
mental development.
Ensure all youngsters 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 young players, both on and off the field.
Recognise that young 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 young players
under 18 to drink alcohol.
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
RFU Child Protection Guidance Booklet.
REMEMBER:
COACHES WORKING WITH YOUNG PLAYERS UP TO THE AGE OF 12 MUST FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES LAID DOWN BY RFU RUGBY CONTINUUM.
COACHES WORKING WITH YOUNG PLAYERS AGED 13+ MUST BE AWARE OF THE UNDER-15 AND UNDER-19 LAW VARIATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE THAT APPLY TO CROSS BORDER MATCHES
THE GOOD PARENT’S CODE
PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
Be familiar with the coaching and
training programme in order that you can ensure that your child is fully
involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.
Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the
sessions in which your child participates.
Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where
appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the young players,
particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport
youngsters to away games.
Be involved with club activities and share your expertise.
Share concerns, if you have them, with club officials.
Be familiar with the Good Coaches Code. In particular:
Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when
coaching young players. Coaches should keep winning and losing in
perspective, encouraging young players to behave with dignity in all
circumstances.
It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these
virtues.
PARENTS SHOULD:
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 young players’ efforts, rather than winning or losing.
Be realistic about the young players’ abilities; do not push them
towards a level that 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 rugby club 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 young players both from
your own club and the opposition.
Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage the young
players to do likewise.
THE GOOD PLAYER’S CODE
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.
Recognise that every young 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 young players feel they are
not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then you have a right
to tell an adult either at the rugby club or outside of the game.
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.
Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents.
Be a sportsman - 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.
THE GOOD SPECTATOR’S CODE
SPECTATORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
Act as positive role models to all
young players.
Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in
relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
Respect the rugby club with regard to spectator behaviour.
SPECTATORS SHOULD:
Remember children play sport for their
enjoyment not yours.
Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters
irrespective of the team for whom they play.
Respect match officials’ decisions. Remember - they are volunteers
providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby.
Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators
or coaches. Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young
players and their behaviour will often reflect this. Acknowledge effort
and good performance rather than ‘win at all costs’ethic.
Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to
Shout make sure it is ‘for’, not ‘at’ the players.
Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability - never ridicule
any individual player, regardless of the team for whom they play.
THE GOOD MATCH OFFICIAL’S CODE
MATCH OFFICIALS SHOULD:
Recognise the importance of fun and
enjoyment when officiating young players.
Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging
manner during games. Emphasise the spirit of the game.
Appreciate the needs of the young players before the needs of the sport.
Understand the physical, social and psychological development of young
players.
Be a positive role model. You set an example, and as such, comments you
receive should be positive and supportive.
Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in Mini/Midi or National
15-a-side courses.
MATCH OFFICIALS MUST:
Recognise that the safety of young
players is paramount.
Explain decisions - all young players are still learning.
Always penalise foul play.
Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
Show empathy for the age and ability of young players.
Be consistent and objective.
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.
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